Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Michael Smart.
Hi Phillip Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started with a heart for people, community, and service. My journey has always been rooted in helping others see what is possible, especially in communities that have been overlooked or underestimated.
Over the years, I have built a career in economic development, real estate, and community revitalization. I have had the opportunity to help attract and support major projects, assist small and minority-owned businesses, secure funding, and work on redevelopment efforts that create jobs, improve corridors, and bring new life to communities.
My story is also about family, faith, and perseverance. I have worked hard to become a leader who not only talks about change, but helps make it happen. From Louisiana to Fort Worth, my focus has remained the same: build relationships, create opportunities, and leave communities better than I found them.
Today, I am proud to serve as an economic development professional, real estate professional, entrepreneur, husband, father, and community advocate. I am still growing, still learning, and still committed to using my gifts to help people, businesses, and neighborhoods thrive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every obstacle helped shape who I am today. Coming from smaller communities and working my way into leadership roles in economic development and real estate took persistence, sacrifice, and resilience. There were times when resources were limited, nothing was handed to me, and I had to work twice as hard to prove myself in rooms where I was often one of the youngest professionals present.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing professional growth, family responsibilities, and community service while still striving to create meaningful impact. Economic development work can also be difficult because revitalization and redevelopment take time, collaboration, and trust. You often face skepticism, funding challenges, political pressures, and the responsibility of helping communities that have experienced years of disinvestment.
I’ve also had to overcome the pressure of constantly evolving and growing as a leader. Transitioning into larger markets like Fort Worth required me to adapt quickly, learn new systems, and think at a higher strategic level while still staying grounded and connected to the people I serve.
Despite those challenges, I’ve always stayed committed to my purpose: helping communities grow, supporting businesses, creating opportunities for others, and showing that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. Every obstacle became motivation to work harder, lead better, and continue building a legacy that positively impacts people and communities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an economic development professional, community builder, and real estate professional focused on revitalization, redevelopment, and creating opportunities in underserved communities. Currently serving as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Fort Worth, I specialize in strategic growth initiatives, public-private partnerships, corridor revitalization, commercial development, and community-focused economic strategies that create long-term impact.
Throughout my career, I have helped secure and support multi-million-dollar industrial, commercial, retail, and housing developments across Louisiana and Texas. My work has included structuring incentives, utilizing tools such as TIFs, PILOT programs, and Opportunity Zones, while also helping businesses and developers navigate growth opportunities that strengthen local economies.
What I am most proud of is being able to make a visible difference in communities that have historically faced disinvestment. I have worked to help small businesses grow, attract catalyst projects into underserved areas, support small business development, and create momentum in neighborhoods that deserve investment and opportunity. I believe economic development is not just about buildings and numbers, it is about improving quality of life for people and creating places where families and businesses can thrive.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge relationships between government, business leaders, developers, and the community. I combine strategic planning with authentic relationship building and a passion for service. Whether I am working on redevelopment initiatives, supporting entrepreneurs, speaking about revitalization, or helping shape the future of a city, I strive to lead with vision, collaboration, and purpose.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the economic development and real estate industries will continue shifting toward intentional, community-focused growth. Cities will place a greater emphasis on revitalization, infrastructure, workforce development, small business support, mixed-use development, and creating places where people truly want to live, work, and invest. I also believe data, technology, and strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors will play an even bigger role in shaping successful communities.
In Fort Worth specifically, I see tremendous opportunity for continued growth while still preserving the culture, history, and identity of the neighborhoods that make our city special.
Personally, I see myself continuing to grow as a leader, learning new ways to serve communities, and helping create opportunities that make a lasting impact on people’s lives. Wherever God takes me in my journey, my hope is to continue serving the great people of Fort Worth and contributing to the city’s long-term success and prosperity.
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