BWAYNE SMOTHERSON 2026
UNIVERSITY CITY IS CHANGING.
BWAYNE IS READY!
PRIORITIES
The effort to bring QuikTrip and Costco to University City didn’t come from the top down, it came from the bottom up. It was achieved through the dedication of residents and council members working side by side to make progress happen.
As mayor, I will continue this bottom-up approach to economic development — one that creates jobs, improves services, and generates revenue to invest in affordable and senior housing. This approach will help us build healthy, vibrant neighborhoods where residents from every ward can thrive.
A bottom-up approach means working with you... listening, collaborating, and finding solutions together that meet the needs of all who call University City home.
01
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
University City’s growth starts from the ground up. We’re focused on fostering local business, attracting responsible investment, and creating opportunities that benefit residents and entrepreneurs alike. Every project is guided by community input to ensure progress that reflects our shared values.
02
AFFORDABLE
SENIOR
HOUSING
Our seniors deserve safe, high-quality housing they can afford. I'll advocate to invest in developments that keep longtime residents rooted in the community, close to family and essential services. By partnering with local organizations and builders, we’re making sure every resident can age with dignity and stability in University City.
03
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
Building a stronger city means investing in people. I will advocate for training programs, supporting small businesses, and connecting residents to jobs within our city. My goal is to ensure every person has the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s economy — right here in University City.
A MESSAGE FROM BWAYNE
I’m Bwayne Smotherson, proud to serve as the City Council Member for University City’s 3rd Ward.
University City has been my home since I was nine years old - 59 years of deep roots, community service, and unwavering commitment. I now live in the house right next door to the one I grew up in. I’m a proud graduate of UCity High School (Class of ’75), where I played sports in our parks, worked as a lifeguard at the UCity Pool, and later served as a part-time music teacher in the school district for 15 years.
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My dedication to this city runs deep:
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President of the Parkview Heights Neighborhood Association
for 12 years
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Member of the Arts & Letters Commission
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City Councilman for the past 9 years
Now, I’m running for Mayor of the city I love—University City. Why? Because this is my home. My city. My community.
I bring decades of experience, a proven track record, and a heartfelt commitment to making UCity thrive. Together, we’ve already accomplished so much:
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Co-introduced the Market at Olive Development (2016) with Councilmember Paulette Carr
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Founded the Storm Water Taskforce (2017)
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Facilitated the arrival of QuikTrip (2020)
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Helped approve transformative projects like Avenir and McKenzie Apartments
These efforts have brought over $400 million in new investment to University City.
I’ve also stood firm against the MSD Waste Water tanks project, advocated for flood relief after the 2022 storms, and attended FEMA meetings alongside the governor to ensure our community’s voice was heard.
As Mayor, I will:
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Champion economic development
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Strengthen transparency in local government
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Advocate for every ward, every resident
I’ve been married to my wife Rose Marie for 34 years, and we’re proud parents of four. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from UMSL and am a 2025 MML Advanced Certified Municipal Official.
Let’s build a stronger, more united University City—together.
THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT
GET INVOLVED AND IMPACT OUR CAMPAIGN
Testimonials & More
“I've seen Bwayne Smotherson's impact in our neighborhood, as Councilman for the 3rd ward, and for University City as a whole. From the neighborhood block parties back in the 1990s to support during the flood and to the Olive Market project, his passion for this community has been consistently demonstrated. It's time to put that passion and the ability to get things
done in the Mayor's seat! ”
Alice Boon
"For years I spoke up about the Auto Payday Title Loan business at Olive and Pennsylvania and the damage it did to our community. When it moved out several months ago I pushed for the signage to be removed and the assurance that this type of business would not return.
Thanks to Councilman Bwayne Smotherson (3rd Ward), the signs are now gone - a real win for our neighborhood! I hope this is the first step toward improving the corner since the building and lot still remain a blight in University City."
Renee Flanders
“
My friend and high school classmate, Bwayne Smotherson, is running to become Mayor of University City. Bwayne's deep commitment to my hometown evolved over his 6 decades there. His commitment, as 3rd Ward councilman and otherwise, has brought economic changes and investments which benefit the entire St. Louis community, but especially U. City residents and school district.
Please consider his website content, at Smothersonformayor.org, as well as supporting him financially ("Donate" tab on his website) and helping spread the word about this experienced leader.
”
Pete Woods
I have known Bwayne Smotherson for over 30 years and he has been unwavering in his commitment to making his University City community a wonderful city to live, work, and recreate, in comfort and safety. Blessings on your mayoral race!
Father Maurice Joseph Nutt
Bwayne Smotherson is present at every type of community event that I have ever attended. He has been there day or night proudly
representing the city.
Just recently the Starlight Concert Series was downsized due to price increases and lack of funding. Bwayne fought tirelessly for the Starlight Series and was able to obtain five thousand dollars in additional funding. Now the series can continue by featuring top notch performers and providing professional sound.
Bwayne was the only member of the council who voted against putting the Police Department back in the Annex behind City Hall. He was the "lone ranger" in battling to get a new station built but unfortunately we lost that battle.
He is not afraid to disagree with the council even if he has to stand by himself. Bwayne is a man of conviction!
Anonymous
I had an issue with an overgrown lawn on a vacant house. Called and called and called city hall. I got RESULTS WHEN I CALLED SMOTHERSON. THAT'S MY GUY. THANKS
Aura Henderson
WE'RE GRATEFUL
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Someone who is so passionate about University City and the needs of its citizens that he:
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Successfully updated the UCity Handicap ordinance to prevent outsiders from parking in the designated slots.
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Recognizes the need for affordable housing and senior apartments and will explore the means to accomplish such.
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Advocate for the improvement of roads and neighborhood streets.
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Will continue to bring in economic development that provides revenue to our base.
In addition, Bwayne Smotherson will be the first Mayor of University City who is a product of the University City School System. And, only the 2nd Mayor from the 3rd Ward. The first and only was in 1945.
Join Bwayne by contributing today
