Keanuú Smith-Brown
Candidate in Nov. 4 general election Democratic Bywater Corridor / Federaltowne
Age: 30 on day of General Election (Nov. 4)
Occupation: Anne Arundel County Public School Teacher (Educator)
Education: University of Baltimore: Government and Public Policy
University of Baltimore: Philosophy
Previous political experience: Keanuú is a visionary leader with over 15 years of community service and political leadership experience, and he leads his own political/social consultancy. Since the age of 13, he has held campaign roles at every level of government: city council, city mayoral, board of education, register of wills, orphans’ court, county sheriff, county council, county executive, state delegate, state senate, gubernatorial, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate, and presidential.
Some of KSB’s previous political experience includes:
From 2019-2020, he was the scholarship manager and legislative assistant for our District 30A Maryland State Delegates. He served as president of the District 30 Democratic Club from 2020-2021, and, from 2019-2021 and 2024-2025, on the board of directors. In 2020, he formed the AA Democratic Clubs’ Presidents Council, an alliance of Anne Arundel County Democratic Club presidents. KSB was a member of the Annapolis Board of Supervisors of Elections, serving as chair from 2022-2024.
Why are you running for office?
I, Keanuú Smith-Brown (KSB), am the eldest of six siblings and a first-generation college graduate. I was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and am a lifelong resident. My mother, Tameka Smith, raised me in the communities of Admiral Farragut, Eastport Terrace, and Admiral Oaks. She did all she could to provide a roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes to wear, healthcare, and a quality education, ingraining in me unwavering faith. Living in subsidized housing, relying on “food stamps” and free and reduced meals, having Medicaid, and funding my degree with financial aid shaped my perspective, drawing me closer to public service and an embrace of empathy and compassion.
My life experiences propel me to lead with a vision of opportunity for all. Witnessing years of idleness in Annapolis, I see an urgent and dire need for purposeful leadership and rooted substantive change in our city and Ward 3. I say, “The time has come, and we must unite together for the better.”
What issues are important to your ward? How do you plan on addressing them?
Residents of Ward 3 are facing numerous important issues. Categorized into three core pillars are public safety, education, and quality of life.
Residents in Ward 3 want to feel secure. I will work to move Ward 3 out of the top spot for crime incidents by increasing patrol presence and addressing the root causes of crime. I will support our public safety departments in addressing staff vacancies, boosting morale, improving response times, and preventing crime.
Residents in Ward 3 want safer routes to school for children; equitable access to educational resources and recreation will pave the way for opportunities. Wraparound services for families will be of priority.
Residents in Ward 3 want a clean environment and quality living. Through investments in sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and improved public health, we will foster a more resilient Ward 3. I will unite residents to drive positive, transformative, and impactful changes for all Ward 3 residents.
How do you see housing and public transportation development progressing in the next four years?
For progress in housing and public transportation, I see the following needing to take place, and I will lead on these fronts (not limited to the below):
*Investments in affordable and climate-resilient, mixed-income and workforce housing, as well as family protections from gentrification and its impacts.
*Prioritization of infill development and the adaptive reuse of existing properties within Annapolis.
*Zoning reforms to permit “missing middle” housing types like duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
*Expansion of the existing Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, exploring options for both rental and for-sale units.
*Developers being held accountable for adhering to fair housing practices, meeting maintenance requirements, and ensuring their projects genuinely benefit existing communities.
*Bringing a reliable and universal transportation network, with a focus on walkability and connectivity (e.g., pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure).
Are there decisions/legislation from the previous council that you want to readdress?
There are many decisions and pieces of legislation from previous councils that may require readdressing, and throughout my legislating, I will emphasize reflection, reevaluation, and reinforcement to meet the call for positive intentions and impacts, alongside helping to better the lives of those within Ward 3 and across Annapolis. Some topics are as follows:
*Investing in Annapolis residents: public safety, education, and quality of life.
*Addressing the harms from the demolition and forced displacement of Black communities and businesses, such as the Old Fourth Ward.
*Public-private partnerships and tax exemptions (e.g., City Dock redevelopment).
*City Code updates: accountability, consistency, and regulatory oversight (e.g., boards, commissions, developers).
*Updating the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program.
*Alleviating governmental barriers and making departmental duties, such as licensing and permitting through Planning & Zoning, more efficient and effective.
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