This profile is part of a “Meet the Candidate” series. All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions. Their responses are published verbatim, without any editing.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for City Council because I want to build on my experience helping residents understand local issues and advocating for community priorities. I’ve been involved in city campaigns and ballot initiatives, and through that work I’ve paid close attention to how decisions are made and how important it is for residents to be informed and heard. That experience is what motivated me to step forward and serve directly.
My husband and I are raising our two kids here along with my mom, so I share the same concerns as many residents about dependable city services, well-maintained streets, and planning that protects the character of our neighborhoods. I believe my combination of community involvement and professional experience has prepared me to represent Ward 5 effectively.
If elected, what would be your top 3 priorities?
The priorities I would focus on if elected are:
- Safe and Walkable Streets: I will advocate for infrastructure that supports safe, accessible walking, biking, and driving in and around Ward 5. I will invite residents to share concerns about crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic safety so we can focus improvements where they are most needed.
- Reliable Infrastructure: I will prioritize maintenance and investment in streets, public buildings, and parks to keep them safe, reliable, and serving the community now and into the future. I will keep residents updated on upcoming projects and create opportunities for feedback before major investments are made.
- Responsible Growth and Planning: I will support development decisions that reflect community values and strengthen our neighborhoods while planning responsibly for long-term impact. I will ensure that residents have a meaningful role in the planning process by sharing information early and encouraging broad participation.
How has prior experience (either professional or personal) prepared you for this role?
I have been involved in several local campaigns and ballot initiatives where my work focused on outreach, preparing clear informational materials, and talking directly with residents about how different proposals would affect the community. I worked to share information, answer questions, and help make sure people could participate meaningfully in the decision-making process. Through this experience, I have learned how important open communication is for building trust between residents and their elected officials.
In my professional life I manage programs at Amazon where I am responsible for budgets, setting priorities, and coordinating across teams. My work has included introducing new systems to improve efficiency and safety as well as investing in existing infrastructure to make sure it continues to meet long-term needs. These experiences demonstrate proven skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and follow-through that I will carry into my work on the Council.
What can city government do to make local housing more affordable?
A key step toward making housing more affordable in Newburyport is planning for a wider range of options that meet community needs. The city can update zoning to allow a variety of housing types and encourage accessory dwelling units (small, secondary homes on existing lots) so people have more choices at different stages of life.
Affordability also depends on how we shape new development. We can require that projects include a fair share of affordable homes, and we can make better use of state and federal programs that provide funding or incentives to expand housing options. New affordable homes should also be accessible to people who already live or work in Newburyport so they can stay connected to the community.
Ensuring that residents have real choices, whether to remain in their homes, downsize, or move within the city, helps keep neighborhoods strong and connected. Keeping housing affordable will take more than one-off projects. It requires a consistent plan that links zoning updates, clear affordability requirements, and expanded options so every decision about growth takes housing costs into account.
Do you think residents are getting their money’s worth in city services from taxes?
Residents get the most value when city projects and services reflect what the community needs. As a City Councillor, my role would be to listen to residents and make sure those priorities guide both the annual budget and major capital investments. That could mean focusing resources on maintaining streets and sidewalks, improving parks and public buildings, or planning responsibly for long-term infrastructure.
It is also important to make sure people know about the tax relief programs already available in Massachusetts. Seniors may be eligible for property tax exemptions, veterans can qualify for reductions based on their service, and income-eligible residents may qualify for exemptions or deferrals that ease the burden of property taxes. The city should do more to raise awareness of these programs and explore additional options that could support residents.
How would you balance historic preservation with more practical concerns like safety and accessibility?
Balancing preservation and practicality depends on the situation. In some parts of the city, it means finding ways to respect historic character while still improving safety and usability. In others, it means focusing on basic maintenance and making sure streets, sidewalks, and intersections work well for residents.
When decisions involve historic properties or districts, I would approach them by listening to residents, weighing preservation standards against community needs, and looking for solutions that do both. My goal is to make sure tradeoffs are discussed openly and that outcomes balance history, safety, and accessibility together.
How do you think Newburyport schools stack up against others in Essex County?
Newburyport’s schools are a strength of the community, and that was part of what drew my family here. As a City Councillor, I would make sure the city budget provides both the operating support schools depend on each year and the capital investments that keep facilities safe and functional. I would also focus on how city services connect to schools by maintaining safe routes and crossings and ensuring the sidewalks, streets, and public spaces around schools are safe and accessible for students, families, and the educators and staff who support students every day.
What else should voters know about you?
I want to hear from residents about what’s working well and where the city can improve. You can reach me at lisaforward5.com, on Facebook and Instagram at lisaforward5cc, or by email at lisa@lisaforward5.com
Lisa Medina Smith is a candidate for Newburyport City Council, Ward 5. Election and early voting information can be found here.
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