Building Atlanta's Tech Future: Natasha (Sasha) Smith Says Atlanta Tech and Real Estate is the Place to WIN!
In a bustling corner of Atlanta City Hall, Natasha Smith is mapping out strategies that could transform Georgia's capital into one of America's premier technology hubs. As a Tech Strategist for the Office of the Mayor's Technology and Innovation, Smith represents a new generation of civic leaders who blend technical expertise with a deep commitment to community development.
"Technology isn't just about creating the next app or digital platform," Smith explains. "It's about leveraging those tools to make government more responsive, businesses more competitive, and communities more connected."
Tech Strategist with a Social Mission
What sets Smith apart in Atlanta's growing tech landscape is her unique educational background. With a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland College Park complemented by a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, she brings a human-centered approach to digital transformation.
"My social work training taught me to look beyond the technical specifications and ask how technology impacts real people, especially those who might otherwise be left behind in the digital divide," Smith says. Her focus on social justice and urban issues informs her approach to every project she undertakes.
Over the past seven years, Smith has established herself as an effective bridge-builder between different sectors. At City Hall, she leads cross-functional teams that design and implement solutions to enhance Atlanta's tech ecosystem, improve digital services, and boost civic engagement.
Design Thinking in Government
Smith's colleagues describe her as methodical yet creative. She employs design thinking principles and Scrum methodology to facilitate workshops that bring together diverse stakeholders—from neighborhood advocates to corporate executives—to reimagine how technology can serve the public good.
"Government innovation doesn't happen in isolation," Smith insists. "The best solutions emerge when we bring together different perspectives and experiences."
Her expertise in Office 365 administration has also helped modernize internal workflows at City Hall, making government operations more efficient and transparent. These improvements, while sometimes invisible to the average citizen, create the foundation for better public services.
Real Estate: A Complementary Passion
Outside her government role, Smith applies her strategic thinking to another domain: real estate. As a licensed real estate professional with Village Premier Collection, she helps clients navigate Atlanta's dynamic housing market.
"There's a fascinating intersection between technology, urban development, and real estate," Smith notes. "How we design our cities and where people choose to live has enormous implications for economic opportunity, transportation, and quality of life."
Smith sees her real estate work as complementary to her civic technology initiatives. Both require understanding Atlanta's unique neighborhoods, tracking market trends, and helping people make informed decisions about their future.
Bridging Cultures and Communities
Fluent in French, Smith brings a global perspective to her work. Her language skills reflect a broader commitment to crossing boundaries and building connections. Whether advising international tech companies considering Atlanta locations or helping French-speaking newcomers find homes in the city, her bilingual abilities prove valuable.
"Atlanta is becoming increasingly international," Smith observes. "Our tech strategy needs to reflect that diversity and capitalize on global connections."
When not reshaping Atlanta's technological landscape or helping clients find their dream homes, Smith can be found volunteering with local digital literacy programs or exploring the city's emerging neighborhoods.
The Road Ahead
Smith's vision for Atlanta is ambitious but grounded in practical action steps. She believes the city has all the ingredients to become a top five tech city in the United States: prestigious universities, corporate headquarters, diverse talent, and a quality of life that attracts creative professionals.
"What we need now is coordinated strategy and inclusive growth," she says. "Technology should lift all of Atlanta, not just certain neighborhoods or demographic groups."
As Atlanta continues its transformation into a technology powerhouse, Natasha Smith will likely remain at the forefront—bridging sectors, connecting communities, and ensuring that innovation serves the public good.
"The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing how the right technology, thoughtfully applied, can make government more responsive to community needs," Smith reflects. "When we get it right, technology becomes invisible, and what people experience is simply a city that works better for everyone."