Family First
Strong families are the foundation of a strong community. Every major decision should answer one question: “Will this help make Smyrna a better place to raise a family?”
Early Voting: Oct 14–29Election Day: Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Smyrna First.
Put Smyrna First, with Matt Ford.
A lifelong Smyrna resident offering new leadership to protect the town we love.
Election Day · Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Meet Matt Ford
Matt Ford is a lifelong resident of Smyrna, Tennessee. He works as an insurance agent, helping local families and businesses find the right coverage for their home, auto, commercial, or health insurance needs. He also has a career in digital marketing, helping local businesses grow through practical, results-driven marketing — generating leads, increasing visibility, and connecting them with the right customers.
In addition to his career, Matt is committed to serving his community. He currently serves on the Town of Smyrna Storm Water Advisory Committee and volunteer coaches with the Smyrna Baseball League. He has also previously served on the Smyrna Charity Assistance Committee and on the Smyrna Baseball League board.
When he isn't working, Matt is with his wife and five sons, coaching baseball, fishing, serving at his church, and serving his community. His years as a coach and family man shaped his belief that success is built on consistency, trust, and strong relationships.
Matt is an avid reader, drawn to classic literature, history, and books on leadership and faith. He is guided by his Christian faith and a commitment to serving others. Whether he's helping a business grow, mentoring young athletes, or spending time with his family, he strives to make a lasting, positive impact.
“I am not running because Smyrna is broken. I'm running because Smyrna is worth protecting.”
“I've lived in Smyrna my entire life. I've watched two-lane roads turn into gridlock and open fields turn into subdivisions faster than our roads, schools, and water lines can keep up. I believe the best days of Smyrna are still ahead of us, but only if we grow on our terms, not a developer's. I want to help preserve the town we've been blessed to call home for future generations.”
My Commitment
If elected, I will use every tool available to me and do everything within my power to protect the values that have made Smyrna a great place to live.
Put Smyrna families first.
Bring new leadership that answers to residents, not developers or other outside interests.
Protect the character and identity of our town.
Support policies that strengthen families and neighborhoods.
Promote responsible growth and oppose high-density development that outpaces our roads and infrastructure.
Spend tax dollars like they're my own.
Support a fully staffed police force and well-equipped fire and EMS services.
Preserve Smyrna as a place where future generations can safely live, work, worship, and raise families.
Smyrna First
Put Smyrna First, with Matt Ford. Every issue on this page comes back to one question: is this good for Smyrna? If a decision doesn't put our residents, our families, and our town's future first, I won't support it.
Smyrna First
Smyrna's success belongs to the people who live here. I'll put local residents, families, and small businesses ahead of outside interests in every decision I make.
Preserve Smyrna's Character
Smyrna's success didn't happen by accident. Growth should benefit the people who already live here and never come at the expense of our community's identity.
Responsible Development
I support growth that serves Smyrna residents, and I'll pursue every avenue to ensure Smyrna does not become home to large-scale developments that harm our community and quality of life.
New Leadership
Smyrna deserves a council that answers to its residents, not to developers. I don't take developer money or answer to outside interests. I'm running to be Smyrna First.
Public Safety
Public safety is the foundation of a strong community. I'll fight for a fully staffed police force, well-equipped fire and EMS services, and safe parks and public spaces for every Smyrna family.
Traffic & Infrastructure
As Smyrna grows, new development should pay for the road, water, and sewer upgrades it requires — not burden the residents already here. I'll oppose high-density projects that overwhelm our roads and infrastructure, because better roadways are a quality-of-life issue. Growth should be planned to improve quality of life for generations to come.
Fiscal Responsibility
Every dollar Smyrna spends is a dollar residents worked hard to earn. I don't support raising taxes on Smyrna families, and I'll spend every dollar like it's my own — demanding accountability and real value for every project our town takes on.
Standing Up for Smyrna
In March 2024, Smyrna voters decided whether to keep our town's own court system or hand it over to Rutherford County. I stood with Keep Smyrna Safe and voted no — because Smyrna is capable of running its own institutions, and giving that up wasn't in our town's interest.
Smyrna agreed. The referendum failed by nearly 3 to 1, with over 3,300 residents voting to keep our court local.
This is Smyrna First in practice — standing with residents on the issues that matter, not just talking about it.
A Promise to Every Generation
To our older generations:
Thank you for building the Smyrna we enjoy today. I'm not running to undo your work — I'm running to protect it from a status quo that answers to developers, so your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can keep raising families here.
To our younger generations:
I care deeply about your future. I want Smyrna to remain a place where you can afford to build a life, raise a family, own a home, worship freely, and become part of a thriving community.
Join the Campaign
It's going to take all of us. Here's how you can help.
Individuals may give up to $1,900 per election. Spouses may each give separately, up to $1,900 apiece.
Vote
Early voting runs October 14–29, 2026. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Check your registration and make a plan to vote.
Volunteer
Knock doors, make calls, or help at events. Every hour makes a difference in a local race.
Spread the Word
Share this site with friends, family, and neighbors in Smyrna.