Tabaris Smith is the DMV Region Director with Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), bringing over 12 years of expertise across construction, climate action, grassroots organizing, economic and business development, and workforce training. He has successfully developed, implemented, and managed community-centered energy and economic development projects nationwide, with a strong focus on Southern California and the DMV area.

Since joining ECC in 2019, Dr. Smith has led key initiatives, including the DC Contractor Incubator and the Advisory Committee, while co-authoring the BEPS Economic Inclusion Study. His leadership extended to serving as interim Regional Director for Southern California, where he oversaw SoCalRen’s Workforce Education and Training programs, training over 600 youth and workers and nearly 700 businesses. Under his contribution, ECC’s SoCal Region secured over $17 million in new workforce, education, and training contracts, including with Los Angeles World Airports, ensuring BIPOC communities were integral to the process.

Tabaris Smith is a proud three-time HBCU graduate, holding a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning. In 2021, he was honored as one of the Climate Action Campaign’s 40 Under 40 recipients and SC State’s 40 Under 40 recipients in 2023.