TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

Leadership Leaves Clues

After revisiting journals and notebooks spanning decades—from elementary school diaries to notes from a corporate internship—I realized I wasn’t just documenting moments. I was studying leadership in real time. This piece explores the quiet practice of observation, the patterns leaders leave behind, and how paying attention can shape the kind of leader you become long before you ever hold the title.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

How We Run Our Annual Strategy Session (and Why It Works)

Strategic planning isn’t just for organizations. This article breaks down the annual Family Strategy Session my husband and I use to align priorities, define success, and build intentional systems for life, leadership, and partnership.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

Oakland’s Quiet Battle: Pride, Progress, and the Misuse of “Gentrification”

In Oakland, the conversation around neighborhood change is often framed as “natives vs. newcomers.” But a deeper tension is unfolding within the community itself. As longtime residents step into ownership, leadership, and neighborhood stewardship, some are pushing back against cycles of neglect, illegal dumping, and disinvestment—only to be labeled “gentrifiers” for demanding safer, cleaner streets. This article explores the complicated intersection of accountability, community pride, and the misuse of the word gentrification in urban neighborhoods fighting for progress from within.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

June 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the June 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

May 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the May 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

april 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the April 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

The Soundtrack of Carnival: A Love Letter to Soca

Music moves me—it’s more than sound, it’s a feeling. Trinidad Carnival 2025 was pure vibes, and this playlist keeps the energy alive. Whether you’re reliving the moment or getting hype for the next one, tap in and let’s share the music! 🎶🔥

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

March 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the March 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

February 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the February 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

January 2025 East Bay Market Report

Uncover key insights in the January 2025 Market Report, featuring economic trends, upcoming events, and the seasonal rhythms of the Bay Area real estate market. Explore valuable resources to help you seize opportunities and build lasting wealth in the year ahead.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

January 2024 East Bay Market Report

Explore the latest trends and insights in the East Bay real estate market with our January 2024 Market Report. From housing inventory to neighborhood highlights, stay informed and make informed decisions for the new year.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

Come Home To Something Spaceoux

Having complete project management and creative control is an exciting, yet heavy responsibility. From securing the location to renovations, to interior and landscape design, to organizing the back end operations for launch, everything in between and beyond. I’m excited to finally share this part of the journey.

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

April 2023 East Bay Market Report

Buyer demand continued to rebound from the depths of the mid-winter slowdown: The number and percentage of listings going into contract, and…

Read More
TL Smith, MPA TL Smith, MPA

March 2023 East Bay Market Report

Celebrating Women Real Estate Pioneers, taking a look at the contrasts in Bay Area wealth, and getting ready to feast during Oakland Restaurant Week. Thrive Where You Reside!

Read More