Legislator to resign from Nevada Assembly, pending approval of City of Las Vegas job

Democratic Assemblywoman Sabra Smith Newby plans to resign from the Nevada State Legislature to become deputy city manager of Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas City Council is expected to vote to ratify Smith Newby’s appointment as deputy city manager at their next meeting on Sept. 6. The assemblywoman’s resignation is tentative until a vote of approval.

Smith Newby was appointed by Clark County Commission in January to represent Assembly District 10, which covers an area of Las Vegas immediately west of the I-15 and near Sahara Avenue. Smith Newby succeeded fellow Democrat Rochelle Nguyen, who vacated the Assembly seat when she was appointed by the commission to the Nevada State Senate in December 2022.

The Nevada State Legislature is part time — meeting for 120 days every other year — meaning lawmakers often have full-time jobs.

Smith Newby most recently worked at the University of Nevada Las Vegas as vice president of government and community affairs, but most of her career has been in local government. She served as Reno city manager for three years and spent a decade working for Clark County, ending her stint as assistant county manager.

But her career in public service actually began at the City of Las Vegas, working on homeless policy under Mayor Oscar Goodman.

“This is my return to local government,” she told the Current. “It’s a passion of mine in terms of service to our citizens. It was the honor of my career to serve as an assemblywoman in the Nevada State Assembly, but I feel like this is my home. I have so much to give in that capacity.”

During the 2023 Legislative Session, Smith Newby served on the assembly judiciary, health & human services and legislative operations & elections committees. She was listed as a primary sponsor on bills related to adoption, children’s mental health and expanding who can request their personal information be confidential on public records.

“Although I am sad that Assemblywoman Smith Newby’s time in the Assembly has come to a close, I am excited for her as she transitions to her new role as deputy city manager,” said Speaker Steve Yeager in a statement. “Her dedication to public service and her proven leadership skills will make her a valuable asset to the City of Las Vegas. I thank her for her contributions in the Nevada Legislature, and I wish her all the best in her new role.”

Smith Newby’s departure means AD10 will be an open seat in next year’s elections. Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1 in the district.

There is no legislative session scheduled before that election takes place.