With a unanimous vote and a steady commitment to continuity, responsible growth and financial stewardship, Chad Smith has officially joined the Monument Town Council.

Smith was appointed by a 6-0 vote from the council following a public interview in early June. The longtime Planning Commission member, who recently served as acting chair, emphasized a desire to see the council maintain its forward momentum on issues ranging from land use to long-term budget planning.

“I just have a heart to serve and would like to see the council continue to function the way it has in the last few years,” Smith told council members during the appointment process.

Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and small business owner, has spent the past two years helping guide Monument’s growth from his seat on the Planning Commission. He said his time there prepared him to step into council duties with a strong foundation in land use, zoning, municipal code, and collaborative governance.

“When the council seat opened, I felt a responsibility to step up,” Smith said. “I wanted to continue advocating for responsible growth that aligns with our community values, not just developer interests.”

During his interview before the council, Smith outlined three immediate priorities if selected: preserving the council’s current trajectory, advocating for measured and infrastructure-minded development, and helping advance the town’s long-term financial stability.

Smith previously ran for a council seat and was the only applicant to apply for the open position this time around. Council members expressed appreciation for his background and focus. Smith, the son of an Air Force veteran, even shared a moment of levity during the interview, joking with the panel about his own naval rankings.

Though he grew up in New Jersey, Smith’s ties to Colorado run deep. His mother’s side of the family hails from Chaffee and Gunnison counties, and he spent much of his childhood visiting relatives in Poncha Springs and Grand Junction. After a career shift in 2018, Smith relocated to Monument, settling in a townhome near Monument Lake.

“Monument quickly felt like home,” he said. “This community welcomed me in a way that made me want to give back.”

Smith served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring as a chief petty officer. His father served in the U.S. Air Force, and his son-in-law currently does as well. Smith said the long-standing family legacy of military service shaped his values, particularly his focus on accountability, teamwork, and leading with a calm, steady hand.

In addition to his civic work, Smith owns and operates a radon testing and mitigation business, a calling sparked by personal family tragedy. His grandfather, a Colorado miner, died from what was then described as “black lung,” but Smith and family now believe it was more likely caused by extended radon exposure.

“Helping families protect their homes from radon isn’t just my profession, it’s something I care deeply about,” Smith said. “It’s about saving lives and educating people about something that’s still far too under the radar.”

As Monument faces continued residential and commercial expansion, Smith said he believes growth must be measured, community-driven, and aligned with infrastructure capacity.

“The pace of development in recent years has been too aggressive,” Smith said. “I fully support growth—but it must be intentional and infrastructure-first.”

He emphasized that development should preserve open space, honor the town’s character, and deliver mutual benefits for the community, not just developers.

On fiscal matters, Smith said his priority is maintaining and improving transparency. With declining tax revenues expected this year, he praised recent leadership changes at Town Hall and expressed confidence in the town’s new finance director.

“Residents deserve to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent,” he said.

Water, Smith said, is the town’s most urgent constraint. He supports Monument’s pursuit of renewable water resources but urged more transparency and cost clarity around future projects. He also recommended the hiring of a water resources manager; someone who can coordinate conservation efforts and long-term planning across departments and with regional partners.

“It’s essential that new development contributes meaningfully to water solutions, not just draws from our already limited supply,” Smith said.

Smith will continue his role on the Monument 2040 Steering Committee as the town updates its comprehensive plan, an effort he called a top priority.

“The new plan should reflect the values of our residents,” he said. “That means preserving our small-town character, protecting open space, and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with smart, sustainable growth.”

With roots in emergency service as a teenage EMT, a career in the Navy and deepening civic involvement since arriving in Monument, Smith said his leadership philosophy is simple; listen, collaborate, and do what’s right for the community.

“My commitment to service runs deep,” he said. “This town has given me a home, and I want to do my part to make sure it stays a strong, welcoming place for years to come.”