List of mayors of Meridian, Mississippi

The Meridian race riot of 1871 occurred during his administration and resulted in the townspeople running him out of the city in March.

John W. Smith was appointed by governor James L. Alcorn in March and served until September when he was replaced by Grafton Baker.

He promoted businesses whose purpose was to improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially youth.

In April 2021, he helped purchase the Meridian Police Department Headquarters from a group of private investors with the city having a 41-year lease agreement.

He also worked with a developer to revitalize the Three-foot Building into a new state-of-the-art Marriott Hotel and Roof Top Bar and Restaurant that overlooks the city.