Pending approval by the Las Vegas City Council, Assemblywoman Sabra Smith Newby (D-Las Vegas) is expected to resign from the Legislature to take a job as the city’s deputy manager.

The Nevada Current first reported the news Tuesday ahead of a Las Vegas City Council meeting on Sept. 6, where city council members will consider ratifying the appointment. Her resignation hinges upon being appointed.

“This is my return to local government,” Newby 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.”

Newby represents Assembly District 10, which covers portions of Las Vegas. In January, she was appointed to fill the seat vacated when then-Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen (D-Las Vegas) was appointed to the state Senate.

In a press release, Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) said he is sad Newby will be leaving the Legislature, but he is excited to see her take on the new role.

“Her dedication to public service and her proven leadership skills will make her a valuable asset to the City of Las Vegas,” he said. “I thank her for her contributions in the Nevada Legislature and I wish her all the best in her new role.”

When the Legislature is not in session, Newby serves as UNLV’s vice president of government and community affairs. Previously, she worked in the City of Las Vegas’s neighborhood services department, which focused on homelessness and bringing communities together to provide support services. 

She also worked as a lobbyist for Clark County and advanced from department director to chief administrative officer, then assistant county manager at Clark County. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the Reno city manager.

If Newby resigns, it will be at least the second Assembly seat with no incumbent running for re-election. In August, Assemblywoman Claire Thomas (D-North Las Vegas) declared her candidacy for Senate District 1, a seat represented by Sen. Pat Spearman (D-North Las Vegas), who is termed out.

Democrats control 28 of 42 Assembly seats and 13 of 21 state Senate seats in the Legislature. Candidate filing for the 2024 election will be open from March 4 to March 15. 

Newby did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning.

This story was updated on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023 at 11:06 a.m. to include a statement from Speaker Steve Yeager.