Abstract: Local execution of smart device mesh automations with cloud-based failover is described herein. Embodiments operate in context of network-connected devices in a smart device mesh with a local automation system, where all devices communicate with cloud-based automation, and at least some also communicate with local automation. A determination is made whether to claim each automation routine for local automation, or to automatically execute the automation by the cloud when triggered. Triggered locally claimed automation routines cause attempted default execution locally by local automation with automatic failover execution by the cloud-based automation. Some embodiments further involve electing an executor device as part of claiming an automation routine and/or monitoring execution of automation routines to determine when to automatically de-claim locally claimed automation routines with poor local execution success rates.