11:00 - Arrival/Networking

11:30 - 12:00 Lunch

12:00 - 1:00 Presentation

Topic: City of Milwaukee Development Update with Milwaukee Commissioner of Development Lafayette Crump

Lafayette L. Crump

Lafayette L. Crump, JD, is the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development, where, as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, he leads a team dedicated to growing Milwaukee’s population, bringing and keeping jobs in the city, increasing density, facilitating the development of affordable and equitable housing options, and preparing Milwaukee and its residents for economic success in an increasingly technologically-based economy.

Under Lafayette’s leadership, Milwaukee developed its first interagency housing program, joined with the Community Development Alliance and other local entities to create and implement the most comprehensive collective affordable housing plan in Milwaukee’s history, provided millions of dollars in downpayment assistance and COVID-related business support, attracted the largest single infusion of jobs into downtown in decades, and is engaging in a broad review of its zoning code and development of a forward-looking strategic plan for its downtown.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Lafayette previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Diversity, Vendor and Engagement Officer for the Host Committee of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, where he engaged with businesses, community-based agencies, government and residents throughout southeastern Wisconsin, leading a team that ensured community involvement, the inclusion of local and diverse businesses, and corporate adherence to ethical, environmental, social and governance practices.

Lafayette was also Chief Operating Officer of Prism Technical Management & Marketing Services, LLC, a nationally experienced multidisciplinary management consulting firm based in Milwaukee, where he developed training programs for business owners and corporate internships, managed research projects and developed and monitored equity and inclusion plans, working for clients like the Milwaukee Bucks, Northwestern Mutual, the Department of Transportation, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and numerous other developers, contractors and governmental entities.

In addition to his work for Prism, Lafayette practiced law for a number of years, working to ensure equity for small businesses and nonprofits, and has been an adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School, where his focus was ensuring that law students understand the needs, expectations and reality of business owners.

Lafayette’s commitment to professional and community pursuits have been recognized via the Milwaukee Business Journal Forty Under 40 award, the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award, the University School of Milwaukee Alumni Service Award, the Titan 100 Award, the Milwaukee Business Journal Power Broker list, and the Foley & Lardner Lyndford Lardner Attorney Service Award.

Lafayette is a graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Law, where, collectively, he served on the Journal of Gender Law & Policy, the Harassment Grievance Board, the Moot Court Board, and was president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also completed the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

He serves on numerous corporate and community-based boards, including Safe & Sound, City Forward Collaborative, the Titan 100 Board, the Salvation Army, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, University School of Milwaukee, Milwaukee College Prep, Harbor District, Menomonee Valley Partners, Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, and The Water Council.