Lafayette L. Crump is the City of Milwaukee commissioner of city development, where he oversees a staff 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 a technology based economy.
Under Crump’s leadership, Milwaukee developed its first interagency housing program, joined with the Community Development Alliance and other local entities to create the most comprehensive affordable housing plan in Milwaukee’s history, provided millions of dollars in down payment assistance and COVID-19-related business support and attracted the largest infusion of jobs into downtown in decades.
“It’s incredibly important to me to leave the spaces, places and people that I encounter in better stead than before,” Crump said. “To that end, I’m compelled to use whatever natural abilities I have, and all the skills and knowledge I’ve garnered to create opportunities for others, which I’m convinced is the greatest use of our time on this planet.”
Crump served as deputy chief of staff and chief diversity, vendor and engagement officer for the 2020 Democratic National Convention Host Committee, where he engaged with businesses, community-based agencies, government and residents throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Crump was also chief operating officer of Prism Technical Management & Marketing Services, LLC, a 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. His clients included the Milwaukee Bucks, Northwestern Mutual, the Department of Transportation, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and more.
Crump practiced law for a number of years, working to ensure equity for small businesses and nonprofits. He has also been an adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School, where his focus was ensuring that law students understand the needs, expectations and realities of business owners.
Crump has been recognized with a number of awards and honors in his career, including the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 award, the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award, the University School of Milwaukee Alumni Service Award and the Duke University School of Law Julian Abele Award.
Crump is a graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Law, where he served on the Journal of Gender Law & Policy, the Harassment Grievance Board and the Moot Court Board and he was president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
He serves on numerous corporate and community-based boards, including Safe & Sound, 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, The Water Council and the Wauwatosa Equity and Inclusion Commission.
