Milton grew up in public housing in East St. Louis, Illinois, moving to Lawrence in 1980 to attend the University of Kansas. He is a dedicated father, having raised two sons in Lawrence as a single parent, and is a proud grandfather to three grandchildren. Milton understands the challenges and joys of raising a family in Lawrence and Douglas County.
He believes that the collaboration between the youth and the leaders of society is necessary to bring about a brighter future. Now, he is ready to take the first step to making that happen.
Education
Milton earned both his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications Studies and Master of Science in Education - Higher Education at KU.
Career and Experience
At the beginning of his career, Milton served as an Assistant Director of Admissions and an Assistant Director for Student Housing at KU. He served as Director of Programs and Property Management with the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority for over 20 years, then as Executive Director of the Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority, retiring from that position.
Additionally, Milton garnered experience as a Child Placing Agency Specialist with DCCCA, and served as Youth Care Worker for The Villages, Inc. Milton also has experience as a Juvenile Correctional Officer and currently is an Adult Service Officer and Coordinator for the Community Service Work Program with Douglas County Criminal Justice Services. He brings a balanced, real-world perspective to criminal justice and community safety.
Decent & Affordable Housing
Milton has spent decades creating paths to stable housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. He has successfully written and administered grants for federal programs including Moving to Work (MTW), Transitional Housing, public housing, and Section 8. He oversaw the HOPE House program that housed chronically homeless individuals with server and persistent mental illness.
Community Service
Milton’s civic engagement is broad and deep, demonstrating his commitment to the Lawrence-Douglas County community. His involvement in our community includes serving as a Board Member at Independence Inc., and on the Board of Trustees for Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church. He has also dedicated his time to improving local education as Chair of both the Lawrence Free State High School Site Council and the Sunset Hill Elementary School Site Council, and served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
Leadership
He has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the League of Women Voters Lawrence-Douglas County; Treasurer for Lawrence Justice Matters; League of Women Voters of the United States Diversity Implementation Task Force; Member, University of Kansas Commission on the Status of Women; Chair of the Douglas County Community Corrections Advisory Board. Milton served on the 7th District Judicial Nominating Commission, and as Vice-Chair of the Lawrence Housing and Appeals Advisory Board.