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About

ACCESSIBLE. EXPERIENCED. FOCUSED. INCLUSIVE.

As the Mayor of the City of Lauderhill, for the past four years, Ken Thurston has worked hard to serve his residents and business owners.

Accomplishments:

  • REDUCING our taxes for the past two years

  • CREATING the “Bank on Lauderhill” program helping residents with the financial knowledge to open bank accounts and take out loans with reputable financial institutions and financial literacy programs for residents

  • INSTALLING body cameras on all our police officers, license plate readers, and gunshot spotter

  • HOSTING regular “Meet the Mayor” sessions

  • CREATING the Mayor’s Enrich to Empower Collegebound Scholars program – A FREE educational program that provides 1 on 1 assistance with completing college and scholarship applications, FAFSA, etc.

  • HOSTING an annual Free Tax Return Preparation Day

  • CREATING numerous health related activities, including Move with the Mayor/Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, Soca Step Aerobics, and free workout sessions with professional trainers

  • HOSTING an annual grant writing seminar to help nonprofits and churches find additional funds

  • FOCUSING on economic development and working with our local chamber of commerce to bring more businesses to our city

  • HOSTING an annual “How to do business with the City of Lauderhill” seminar, helping local businesses to navigate the process

Mayor Thurston Headshot.jpeg
Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics & Business Administration, Morehouse College

  • Certified Property Manager (CPM), The Institute of Real Estate Management

Professional Experience

  • Acclaim Management & Realty, Inc., Owner and Real Estate Broker, 1997-present

  • 46 years as a REALTOR

  • Mayor of Lauderhill, 2018-present

  • Lauderhill City Commissioner, 2010-2018

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics & Business Administration, Morehouse College

  • Certified Property Manager (CPM), The Institute of Real Estate Management

Committees/Boards

  • Florida League of Cities, Member

  • Florida Black Caucus of Locally Elected Officials, Board Member and Former Treasurer

  • Broward League of Cities, Member; Urban Administration Committee

  • Broward Black Elected Officials, Treasurer

  • Solid Waste Authority, Municipal Delegate

  • Lauderhill Affordable Housing Board, Member

  • Broward County Water Advisory Board, Former Member

  • Broward County Tourism Development Council (TDC), Former Member

  • Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, Former President

  • Lauderhill Housing Authority, Former Chair

  • Community Gardening Committee of South Florida

Personal

  • Married to Victoria for 41 years; 4 children

  • Member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church

  • Member of Kiwanis Club of Central Broward

  • Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

  • Member and Past President of Morehouse College Alumni Club

  • Broward County NAACP Life Member and Past President

  • Native of Broward County

  • 32-year Lauderhill resident

Image by Faith Crabtree

Endorsements

Endorsement- City of Lauderhill Vice Mayor Melissa Dunn.jpg
Vice Mayor Melissa Dunn
Endorsement-City of Lauderhill Commissioner Lawrence Jabbow Martin.jpeg
Councilman Lawrence “Jabow” Martin
Endorsement- Broward County AFL - CIO_ed
Broward County AFL-CIO
Endorsement - Broward County Police Benevolent Association .png
Broward County Police Benevolent Association
Endorsement - Broward County Firefighter
Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics
Endorsement - Sierra Club Endorsement Seal_Color (2).png
The Sierra Club
thumbnail_School Board Member and Former County Commissioner Torey Alston .jpeg
School Board Member and Former County Commissioner Torey Alston
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Realtors
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SunSentinel
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