Meet Michael

Hi! I’m, Michael Schuckman, a native of Kansas City and I am running to be your next councilperson from District 6.   

A little bit about me, I was born in Kansas City and grew up in nearby Lee's Summit. I was fortunate to attend some excellent schools including Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic grade school and later Rockhurst High School. I then went on to Northwest Missouri State University where I was a double major in Geography and Spanish, then  continued on to the University of Missouri-Kansas City for graduate school. It was during grad school I became even more interested in urban environments, specifically how cities develop, and reinvent themselves over time. That made my focus of Urban Geoscience and easy call for me. I focused my research and thesis on this topic and traced how Kansas City has been reinventing itself, since the mid 1980’s. During those years working on my research, I also began to feel the calling to public service in earnest. I knew whatever I ended up doing in life, I wanted to be of service to others and make my city a better place.   

This calling has lead to a career focused on public service. I have previously worked for the City of Lenexa as an asset manager, and then went on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for several years working as a Business Analyst. Since 2021, I have been an employee of the City of Kansas City Water Services Department as an Information Systems Senior Analyst.

Personally, I am lucky to have many amazing friends and family in my life. My mom, Olivia, and my dad, Scott, have always supported me in every adventure I have undertaken. My sister, Suzie, is someone I have always looked up to as an example of determination and perseverance. I also am very lucky to have a very understanding and endlessly patient boyfriend, David, who is supporting me though this crazy journey of a first campaign. Even my cat, Kylo, has been supportive of the campaign, in his own way. 

When I am not busy working or campaigning, I enjoy working on home projects as a first time home owner, hitting the gym or pool for some laps, or hanging out with my amazing group of friends enjoying all that Kansas City has to offer.  

I hope I earn the honor of serving as your councilperson because I know I can give this my all. Working on the behalf of District 6 would be my full time focus. I will apply my experiences as a Latino member of the LGBTQ+ community, and my education and professional expertise to every decision. I will be open to listening to all points of view. Our council and our city works best when everyone has a voice and is engaged in the process. I will be your megaphone to advocate for what matters to you and all our neighbors in District 6.