Chris Abele is the Milwaukee County Executive. He was first elected in a special election in 2011, and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He did not seek re-election in 2020.
Official Biography
Elected with an overwhelming 61% of the vote in a special election Chris Abele became Milwaukee County Executive on April 4, 2011. After serving one year, he ran unopposed and was re-elected to a full four year term April 3, 2012. As County Executive, Chris is focused on providing important, effective and efficient services to residents, disciplined decision-making, and making the county more sustainable. He is also focused on bringing civility back to politics. Chris wants to use his position to remind people political labels are not as important as getting things done. He’s proud to work with Democrats and Republicans on numerous issues.
Prior to his election, Chris served for seven years as CEO of the Milwaukee-based Argosy Foundation, where he remains a trustee. The foundation aims to support leaders and organizations that employ creative and entrepreneurial approaches to solving systemic problems. He’s also a highly successful business owner. He founded a successful hospital services business the he sold in 2012 and he still runs a flourishing real estate company, which owns commercial property in Wisconsin, New York and Maine.
Chris is a dedicated personal philanthropist. His philanthropic work has been primarily in arts, education and human rights. Over the past 15 years, his volunteer work has included serving on 31 local, national and international non-profit boards. He currently serves on boards at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Schools that Can, and the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University. Chris is also an active fundraiser, chairing and co-chairing campaigns that raised more than $150 million. He has received numerous awards for his effective leadership and speaks regularly on leadership, philanthropy and nonprofit best practices.
County Executive Abele is proud to live in Milwaukee with his wife Miriam and their two young daughters, Lauren and Katherine.
Content referencing Chris Abele - Page 3
Will He or Won’t He Run for Mayor?
Council president Ashanti Hamilton promises his decision by next week.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Domes Proposal Requires Great Speed
Consultant's "Think Big" solution requires fast-paced applications for grants, tax credits.
Jul 24th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election
The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.
Jul 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele’s Power Over County Transit Targeted
Proposal gives county supervisors and employees more power over county bus system.
Jul 11th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Mansion Hotel Proposal Approved
Historic Preservation Commission okays conversion of Marshall St. mansion to small hotel.
Jul 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
County May Have To Sell Parks
Report predicts county's growing structural deficit could mean selling parks to reduce costs.
Jul 2nd, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
The County’s Queen of Hemp
Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
State Aids Convention Center Expansion
Plus: Affordable housing developer buys south side site, Irgens plan to redevelop M&I building
Jun 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Crew Destroying Abele’s Mansion
Historic $2.6 million Eschweiler mansion built by one of city's most esteemed architects.
Jun 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Juneteenth Day 2019
State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.
Jun 20th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Campaign Targets Abele’s Plan to Raze Home
Shorewood residents organize letter writing campaign, online petition to save historic Eschweiler mansion.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Jane Hampden
County Seeks Allies in Call for State Aid
Unfunded state mandates and a decade of declining state aid driving county's huge deficit.
Jun 14th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
New Plan for Bradford Beach Ramp
The Ability Center announces $100,000 plan to make beach accessible for people with disabilities.
Jun 13th, 2019 by Mary Kate McCoy
PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists
45,787 people attended, making it the largest pride event ever held in Wisconsin.
Jun 10th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
New Humboldt Park Wine Garden Opens
Plus: a third Cubanitas, new Milwaukee Brewing rooftop patio, Osteria's return delayed.
Jun 6th, 2019 by Jennifer Rick
MCTS Unveils 28 New Buses
Buses have improvements for riders, bus drivers and other road users. See our photos.
Jun 6th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC
Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.
Jun 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside Abele’s Eschweiler Mansion
See the 1927 home's interior from when it was new, and just before Abele bought it.
Jun 1st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele to Destroy His Eschweiler Mansion
His $2.6 million Shorewood lakefront mansion could soon face the wrecking ball.
May 30th, 2019 by Michael Horne
Group Pushes Higher Wheel Tax for Transit
Higher vehicle licensing fee pushed as County Transit System considers 10% budget cut.
May 23rd, 2019 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Requiem for the Commons
Mutilated Marcus Center grove is just one of county’s many public spaces threatened by actions leaving citizens out in the cold.
May 15th, 2019 by Virginia Small
County Opposes Plan to Replace Lincoln Hills
Abele administration says state plan lacks adequate funding, won’t rehabilitate youth.
May 7th, 2019 by Allison Dikanovic
Marcus Center Has No County Board Oversight
That’s because a state law handed all authority over most county facilities to County Executive Abele.
May 6th, 2019 by Virginia Small
Committee Says Marcus Center Isn’t Historic
City committee overrules Historic Preservation Commission. Full Common Council up next.
Apr 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Park East Land Back on the Market
Plus: Milwaukee Athletic Club redevelopment advances, Oriental Theatre project hits next phase.
Apr 29th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Bus Drivers Union Assails MCTS Leaders
"The fight is on," says union leader, as labor negotiations hit wall over health care coverage.
Apr 15th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
20th MANDI Awards Get Big Turnout
Many politicians at celebration honoring those improving city's neighborhoods.
Apr 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mitchell Ranks Higher in Cancelled Flights
Study ranks Milwaukee’s airport 29th of 75 in nation, but better than Chicago’s two airports.
Apr 9th, 2019 by Shamane Mills
Zoo Opening New Elephant Exhibit
Bigger exhibit with better care of African elephants will open in May.
Apr 9th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
County Submits Youth Prison Proposal
Asks state for $41.4 million to build secure residential center for youth now at Lincoln Hills.
Mar 30th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
4 Questions and Answers on The Domes
What's going to happen? That could be the toughest question of all.
Mar 30th, 2019 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
To Host DNC, Barrett Must Be Reelected
He's clearly running, but still hasn't officially announced a race he badly wants to win.
Mar 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Wins 2020 Democratic Convention
Barrett and other leaders help city beat out Miami and Houston for national convention.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bus Drivers’ Union Fights New Contract
Transit system cites $6 million deficit, wants workers to pay more for health care.
Mar 7th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Private Contract for Jail Health Care Okayed
But committee also calls for county to take over for private contractor in two years.
Feb 5th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats
High Ground Political Fund, connected to Nation Consulting, funded six state senate races.
Feb 1st, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Should Washington Park Get Historic Designation?
Proposal for Olmsted-designed park could alter Urban Ecology Center’s plans for renovation.
Jan 27th, 2019 by Analise Pruni
7 Goals of County Fair Deal Group
Abele and Lipscomb's group releases seven recommendations for state legislative action.
Jan 18th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
New Downtown Apartment Building
Is the second time the charm for a long vacant downtown site?
Jan 13th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
County Officials Review Revenue Options
Abele and Lipscomb's Fair Deal group considers ways to relieve dire financial situation.
Jan 5th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Top 10 Homes Featured in 2018
Readers loved these stories the most.
Dec 27th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Lt. Gov.-Elect Barnes Confident Funding Will be Secured to Host DNC
City will know soon if it will host the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Dec 27th, 2018 by Corrinne Hess
The 27 Bedrooms of Chris Abele
New Shorewood manse gives him three places worth $8.2 million, though one may be sold.
Dec 20th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Board Rejects Outsourced Inmate Care
Unanimous vote rejects private company, calls for county staff to handle health services in jails.
Dec 13th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Can Public-Private Deals Help County?
Experts discuss potential of public-private partnerships for county and city.
Dec 12th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Local Officials Oppose Wealth Test for Immigrants
Barrett, Abele, Moore oppose Trump plan requiring minimum income for immigrants to America.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Corrinne Hess
Ashanti Hamilton Files for Mayoral Run
Is Chris Abele planning to back Hamilton?
Nov 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
A ‘Maptacular’ Idea to Fund Parks
New fund for parks from merchandise sold, including unique maps of parks.
Nov 27th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
5 Citizens To Give Sincere Thanks
Our Thanksgiving class of 2018, five Milwaukeeans who've made this a better city.
Nov 22nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
County Will Push for More State Funding
Resolution creates "Fair Deal" work group backed by Abele and board to address county fiscal crisis.
Oct 31st, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Black Workers Losing Transit to Jobs?
End of county bus routes 61 and 6 means no connection to jobs in other counties.
Oct 17th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
No Studios Creative Hub Opens
Milwaukee's new artist hub opens today with weekend-long celebration.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Norquist Bashes Inspector General Idea
Council wants its own watchdog. Former mayor says post is unnecessary.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Fatherhood Summit Features Grammy Winner
Hip-hop artist David Banner keynote speaker and Barrett, Abele attend 13th annual summit.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Max Nawara
Milwaukee County on a Crash Course
Without more funding of programs it runs for the state, county will soon face fiscal ruin.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Local Leaders Demand Big Store Tax Reform
18 municipal leaders say big box tax loopholes costly, push legislators to change law.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Should County Go Into Hemp Business?
Facing huge budget problems, supervisors push for county to grow and sell hemp.
Sep 17th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Must Democrats Have a Unified Message?
So claims a NYT story. But the party generally fares better by allowing differing views.
Aug 22nd, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Did Abele, Newspaper Cover Up Schmidt Pension?
Decisions by county exec, Journal Sentinel, suppressed news of his lucrative pension.
Aug 21st, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Potawatomi Tops Off New Hotel Tower
Construction has reached its peak on second tower of casino hotel.
Aug 16th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Dane County Property Value Tops Milwaukee
For first time Dane bests Milwaukee in total county property value, study shows
Aug 15th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
23 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?
Aug 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Unions Go Big for Mahlon Mitchell
No candidate got more from outside groups, who spent $412,300 on Democratic candidate for governor.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Schmidt’s Pension An Issue for Deputies
Co-workers know he’s getting $1 million pension, say issue is divisive for department.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
New Patisserie For Walker’s Point
Plus: new south side Pita Palace and new Peruvian food truck, Triciclo Peru.
Jul 31st, 2018 by Zach Komassa
This Is It! Celebrates 50th Birthday
State's oldest LGBT+ bar celebrates a half century in business with weekend party.
Jul 31st, 2018 by Zach Komassa
AG Race Attracts $1.3 Million in Six Months
Challenger Kaul raised nearly as much as incumbent Schimel in first half of 2018.
Jul 23rd, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Talks May Start on Bus to Foxconn
Lipscomb offers road map for bus connecting workers from Milwaukee at press conference.
Jul 12th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
The House of City Insiders
Former city tax assessor Julie Penman and streetcar consultant Jeff Bentoff live here.
Jun 28th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Symphony Breaks Ground on New Hall
$89 million music hall means "rebirth of a neighborhood" and "rebirth of the symphony."
Jun 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Urban Milwaukee Celebrates 10th Birthday
Crowd packs Pabst Brewery & Taproom for publication's 10th anniversary.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Foxconn’s North American Headquarters Opening Downtown
Local officials celebrate at press conference, but will unemployed residents win jobs?
Jun 15th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Adding Art to Bus Shelters
County transit system's glass shelters receiving graphic art installations.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Could Foxconn Build Plants Elsewhere in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Valley director hints at possibility of fulfilling 13,000 jobs pledge at sites outside of Racine and Milwaukee.
Jun 11th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
2018 PrideFest
Our photos capture the love and color of the 31st annual PrideFest.
Jun 11th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
A State MPS Reform Proposal. Again
Scott Walker joins a list of governors and others who’ve proposed reforms.
May 21st, 2018 by Steven Walters
MKE Film Starts Oriental Theatre Prep Work
First phase is all about the big necessity.
Apr 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
MSOE Breaks Ground on Educational Center
Science hall centering on artificial intelligence will be used by all students.
Apr 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Meet the State’s Top 100 Political Donors
Led by Diane Hendricks (GOP) and Chris Abele (Democrat); who are the other 98?
Apr 23rd, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
More Good News for the Sherman Phoenix
New project in Sherman Park gains another grant. Abele predicts success.
Apr 10th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
7 Election Takeaways
What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?
Apr 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele’s $1 Million Power Play
His LeadershipMKE group muddies the waters for April election.
Mar 29th, 2018 by Dominique Paul Noth
Screnock Outspending Dallet in Court Race
Together two candidates’ campaigns spending $1.2 million
Mar 28th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
GOP Far Outspends Democrats on 527 Groups
Republicans raised $2.8 million, Democrats $1.7 million in 2017.
Mar 7th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star
New effort is a classic example of reinventing the Rust Belt.
Mar 7th, 2018 by John Torinus
The Unlimited Cash Campaign Groups
527 groups can spend freely, led by MMAC, Chris Abele and Potawatomi.
Mar 6th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Huge Historic Redo for North Avenue
Redeveloping 20,000-square-foot buildings that housed G. Daddy’s and Hotel Foster.
Mar 4th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
John Ridley Opening Movie Studio
Oscar-winning, Milwaukee-born movie maker aims to transform city's film scene.
Feb 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Bill To Expand Abele’s Power Dies
Too much opposition from many state groups.
Feb 26th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Residents Jeer Pay-to-Park Plan
Abele sympathizes but says county must get revenue from somewhere.
Feb 7th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Foxconn HQ In Downtown Milwaukee
Company building Racine area plant coming here to attract talent, grow new business line.
Feb 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Can’t MPS Improve Results?
Perhaps because our leaders ignore data on which schools work.
Jan 31st, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Parks Should Be Free For All People
Why Abele’s pay-to-park-plan for county parks should be opposed.
Jan 29th, 2018 by Sup. Marina Dimitrijevic & Sup. Dan Sebring
Oppose the Pay-to-Park Plan!
County plan would charge $3.50 per hour to park in 76 parks and parkways.
Jan 20th, 2018 by Jim Goulee
Republican Bill Limits Wheel Tax
Local wheel taxes increased 73% in 2017; bill requires referendum approval.
Jan 15th, 2018 by Steven Walters
MATC Program Targets 53206 Zip Code
Serves students who live or work in 53206, and were unable to finish college.
Jan 12th, 2018 by Andrea Waxman
11 Sure-Fire Predictions For 2018
How crazy will 2018 be? Let us count the ways.
Jan 3rd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Jim Sullivan Will Head County Parks
Former state senator is new parks director, will be assisted by Jim Tarantino.
Dec 20th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Seattle Adds People Without Adding Traffic
Population up 21%, traffic down 3.3%, due to good transit. Can Milwaukee learn from this?
Dec 20th, 2017 by Angie Schmitt
