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 5
Where Are Tonight’s Candidate Parties?
Win or lose, today's primary candidates will be partying. But where? Here's the details.
Feb 16th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
The Other Candidate for County Executive
Joe Klein believes citizens should have access to government records on a 24/7 basis.
Feb 12th, 2016 by Michael Holloway
Did Democratic Debate Help Milwaukee?
And did Clinton or Sanders win? Morning-after reflections.
Feb 12th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Liberal Group Seeks Talk Radio Voice
Claims AM conservative talk radio is "racist" and "hateful." Is liberal talk radio possible?
Feb 10th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Could Abele Sell County Parks?
Abele says he won’t, but state law allows sale of 43 parks. Supervisors move to bar this.
Jan 31st, 2016 by Virginia Small
County Will Allow Politics in Parks
“Bizarre” ban on political activity had restricted free speech for more than a decade.
Jan 19th, 2016 by Virginia Small
Dr. Sheldon Wasserman’s Lesser Manse
The Democrat's $655,700 Lake Dr. home barely compares to his neighbors' mansions.
Jan 15th, 2016 by Michael Horne
5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016
A big year for the developer and proof the city's development momentum hasn't slowed.
Jan 7th, 2016 by Dave Reid
Ten Predictions for 2016
A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.
Jan 2nd, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
9 Most Commented-On Stories of 2015
Crime, the streetcar, teacher pay, the Bucks bailout and other issues left readers battling.
Dec 31st, 2015 by Urban Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s Top 10 Political Stories Of 2015
Walker and Republican legislators dominate this year's top political stories in Wisconsin.
Dec 28th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Repairing Estabrook Dam Will Cost Less
When all costs are considered, removing the dam could cost far more than repair.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by David Holmes
Street Food Tapas for Brady Street
And a new pie place for 55th and North. Both places sound yummy.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
WCD Board Says No Twice to Abele
Board won’t take over Marcus Center and won’t form committee to study idea. Might consider by 2020.
Dec 18th, 2015 by Virginia Small
What Will WCD Board Do About Marcus Center?
Abele wants them to take over arts center but WCD board members would rather wait till 2020.
Dec 17th, 2015 by Virginia Small
Estabrook Dam’s Golden Age for Swimming
It was a huge success, with heavy use of public swimming and beaches. What happened? Part 3 of series.
Dec 16th, 2015 by David Holmes
New Era for Riverside Theater
Cool new retro marquee unveiled. And an ongoing project will upgrade the entire theater.
Dec 16th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Marcus Center Cast Into Limbo
No one seems to agree with Abele's plan to have it absorbed by sprawling Wisconsin Center District.
Dec 14th, 2015 by Virginia Small
Why Estabrook Dam Must Be Saved
Removing it could cost more, damage environment and foreclose innovative solutions. First in a series.
Nov 24th, 2015 by David Holmes
New Milwaukee Area Trails Completed
Most notable: lakefront trail now extends past Hampton, connects to Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
Nov 22nd, 2015 by Dave Schlabowske
1894 Building Boasts New Orleans-Style Bar
New Brass Alley on Third St. has spent heavily on atmosphere. Evolution ping pong bar is on 2nd floor.
Nov 20th, 2015 by Michael Horne
How Liberals Imitate Right Wing
Their stance on Abele and charter schools is just as close-minded as right wingers.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Despite Budget Cuts, UWM Keeps Innovating
More partnerships, more patents, more research, more endowment funds.
Nov 18th, 2015 by John Torinus
Chris Abele’s High-Rise Double Condo
Now separated from his wife, he has a luxurious, 8,132-square-foot suite near the top of the Moderne.
Nov 17th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee School Named After Ben Carson
The Benjamin Carson Academy of Science "fails to meet expectations." Remind you of anyone?
Nov 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
How Sheriff Clarke Wrecked House of Correction
And how it’s been improved since he lost control.
Nov 9th, 2015 by Kit Murphy McNally
Abele Faces Attack on Free Bus Rides
Though his challenger for county exec, Chris Larson, is undecided on issue, it could still impact the race.
Nov 4th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Marching Towards Ideological Conformity
Ideology prevents Republicans from offering real solutions. Ditto for liberal charter school haters.
Oct 20th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Black Leaders Demand Changes to Address Poverty
State and county criticized for not addressing high city poverty and black unemployment.
Oct 15th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Chris Larson’s War Against Abele
State senator running for county executive blasts Abele with personal attacks, will divide Democrats.
Oct 15th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
County Wins $10 Million for Fatherhood Program
Federal grant for “Responsible Fatherhood” will help fathers support their children, Abele says.
Oct 9th, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Bublr Bikes Expands to UWM
Six new bike stations now at UWM. Barrett, Abele and UWM and Bublr representatives cheer the news.
Oct 6th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Abele Hails $1.6 Million Development Fund
County and community group will partner, co-funding near West Side community development.
Oct 1st, 2015 by Michael Holloway
County Free Bus-Ride Program Faces Shortfall
Free rides for seniors and disabled could cost $4 million, causing service cuts or fare hikes.
Sep 28th, 2015 by Graham Kilmer
MillerCoors Celebrates 160 Years
Event attendees celebrate "Miller Time" with a lager from 1855.
Sep 24th, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land
Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.
Sep 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Civic Groups Fight MPS “Takeover” Plan
Coalition of 22 groups assails state plan giving county exec power over struggling schools.
Aug 27th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
Questions Remain on “Opportunity Schools”
Republican plan giving Abele power over low-performing MPS schools offers few details.
Aug 25th, 2015 by Joe Yeado
Will Bucks Break Their Lease?
Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee
Aug 11th, 2015 by Pat Small
Abele and Lubar Help Startup Businesses
M7 region needs more entrepreneurs to reinvent economy.
Aug 4th, 2015 by John Torinus
Is Abele Dumping the Marcus Center?
Its takeover by new “Super District” running Bucks arena looks fishy.
Jul 28th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Why Bucks’ Entertainment District May Fail
Across the country these mega-projects have hurt cities with generic development that banishes local charm.
Jul 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Bids to Be King?
Proposal increasing county exec’s authority is a naked power grab with no public discussion or hearings and dangerously unforeseen consequences.
Jul 7th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Who’s To Blame for Bus Strike?
The union? Chris Abele? John Weishan? Scott Walker? A frank assessment.
Jul 2nd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)
Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?
Jun 30th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit Expansion Urged
Milwaukee is far behind other cities, which will make it harder to attract young workers, experts at conference agreed.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Our Children “Are Not For Sale”
Local coalition uses shocking ads on bus shelters and vending machines to combat human trafficking.
Jun 19th, 2015 by Allison Dikanovic
Communication Breakdown at Milwaukee County?
Will Wisconsin Center District take over the Marcus Center? Frustrated supervisors grill Abele administration and get nowhere.
Jun 17th, 2015 by Hayley Keith
An End to Chronic Homelessness?
That's the aim of a new joint county/city venture led by Chris Abele.
Jun 15th, 2015 by Hayley Keith
“Wisconsin Is a Hub of Human Trafficking…”
"And Milwaukee harbors its pimp school!" Government officials and civic leaders announce a marketing campaign to raise awareness of child trafficking.
Jun 12th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
New Housing Program for Homeless
Journey House program serves those aged 18-25.
Jun 12th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
How Abele Bailed Out Walker
Governor made fatal error on Bucks arena, but Abele volunteered county taxpayers to solve the problem.
Jun 11th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
A Weekend of Gay Pride
Pridefest gets all the attention, but the Pride Parade is a true slice of Milwaukee that draws a very diverse crowd.
Jun 5th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Abele Plan for Bucks Arena Won’t Work
The county has nowhere near $4 million in annual debt for state to collect -- and Abele may lack the power to deliver it.
Jun 4th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee
County taxpayers will pay far more than predicted, as state legislators back away from the deal.
May 29th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
New Outdoor Cafe for Public Market?
Plus, a new parking plan for the Pritzlaff Building and a huge increase in wedding bookings at the Pritzlaff. All were revealed at Third Ward ARB meeting.
Apr 23rd, 2015 by Michael Horne
How To Become An Entrepreneur
Panel at The Commons offers advice, encouragement, and anecdotes.
Apr 16th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Bucks Plan Envisions Arena Streetcar
$1 billion plan for new arena and other development would transform Park East land and tear down Bradley Center.
Apr 8th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Boom in Walker’s Point
A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
New App Helps Domestic Violence Victims
Created by Sojourner center and UWM students, it's available to 99 percent of smartphone users.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Andrea Waxman
The Transportation Circus
Story and photos on Tuesday's celebration of transit in Milwaukee.
Apr 1st, 2015 by Grace Fuhr
Don’t Sell O’Donnell Park
The proposed plan is being sold as a chance to simply get bids from buyers, but it's really about selling our heritage to private developers.
Mar 24th, 2015 by John Lunz
Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
The County Board’s Anti-Environmental Boondoggle
Its Estabrook Dam decision will cost taxpayers millions and harm environment.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
New Plan to Sell O’Donnell Park Is A Mistake
Proposed resolution would allow county to sell O’Donnell Park for redevelopment by any private developer.
Feb 3rd, 2015 by John Lunz and Laurie Muench
Will County Pass Another Pension Giveaway?
Board members favor a “grandfather clause” protecting retirees with illegal payments that could cost taxpayers $10 million.
Feb 3rd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Does Milwaukee Need an Aerotropolis?
Many cities have embraced concept of airport centered growth. Is Milwaukee falling behind?
Jan 15th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
New Express Bus Routes Start in January
The good news: Three new express routes will move riders more quickly across the county. The bad: transit system running out of money.
Dec 3rd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Is O’Donnell Purchase a Sweetheart Deal?
Northwestern Mutual won’t sign full deed restriction for county deal, leaving it free to develop a high-rise development on lakefront land.
Nov 25th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Do Democrats Have a Future?
They need to get 55 percent of the vote to get back the legislature. Will any strategy work?
Nov 14th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
51st Veterans Day Parade
Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.
Nov 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park
The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.
Oct 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Tau Kappa Epsilon House
The TKE fraternity's 1904 home has operated as a rooming house for generations, but it's now suspended and its president faces drug charges.
Sep 29th, 2014 by Michael Horne
MIAD Apartments Changes Irk Bauman, Who Demands Fix
A planned community gathering space instead becomes an underwhelming staircase.
Sep 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?
He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?
Sep 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Blasts Abele, Bloomberg
His rock was talk radio, he writes in Washington Times.
Aug 20th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Will Liberal Democrats Undermine Mary Burke?
Opposition to a pro-business Democrat could help Walker win reelection.
Aug 20th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke
A stunning election increases his power. What does it mean for Milwaukee?
Aug 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Goes O-fer On Election Night
Sheriff Clarke wins democratic primary. Plus: The rest of election night's winners and losers.
Aug 13th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?
Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?
Aug 5th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele
Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?
Aug 1st, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic
She’s running for assembly but wanted to continue as county supervisor and collect two full-time salaries.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
County Board Goes Crazy Over Referendums
Board wants to put 4 advisory referendum questions on the ballot, at a cost of more than $100,000. Why?
Jul 10th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground
The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.
Jun 19th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Finally, a New Park East Plan
Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?
Jun 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Who’s To Blame For Yet Another Pension Giveaway?
Abele wants some 200 retirees to stop getting illegal pension benefits, but board members are outraged.
May 20th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Another Journal Sentinel Purge
Veteran county reporter Steve Schultze is among those who may leave.
Apr 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Eyon Biddle’s Rescued Rental
The candidate for alderman lives in Triangle North neighborhood, on a block rescued by investor Yusuf Dahl.
Apr 22nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Extraordinary Fiscal Liberalism of David Clarke
It’s difficult to find anyone who increases his budget faster than Sheriff Clarke.
Apr 10th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Will Waukesha Be Less Hostile to Milwaukee?
Defeat of Mayor Jeff Scrima could mean better relations between the two cities.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Troubled Legacy of Tom Ament
Former county exec’s lucrative pension plan caused scandal, transformed Milwaukee politics, and led way for Scott Walker.
Mar 11th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?
Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
