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 7
Statement on Action Taken during Today’s Joint Finance Committee Meeting
These legislative improvements will help Milwaukee County expand its impact on economic development and quality of life.
Jul 6th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chairwoman Dimitrijevic Responds to Proposals that Would Wipe-Out Public Transparency and Erase Checks and Balances in Milwaukee County Government
Requests that Assembly and Senate Remove Item #67 in Motion #999 from the State Budget
Jul 6th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
County Executive Abele Announces All MCTS Bus Rides Are FREE on Monday
Union leaders said they will allow their members to go back on the job Saturday, July 4, 2015.
Jul 3rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Weishan Says Abele Rides in Comfort While Average Citizens Wait for the Bus
“Abele’s anti-worker demands have led to a strike by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998...”
Jul 1st, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
County Executive Calls on Union to Restore Transit Service as soon as Possible
Throughout negotiations, the County has and will continue to remain focused on one outcome only – the best service for transit riders now and in the future.
Jun 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Weishan Calls Out County Executive on Selling Out Taxpayers
Weishan Calls Giving Away County Assets Irresponsible
Jun 30th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
County Executive Abele’s Statement on Today’s Ruling Allowing Couture Construction
I appreciate Judge Foley's clear decision allowing the redevelopment of the underused Downtown Transit Center to move forward.
Jun 26th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Love and Equality Win Again!
County Executive Abele Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of Equality
Jun 26th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Patricia Jursik Thanks the County Board for an Emergency Provision to Fix Pedestrian Foot Bridge
In May, the bridge finally washed out for the last time, and it was deemed too broken to replace.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Milwaukee County Adopts S.E.E.D. Legislation
Supervisors override executive veto of program to eliminate “food deserts” among elderly, low-income neighborhoods in Milwaukee County
Jun 25th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”
"Bad Debt Not a Revenue Stream"
Jun 15th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Sup. John Weishan, Jr.: Missed Opportunity for Growth with Bad Arena and Park East Plan
Weishan Calls County Arena Financing Plan “Unworkable”
Jun 8th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will unveil a new plan to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee County with Mayor Tom Barrett at the site of the new Thurgood Marshall Apartments on Tuesday, June 9.
Jun 8th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan
For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue
Jun 4th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Milwaukee County to Lead Development of Bus Rapid Transit Service
County Executive Chris Abele has directed the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation to explore connecting the region’s two biggest job centers with Bus Rapid Transit service.
Jun 2nd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Arena Funding Plan on Life Support; Time for Plan B
Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman June 2, 2015
Jun 2nd, 2015 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors set Public Hearing on Proposal to Develop Park East Land
Invites Public to the Table
Jun 2nd, 2015 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Cesar Chavez’s Birthday Becomes Minor Holiday for County Employees
Latino Civil Rights Leader to be Honored Annually on His Birthday, Resolution Allows Employees to Attend “Chavez Day of Action”
May 20th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
County Executive to Open New Season of Traveling Beer Garden™
Milwaukee County Parks Adds Second Tour in 2015
May 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Offers Free MCTS Rides for EVERYONE on April 28th
Rides on all MCTS buses will be free for everyone on April 28, 2015 thanks to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Apr 27th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Milwaukee County to be recognized as Silver Award winner at upcoming Well City Milwaukee event
The wellness program at Milwaukee County was designed and implemented with best practices based on what’s worked well in other organizations.
Apr 16th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Asks State Leaders to Build on Family Care’s Strength
MCDFC’s most recent quality audit noted measures in the Quality Management Program were 100% met.
Apr 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Brewers Line Begins Service on Opening Day
Getting to Miller Park to cheer on the Brewers has never been easier with the MCTS Brewers Line getting you straight to the game.
Apr 3rd, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Joins Dane County in Call for Indiana Travel Ban
Says Milwaukee County Taxpayer Dollars Should Not Be Spent in Indiana Due to State’s Discriminatory New “Religious Freedom” Law
Apr 1st, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Milwaukee County Unveils Street Sign for Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel
Wetzel was a door gunner for the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on January 8, 1968.
Mar 23rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MCTS Names Brendan Conway Chief Marketing and Communication Officer
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is proud to announce the hiring of Brendan Conway as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Mar 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Milwaukee County Parks Receives EPA Grant
$635,000 Grant for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Mar 17th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 State of the City Address
Monday, March 9th, 2015 - Alverno College
Mar 9th, 2015 by Tom Barrett
Veterans’ job fair will be Thursday at War Memorial
Event will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5; 80 employers expected
Mar 4th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
HOC Finds Stolen Gun in Laundry Delivered from County Jail
The incident is under investigation, but it appears the weapon was snuck into the County jail.
Feb 23rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Latest Pension Fix Explained
Supervisor Theo Lipscomb, Sr., issued the following statement regarding the latest pension fix:
Feb 17th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Critical Projects Move Forward; Dam Included
Supervisor Theo Lipscomb, Sr., issued the following statement regarding the veto of repair of Estabrook Dam:
Feb 17th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
County Board Offered Opportunity to Save Taxpayers $10 Million
Abele Asks Supervisors to Stop Pension Overpayments
Feb 16th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Exec Abele Announces MC Cares Program to Benefit Vets
County & State Partnership Helps Veterans Transitioning from Jail
Feb 9th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Alexander Issues Statement on Pension Buy-In/Buy-Back
"This problem is not an issue of left versus right, Democrat versus Republican, or even management versus unions."
Feb 5th, 2015 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
County Highway Worker Hit While Helping Car Stuck in the Snow
A Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Supervisor was hit by a car around noon today near 73rd and Silver Spring Drive.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Flip Flop Applesauce
Dysfunction Around the Estabrook Dam Continues at Milwaukee County as Finance Committee Votes to Switch County Policy on Dam. Again.
Jan 29th, 2015 by Milwaukee Riverkeeper
County Executive Abele Announces New Airport Director for MKE
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce Terry Slaybaugh as the new airport director for Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Jan 28th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Second Traveling Beer Garden Tour Added for 2015
More than $400,000 Raised Last Year, Money Goes to Improve Parks
Jan 27th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at King Center
“What a Beautiful World: A Salute to Those Who Protect and Serve” is the theme of this year’s public celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, Monday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.
Jan 9th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Defining Lakefront Vision Moves Forward
Sale of Couture Development Approved
Dec 18th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
UW-Extension and Hales Corners Wading Pool Amendments Stand, Capital Improvements Veto Overriden By County Board
Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today issued the following statement.
Nov 20th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
Abele Proposes Budget Compromise That Will Add Transit & Deputies, Match Employee Health Care Contributions and Lower Taxes $2.2 Million
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced his vetoes today.
Nov 18th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Executive Order, Keystone: No on the pipeline, yes on the cops
Press release from the Red Arnold campaign
Oct 24th, 2014 by Red Arnold
County Executive Abele Reminds People That Guns Are Not Allowed at the Courthouse
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele wants to remind people that it is against the law to bring a gun to the Courthouse, even if you have a concealed carry license. In less than a month security officers have caught two people bringing guns into the Courthouse. In both instances the weapons were identified by security officers and sheriff’s deputies were immediately notified. “While public discussion around this issue has sometimes been confusing, let me be perfectly clear: state law does not allow people to bring weapons of any kind into the Courthouse. The specific statute is intended to keep public spaces like the Courthouse safe. We take the law and public safety very seriously,” County Executive Abele said. According to State Statute 175.60 (http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/175/60), a licensee may not bring their weapon into “any portion of a building that is a county, state, or federal courthouse.”
Oct 23rd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Criticizes Administration For “Lack of Transparency” in Budget Proposal
Mayo Says Administration Officials Not Open About Their Decisions
Oct 10th, 2014 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Supervisor Taylor Announces Two Town Hall Meetings
Meetings set for October 22, 2014
Oct 8th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
Equality Wins in Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Immediately Issuing Same Sex Marriage Licenses
Oct 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Charlie Fox Comments on County Executive’s Budget in Absence of District Supervisor
Charlie Fox, candidate in the November 4 Special Election for the open 5th District Milwaukee County Board seat, attended County Executive Abele’s 2015 budget presentation.
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Charlie Fox
Supervisor Gerry Broderick Says County Executive’s Proposed Budget Projects Unrealistic Savings, Places Burden on the Backs of County Employees
Also Urges More Investment in County Infrastructure, Maintenance
Oct 1st, 2014 by Gerry Broderick
County Executive Abele Introduces $1.3 Billion Budget for 2015
Highlighting increases in public safety, mental health care and other critical services, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele introduced his 2015 Recommended Budget today.
Oct 1st, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Veterans Job Fair Expands to Record Number of Employers
The annual fall Milwaukee County Veterans Job Fair is the largest in the events history.
Sep 30th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Khalif Rainey Applauds Board Action on Voter ID Resolution
Resolution Provides Free Transportation to DMV for Those Needing Photo IDs
Sep 25th, 2014 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Increased Public Safety, Expanded Mental Health Care Services and Tax Freeze Top Abele’s 2015 Budget Proposal
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will highlight his 2015 Budget Proposal
Sep 21st, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Efficient Lighting Along the Lakefront
The lights along Milwaukee's Lakefront are getting an upgrade, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced today
Sep 17th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Offers Help to Aging Veterans
Free Event Tomorrow
Sep 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Hamilton case shows need for new county investigation unit
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. September 10, 2014
Sep 10th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony
Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and other local leaders will honor the victims of September 11, 2001.
Sep 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Another Historic Step Forward for Marriage Equality
New Marriage Licenses Remain on Hold
Sep 4th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Great Plan Gets Even Better!
1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan
Sep 3rd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Deadbeat Dad Arrested in California
Raul Cardona Owes His Children $250,000
Aug 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Holds Budget Town Hall Meetings
County Executive Chris Abele invites the community to two town hall meetings on his 2015 Proposed Budget.
Aug 9th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10
The longtime Democratic Senator endorsed Tia because of her commitment to voters.
Aug 7th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
County Board Committee Approves Abele’s $7K Donation to Pay for Courthouse Overtime
“It’s safe to say this is the best $7,000 I’ve ever spent.”
Jul 24th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Toast Opening of Red Arrow Park Beer Garden
Veterans and Active Military Members Receive Discount
Jul 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Proposed Sale of O’Donnell Parking Structure Will Benefit Entire Community
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says he is excited about the opportunity of partnering with Northwestern Mutual in a potential sale of the O’Donnell Parking Garage.
Jul 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive and Sheriff Working Together to Protect Taxpayers
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke are announcing a crackdown on employees abusing medical leave.
Jul 2nd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Anti-Marriage Equality Lawsuit Quickly Dismissed
Abele Sued Over His Support of Same Sex Marriage
Jun 30th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Taking Politics Out of Mental Health Care
Newly Named Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Will Make a Difference
Jun 27th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Clerk Czarnezki Congratulates Same Sex Couples and Thanks Staff
“Judge Crabb’s decision is a giant step towards marriage equality,”
Jun 17th, 2014 by Sup. Joe Czarnezki
Milwaukee County Receives $1.8 Million for Fatherhood Program
Milwaukee County Child Support Services Department has received $1.8 million to continue its award winning fatherhood program.
Jun 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Disappointed in Marriage Decision, Vows to Keep Fighting for Equality
County Executive Chris Abele said he is disappointed in U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb’s ruling today that halts same sex marriages.
Jun 13th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Courthouse Open Saturday for Weddings, Register of Deeds Offering Birth Certificates
The Milwaukee County Courthouse will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, June 7th to allow couples to receive marriage licenses.
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Orders Courthouse Open Late to Allow Couples to Marry
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is keeping the Courthouse open late today in the wake of the historic court ruling allowing same sex couples to get married in Wisconsin.
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Partnership Will Spark Park East Development
City, County, State, Federal Government and Private Sector Working Together
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
I love Wisconsin and I love Milwaukee – that is why I’m running.
Tia Torhorst Announces Campaign for 10th Assembly District
Jun 6th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday
Southeast Wisconsin Regional Heroin/Opiates Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 4.
Jun 3rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee County Unveils Program to Fight Foreclosure Crisis
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is proud to announce the Milwaukee County Foreclosure Initiative.
Jun 2nd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Weishan Demands Full Disclosure of John Doe Records
Says County Executive Chris Abele "Should Not Help Scott Walker Cover Up"
May 23rd, 2014 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Weishan to County Executive: “Where is Your Solution to the Pension Issue?”
Supervisor Says County Executive Must Propose a Solution to Pension Issue
May 16th, 2014 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Dramatic Turnaround at Milwaukee County House of Correction
One year after County Executive Chris Abele took over the operations of the Milwaukee County House of Correction (HOC), the facility has seen a dramatic and positive turnaround.
May 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Celebrate Bike to Work Week with Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and the Wisconsin Bike Federation are teaming up for a group bicycle ride on Wednesday, May 14th.
May 13th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Marquette Law School, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to host one-day conference on political polarization
Marquette University Law School and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will host a one-day conference titled “Dividing Lines: Political Polarization and What it Means for Campaigns, Public Policy, and Political Engagement.”
May 6th, 2014 by Marquette University
City/County Dog Exercise Area to Open in Bay View
A True Partnership for the People
May 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee County Parks
The Time is Now to Move Forward on Transit
Supervisor Mayo calls on the County Executive to take immediate action and re-open the bid for transit.
Apr 28th, 2014 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Voter Registration Resolution Passes County Board
Supervisor Rainey Urges County Executive to Sign Measure Designed to Increase Voter Participation
Apr 24th, 2014 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Supervisor Taylor Not Schocked That Taxpayers Were Deceived About Additional Costs of Recently Approved Living Wage Ordinance
Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with and voted against a resolution that provides funding for three staff positions at the Milwaukee County Comptroller's Office.
Apr 24th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
County Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
‘Food Truck Thursdays’ Return to the Courthouse
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele welcomes back some of the best food on wheels when Food Truck Thursday returns to the Courthouse on Thursday, April 17th.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
10th Street Reopening TODAY
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will officially reopen 10th Street in front of the Courthouse at 3pm today.
Apr 11th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Says County Executive Is Not Being Transparent About Transit Appeal Process
Transit Ridership of Milwaukee County is "Handcuffed" by The County Executive's Demand for a New RFP Appeals Process
Apr 9th, 2014 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Jursik Says Transit Debate Too Important for Playing Russian Roulette
"I'm from the Private Sector and I'm here to help myself."
Apr 9th, 2014 by Patricia Jursik
County Executive Abele Thanks Governor Walker for Signing Bill to Improve Mental Health Care
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks Governor Scott Walker for signing a bill today that will create an independent board of experts to oversee Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Hospital.
Apr 8th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Study: Riders Want Improved Transit
Abele Offers Plan to Add Service, Asks For County Board Support
Apr 8th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Fallen Iraq War Soldier Honored with Street Renaming
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are proud to announce the honorary renaming of a section of Richards Street after Army Specialist Michelle Witmer.
Apr 4th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Statement on Milwaukee County Board Referendum
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the Milwaukee County Board referendum.
Apr 1st, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor David Bowen Criticizes Referendum, Supporters
Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen issued the following statement regarding tomorrow’s referendum on County Supervisors’ pay and benefits.
Mar 31st, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
Mike Lovell Choice is Great News for Marquette and Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the hiring of Mike Lovell as the new president of Marquette University.
Mar 26th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Praises Passage of Bills to Improve Mental Health Care and Create Jobs
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the State Senate for the passage of two bipartisan bills that will strengthen Milwaukee County.
Mar 11th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Memo to County Board from County Executive Abele re: Transit
Memo from County Executive Chris Abele
Mar 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
