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

2020 County Exec Race: Seven Will Run for County Executive

Contribution to Andrea Pratt of $770

2020 County Exec Race: Seven Will Run for County Executive

Contribution to Andrea Pratt of $770

2020 County Exec Race: Seven Will Run for County Executive

Contribution to Peter Burgelis of $816

2020 County Exec Race: Seven Will Run for County Executive
2020 County Exec Race

Seven Will Run for County Executive

Gwen Moore endorses Lipscomb, Crowley has raised $53,000, no word from Abele.

Milwaukee County Announces Major Reforms in the Register of Deeds Office
Press Release

Milwaukee County Announces Major Reforms in the Register of Deeds Office

Milwaukee County Register of Deeds office expects annual cost savings of $150,000

Top 10 of 2019: Most Popular Plenty of Horne Columns
Top 10 of 2019

Most Popular Plenty of Horne Columns

Scott Walker, Chris Abele, John Norquist and Rudy Guiliani all made the list.

American Federation of Teachers Local 212 COPE Endorses Chris Larson
Alaska Airlines Doubles Milwaukee-Seattle Flights
Press Release

Alaska Airlines Doubles Milwaukee-Seattle Flights

Increases daily flights from one to two for summer 2020

2020 County Exec Race: Jim Sullivan Will Run For County Executive
2020 County Exec Race

Jim Sullivan Will Run For County Executive

County administrator and former legislator emphasizes need for sound management.

MKE County: Wilson Park Homeless Warming Center Debated
MKE County

Wilson Park Homeless Warming Center Debated

Public meeting gets unruly on proposal to let homeless sleep overnight in senior center.

Milwaukee County Parks Announces Initial Funding for Milwaukee Parks Foundation
Press Release

Milwaukee County Parks Announces Initial Funding for Milwaukee Parks Foundation

More than $350,000 in initial gifts will support programming, infrastructure projects and long-term multi-park improvement campaigns that focus on racial equity across Milwaukee County

2020 County Exec Race: Six Now Running for County Executive
2020 County Exec Race

Six Now Running for County Executive

Democrat Chris Larson and Trump supporter Purnima Nath join four other candidates.

MKE County: Fox Point Trustee to Run for County Board
MKE County

Fox Point Trustee to Run for County Board

"Relatively frugal" liberal Democrat Liz Sumner to run for seat Lipscomb is vacating.

MKE County: Why the Bus Union Didn’t Strike
MKE County

Why the Bus Union Didn’t Strike

MCTS offer of back pay for workers, and weariness after 21 months bargaining, were key.

Lipscomb Statement on Lack of Vetoes in 2020 County Budget
Press Release

Lipscomb Statement on Lack of Vetoes in 2020 County Budget

"Today’s update from the County Executive’s Office that he will not issue any budget vetoes continues the cooperation between the legislative and executive branches during the 2020 budget process..."

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Signs 2020 budget
Press Release

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Signs 2020 budget

Prioritizing investments for residents and communities most in need were cornerstones of the balanced budget as County leaders unite to pursue new revenue sources

MKE County: All Quiet on the Budget Front
MKE County

All Quiet on the Budget Front

Board passes 2020 budget with no clashes with Abele and small change in spending.

Back in the News: Poll Shows Barrett Way Ahead
Back in the News

Poll Shows Barrett Way Ahead

Zielinski, Taylor do poorly and more voters favor streetcar.

MKE County: Lipscomb Will Run for County Exec
MKE County

Lipscomb Will Run for County Exec

County Board chair says troubled finances must be focus of next county executive.

Marquette University to cohost social justice summit with NŌ STUDIOS
Press Release

Marquette University to cohost social justice summit with NŌ STUDIOS

The summit will feature a variety of activists, artists, authors and academics converging to discuss the lived experience of disenfranchisement and offer solutions to some of the most pressing social justice issues affecting us locally, nationally and internationally.

It’s time we rethink County government
Press Release

It’s time we rethink County government

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 11, 2019

Alderman Cavalier Johnson on Running for Milwaukee County Executive
Press Release

Alderman Cavalier Johnson on Running for Milwaukee County Executive

I believe that my focus should remain on the work at hand in City Hall at this time.

MCTS Has Highest-Rated Transit Tracking and Ticketing App in North America
Press Release

MCTS Has Highest-Rated Transit Tracking and Ticketing App in North America

In less than two years, the app has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, received thousands of positive reviews and achieved an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in the iOS App Store.

Transportation: Thursday Transit Strike Averted
Transportation

Thursday Transit Strike Averted

Transit union will vote on contract offer from MCTS.

Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy Announces Campaign for Milwaukee County Executive
Press Release

Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy Announces Campaign for Milwaukee County Executive

"My executive experience and record of bringing people together to create effective solutions makes me the strongest candidate for Milwaukee County Executive."

Film Fans Turn Out in Record Numbers for 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival
Press Release

Film Fans Turn Out in Record Numbers for 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival

Audience award winners include documentaries on Toni Morrison, Molly Ivins

MKE County: Revised Budget Saves More Transit
MKE County

Revised Budget Saves More Transit

Board scrapes the barrel for funds to save bus routes, prevent various service cuts.

Lipscomb Amendment Restores Services and Invests in County Facilities, Workers
Press Release

Lipscomb Amendment Restores Services and Invests in County Facilities, Workers

"I want to thank my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for working with me to restore critical public services, preserve our facilities, and invest in our county employees."

MKE County: Board Adds Domes Funding to Budget
MKE County

Board Adds Domes Funding to Budget

Abele's budget had no funding. Board members embrace consultant's $60 million domes plan

Milwaukee Film Doubles Cash Support for Brico Forward Fund Winners
Press Release

Milwaukee Film Doubles Cash Support for Brico Forward Fund Winners

Global filmmakers and local champions recognized at annual Filmmaker Awards Brunch

Barrett, Moore to Lead Growing DNC Team

Barrett, Moore to Lead Growing DNC Team

19 honorary chairs round out Milwaukee 2020 leadership.

Transportation: Could Federal Grant Revive the Jobline?
Transportation

Could Federal Grant Revive the Jobline?

Supervisors eager to recreate the shuttered bus service push to use federal grant.

Murphy’s Law: Who Will Run for County Executive?
Murphy’s Law

Who Will Run for County Executive?

The list is long and could get longer. Handicapping the favorites. 

Chose MKE to Add Flights, Jobs, and Millions of $$$ to our Hometown
Press Release

Chose MKE to Add Flights, Jobs, and Millions of $$$ to our Hometown

Results of the Airport’s recent economic impact study show that if Milwaukeeans choose MKE over a Chicago airport, we could add new flights, hundreds of new jobs and more than $200 million annually to Wisconsin’s economy.

Op Ed: Milwaukee County Needs a Bold Vision
Op Ed

Milwaukee County Needs a Bold Vision

Creative leadership could save money, pay for more services.

Senator Lena Taylor Response on Chris Abele not seeking re-election
Press Release

Senator Lena Taylor Response on Chris Abele not seeking re-election

"It is flattering to hear people mention my name as a candidate for County Executive; however, I am laser-focused on fighting for the people of the City of Milwaukee."

Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Press Release

Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele

"After nine years in a job I love, I have decided not to run for re-election."

Chris Abele Won’t Seek Reelection

Chris Abele Won’t Seek Reelection

County executive reverses course in surprise announcement, won't run for reelection.

Milwaukee County Announces New Investments in Homeless Prevention Services in the 2020 Budget
Press Release

Milwaukee County Announces New Investments in Homeless Prevention Services in the 2020 Budget

$250,000 investment in the Housing First Initiative will support prevention programming

MKE County: County Plans to Expand South Shore Beer Garden
MKE County

County Plans to Expand South Shore Beer Garden

County announces plans to spend $50,000 to plan and design beer garden expansion.

Sup. Dimitrijevic Announces Plans to Expand South Shore Terrace Beer Garden
Press Release

Sup. Dimitrijevic Announces Plans to Expand South Shore Terrace Beer Garden

"Thank you to County Executive Abele for including the funding needed to start the process of expanding the successful South Shore beer garden in my district."

MKE County: Abele’s Budget Sees Cuts, and New Programs
MKE County

Abele’s Budget Sees Cuts, and New Programs

Proposed budget closes two pools and cuts bus routes, but boosts the Sheriff's department

Milwaukee County Announces Transition to Electronic Monitoring
Press Release

Milwaukee County Announces Transition to Electronic Monitoring

Proposal calls for the safe reduction of the incarcerated population by enabling individuals in the justice system to maintain employment and connection to community

County Ends Vendor’s Contract Due to Actions at Border

County Ends Vendor’s Contract Due to Actions at Border

Southwest Key's immigrant detention centers for unaccompanied minors cause termination.

Park’s ‘Maptacular’ art project returns for second season
Press Release

Park’s ‘Maptacular’ art project returns for second season

This year’s unique maps, which were revealed at a gallery night at the Mitchell Park Domes on Thursday night.

Transportation: Bauman Wants 1.5 Percent Sales Tax
Transportation

Bauman Wants 1.5 Percent Sales Tax

Additional funding would be dedicated to transit service, end what the alderman calls a "death spiral"

Airport Getting a Commercial ‘Refresh’

Airport Getting a Commercial ‘Refresh’

Cousins Subs and Starbucks open new locations at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

New Food and Beverage Options for MKE Travelers
Press Release

New Food and Beverage Options for MKE Travelers

Cousins Subs and Starbucks open in Concourse C

Transportation: Transit Union Stages Rally

Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000

Transportation: Transit Union Stages Rally
Transportation

Transit Union Stages Rally

Calls for contract to include to backpay and driver security measures, and for the restoration of bus routes.

“Moving Milwaukee Forward” Bill Introduced

“Moving Milwaukee Forward” Bill Introduced

Goyke, Johnson push bill allowing local voters to approve 1% county sales tax.

Transportation: Transit Cuts Reduced By Abele
Transportation

Transit Cuts Reduced By Abele

After questions raised, his revised 2020 budget finds more revenue for bus system.

Alderman Donovan urges GOP legislative leaders to use caution on sales tax ask
Press Release

Alderman Donovan urges GOP legislative leaders to use caution on sales tax ask

Media alert and letter from Alderman Bob Donovan

Milwaukee County Announces $4 Million Grant to Support Young Adults Experiencing Mental Health Diagnoses
Press Release

Milwaukee County Announces $4 Million Grant to Support Young Adults Experiencing Mental Health Diagnoses

Federal grant will support DHHS Behavior Health Division’s Wraparound Milwaukee program to connect young adults to employment, education and housing opportunities

MKE County: Supervisors Question Couture Project
MKE County

Supervisors Question Couture Project

Staskunas says county should consider other options, doubts 44-story tower will happen.

Special Report: How New York Handles Juvenile Justice
Special Report

How New York Handles Juvenile Justice

"Close to Home" program could provide model for Wisconsin. First in a series.

Milwaukee Area Elected Officials and Community Leaders Propose a New Revenue Solution to Invest in our Communities
Press Release

Milwaukee Area Elected Officials and Community Leaders Propose a New Revenue Solution to Invest in our Communities

An unprecedented partnership will move forward to pursue new revenue solutions that provide property tax relief to residents through a local option sales tax

City Hall: Tax Hike Would Give City $50 Million Per Year
City Hall

Tax Hike Would Give City $50 Million Per Year

Barrett says proposed 1% sales tax hike would fund police, fire, streets, property tax relief.

MKE County: Unique Coalition Seeks Sales Tax Hike
MKE County

Unique Coalition Seeks Sales Tax Hike

County officials, all 19 municipalities, business leaders back plan to net $160 million per year.

Transportation: Bus Union Authorizes a Strike
Transportation

Bus Union Authorizes a Strike

The union votes no on MCTS' final contract offer, gives leadership power to call strike.

City Hall: Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor
City Hall

Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor

"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.

Abele Urges Bus Drivers to Settle Contract

Abele Urges Bus Drivers to Settle Contract

Union and county transit system have been in contract fight for 18 months.

An Open Letter From County Executive Chris Abele to ATU Leadership
Press Release

An Open Letter From County Executive Chris Abele to ATU Leadership

This contract provides a 2 percent raise upon contract signing, with another 1.1 percent raise on April 1, 2020.

Murphy’s Law: Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?
Murphy’s Law

Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?

Another easy win seems certain. Which may not be so good for Milwaukee.

ATU Local 998 Challenges MCTS 2020 ‘Budget Hole’ Projection
Press Release

ATU Local 998 Challenges MCTS 2020 ‘Budget Hole’ Projection

Preliminary investigation points to millions of over projected MCTS operating expenses since 2015

Chris Abele Donates $100,000 to Adams Garden Park As Challenge Grant to Close the Gap
Press Release

Chris Abele Donates $100,000 to Adams Garden Park As Challenge Grant to Close the Gap

Adams Garden Park is the latest endeavor for Larry and Sharon Adams, the retired Co-Founders of Walnut Way Conservation Corp., whose work was highlighted recently on the CBS Morning Show.

Campaign Cash: Liberal 527 Groups Crush GOP Groups
Campaign Cash

Liberal 527 Groups Crush GOP Groups

State’s pro-Democratic special interest groups raised 5 times more than pro-GOP groups in first half of 2019.

Airport Requests $25.5 Million for Upgrade

Airport Requests $25.5 Million for Upgrade

Expanded international terminal could draw more flights, passengers.

Public Museum Could Lose Accreditation

Public Museum Could Lose Accreditation

MPM asking county for funding to fix leaky roof, air conditioning system.

Public Shocked by ‘For Sale’ Signs in County Parks

Public Shocked by ‘For Sale’ Signs in County Parks

Parks group uses "For Sale" signs to raise awareness and support for parks funding.

Milwaukee County Announces Upcoming Budget Public Engagement Sessions
Press Release

Milwaukee County Announces Upcoming Budget Public Engagement Sessions

Four sessions in partnership with Milwaukee County Supervisors provide forum for residents to share priorities and weigh in on new revenue options

City Hall: Will He or Won’t He Run for Mayor?
City Hall

Will He or Won’t He Run for Mayor?

Council president Ashanti Hamilton promises his decision by next week.

NO STUDIOS to Hose Medusa Jr Produced by and Featuring 8 Year Old Gabriella Mancuso
Press Release

NO STUDIOS to Hose Medusa Jr Produced by and Featuring 8 Year Old Gabriella Mancuso

A theatrical performance starring local young female actors depicting the young lives of pioneering women, with three performance dates: August 23rd, 24th, 25th

Milwaukee Film Expands Festival Footprint
Press Release

Milwaukee Film Expands Festival Footprint

Cedarburg and the Third Ward Neighborhoods Added. Rivoli Theatre and Broadway Theatre Center Join as New Film Venues

MKE County: Domes Proposal Requires Great Speed
MKE County

Domes Proposal Requires Great Speed

Consultant's "Think Big" solution requires fast-paced applications for grants, tax credits.

‘MCTS Excellence’ Video Series Honored with Prestigious National Award
Press Release

‘MCTS Excellence’ Video Series Honored with Prestigious National Award

MCTS Excellence began in late 2016 as a video series posted on the company’s website and official social media accounts.

Milwaukee County Officials Remind Residents to Take Precautions During the Hot Weather
Press Release

Milwaukee County Officials Remind Residents to Take Precautions During the Hot Weather

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for south central and southeast Wisconsin from 12:00PM on July 18 through 11:00PM on July 19

City Hall: Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election
City Hall

Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election

The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.

Milwaukee County Launches Balancing Act
Press Release

Milwaukee County Launches Balancing Act

Interactive online tool challenges users to close Milwaukee County’s projected $28 million budget gap using existing and capped revenue options

One Year Out: Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee Releases Video to Mark Countdown to Democratic National Convention
Way To Go, County Board!
Press Release

Way To Go, County Board!

For too long, workers and community members have been shut out of the MCTS leadership.

MKE County: Abele’s Power Over County Transit Targeted
MKE County

Abele’s Power Over County Transit Targeted

Proposal gives county supervisors and employees more power over county bus system.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Mansion Hotel Proposal Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Mansion Hotel Proposal Approved

Historic Preservation Commission okays conversion of Marshall St. mansion to small hotel.

MKE County: County May Have To Sell Parks
MKE County

County May Have To Sell Parks

Report predicts county's growing structural deficit could mean selling parks to reduce costs.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and The Department of Health and Human Services Announce New Approach for Youth Justice Reform
Press Release

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and The Department of Health and Human Services Announce New Approach for Youth Justice Reform

Milwaukee County’s submission for State funding proposes a transformative approach to youth justice by developing a continuum of responsive services, including residential setting development

MKE County: The County’s Queen of Hemp
MKE County

The County’s Queen of Hemp

Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.

Plats and Parcels: State Aids Convention Center Expansion
Plats and Parcels

State Aids Convention Center Expansion

Plus: Affordable housing developer buys south side site, Irgens plan to redevelop M&I building

NO STUDIOS Presents Inaugural Dance Fest July 19-20
Press Release

NO STUDIOS Presents Inaugural Dance Fest July 19-20

Two-day event to feature dancers from New York-based Ailey II, Joined by Six Milwaukee Area Dance Companies, Performing together for the first time.

House Confidential: Crew Destroying Abele’s Mansion
House Confidential

Crew Destroying Abele’s Mansion

Historic $2.6 million Eschweiler mansion built by one of city's most esteemed architects.

NO STUDIOS Presents Inaugural Dance Fest July 19-20
Press Release

NO STUDIOS Presents Inaugural Dance Fest July 19-20

Two-day event to feature dancers from New York-based Ailey II, Joined by Six Milwaukee Area Dance Companies, Performing together for the first time.

Photo Gallery: Juneteenth Day 2019
Photo Gallery

Juneteenth Day 2019

State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.

County Board Honors Seven MCTS Bus Drivers for Finding Lost, Missing Children
Press Release

County Board Honors Seven MCTS Bus Drivers for Finding Lost, Missing Children

Several other MCTS Drivers and Transit Security Officers have also come to the aid of lost or missing children over the years.

Campaign Targets Abele’s Plan to Raze Home

Campaign Targets Abele’s Plan to Raze Home

Shorewood residents organize letter writing campaign, online petition to save historic Eschweiler mansion.

Gay High Schooler Denied a Valedictory Speech Will Join Victory Fund at World Pride in New York City
Press Release

Gay High Schooler Denied a Valedictory Speech Will Join Victory Fund at World Pride in New York City

Victory Fund Board Chair Chris Abele will pay all expenses for Nat Werth to attend World Pride as well as Victory Institute’s Candidate & Campaign Training

MKE County: County Seeks Allies in Call for State Aid

Contribution to Patricia Najera of $794

MKE County: County Seeks Allies in Call for State Aid
MKE County

County Seeks Allies in Call for State Aid

Unfunded state mandates and a decade of declining state aid driving county's huge deficit.

New Plan for Bradford Beach Ramp

New Plan for Bradford Beach Ramp

The Ability Center announces $100,000 plan to make beach accessible for people with disabilities.

County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and Festival Pro LLC Announce the Return of China Lights
Press Release

County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and Festival Pro LLC Announce the Return of China Lights

Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Boerner Botanical Gardens from September 13 – October 20

Photo Gallery: PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists
Photo Gallery

PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists

45,787 people attended, making it the largest pride event ever held in Wisconsin.

Now Serving: New Humboldt Park Wine Garden Opens
Now Serving

New Humboldt Park Wine Garden Opens

Plus: a third Cubanitas, new Milwaukee Brewing rooftop patio, Osteria's return delayed.

Transportation: MCTS Unveils 28 New Buses
Transportation

MCTS Unveils 28 New Buses

Buses have improvements for riders, bus drivers and other road users. See our photos.

County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and The Ability Center Announce Plans to Make Bradford Beach Accessible
Press Release

County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and The Ability Center Announce Plans to Make Bradford Beach Accessible

“By ensuring Bradford Beach is accessible to all Milwaukee County residents, we are working towards making our community assets a convenient and viable choice for people with disabilities.”

Plats and Parcels: Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC
Plats and Parcels

Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC

Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.

House Confidential: Inside Abele’s Eschweiler Mansion
House Confidential

Inside Abele’s Eschweiler Mansion

See the 1927 home's interior from when it was new, and just before Abele bought it.

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need
Press Release

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

“Our team is ensuring these items stay out of local landfills and rather go on to live a second life.”

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Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to JoCasta Zamarripa of $792

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to David Crowley of $1,000

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to Josh Zepnick of $750

Materials Salvaged From Lake Drive Mansion To Help Local Families In Need

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $826