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 4
Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000
September 23, 2019 - View Report
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
Six State Legislative Democrats endorse Chris Abele for re-election
Abele earns support from more legislative Democrats than during his successful 2016 campaign
May 30th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
2019 Milwaukee Film Festival Ticket Packages and Passes on Sale This Week
Through Aug. 1, Festival passes, 6-packs and new 10-packs boast the biggest discount of the season, with Milwaukee Film Members earning an additional discount as part of their benefits.
May 28th, 2019 by Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Unanimous County Board Vote to Support Healthy Birth Outcomes
"I commend Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic for her leadership in providing doulas to expecting mothers,.."
May 23rd, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Signs Resolution Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis
"Racism is a public health crisis, and we have a moral imperative to put our indifference aside in the face of injustice."
May 20th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Abele Campaign Announces Campaign Co-Chairs
Endorsements demonstrate strength, diversity of support for Abele’s re-election
May 15th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Chris Abele announces re-election campaign
Abele prioritizes addressing racial disparities, healthy communities, and funding for Milwaukee County in next term
May 14th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
MCTS Driver Named ‘Hero of the Year’ at Red Cross Event
Natalie Barnes made international headlines in November 2018 when a MCTS Excellence video went viral, showing her taking extraordinary steps to help a homeless man.
May 10th, 2019 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Historic Pipe Organ at Milwaukee Film’s Oriental Theatre to Bring Back Some Movie Magic
Milwaukee Film has secured a 1925 Wurlitzer, which is currently being prepared for future installation
May 9th, 2019 by Milwaukee Film
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
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County DHHS Behavioral Health Division Recognize Mental Health Month
Community partners across the county will host free events throughout the month of May
May 2nd, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Paula Penebaker
"On behalf of a grateful county, I wish Paula nothing but the best in her well-earned retirement."
May 1st, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Committee Says Marcus Center Isn’t Historic
City committee overrules Historic Preservation Commission. Full Common Council up next.
Apr 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bielinski calls for rejection of “Dark Money” and other forms of corporate, special-interest spending in Aldermanic Race
"Politicians should be accountable to the people, not wealthy special interests."
Apr 30th, 2019 by Sup. Justin Bielinski
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
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Supervisor Jason Haas and Milwaukee County Parks Announce a New Wine and Beer Garden at Humboldt Park
The Vine Humboldt is expected to open Memorial Day weekend and will be operated by the county
Apr 25th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Next Phase Of Development For The Park East Corridor
Block 22 is the last publicly-controlled land in the Park East Corridor, which has attracted more than $1 billion in investment and $2 billion in economic impact in recent years
Apr 23rd, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Film Launches Next Phase of Restoration at Historic Oriental Theatre
All phase-two projects are scheduled to be complete before the 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival.
Apr 23rd, 2019 by Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee County Parks Announce New Concessions This Summer
The Dock will operate food and beverage options at Bradford Beach
Apr 16th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Milwaukee County and Wisconsin Community Services re-open the Day Reporting Center inside St. Anthony’s Place to offer an alternative to incarceration and advance social justice
The Milwaukee County Day Reporting Center, operated by Wisconsin Community Services, offers programs to help reduce recidivism rates among non-violent pretrial offenders.
Apr 9th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Inaugural MKE Corporate Recognition Program Acknowledges Fiserv Commitment to Milwaukee
Program will provide travel benefits to Fiserv associates who “fly local”
Apr 8th, 2019 by Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee’s July 3 Fireworks to Return in 2019
The 2019 July 3 fireworks show will be supported by American Family Insurance, the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation and T&M Partners.
Apr 6th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Leaders Proclaim Racism is a Public Health Crisis
Following the lead from the Wisconsin Public Health Association, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and County Board Vice Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, proclaim racism is a public health crisis, and are actively taking steps to achieve racial equity throughout Milwaukee County.
Apr 4th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Milwaukee County Submits Proposal and Renderings for New SRCCCY
Proposal signifies a step forward for Milwaukee County in Project Rise movement to reform youth justice system
Mar 29th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Provides More Than $2 Million in Support for St. Anthony Place, Opening Today to Support the Formerly Homeless
St. Anthony Place is a huge step in Milwaukee County’s effort to end chronic homelessness in our community and provide permanent, supportive housing for those in need
Mar 15th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Milwaukee Ballet announces $500,000 donation from the Argosy Foundation
Gift supports of the expansion of the Company’s educational and engagement initiatives
Mar 12th, 2019 by Milwaukee Ballet
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
NO STUDIOS Completes Rooftop Club Lounge Level, Extending Membership Opportunities for Local Business, Creative Communities
Open house events and activities for the public Saturday, March 16
Mar 11th, 2019 by Nō Studios
Milwaukee Named Host City for 2020 Democratic National Convention
Convention will generate $200 million in economic impact; shine global spotlight on city
Mar 11th, 2019 by Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention Committee
Statement by IBEW Local 494 Business Manager on Milwaukee being selected to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention
"Milwaukee is on the move, and our success in building the future represents the best of America."
Mar 11th, 2019 by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494
Miller Lite and MCTS Offer Free Rides Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
Miller Lite Free rides will be available on all MCTS bus routes Saturday, March 16, from 6 p.m. until the end of regular service.
Mar 8th, 2019 by Molson Coors Beverage Company
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
Bright Cellars Raises $8.5 Million
Bright Cellars, a data-driven wine discovery and curation platform announced it has raised financing, led by Revolution Ventures.
Mar 7th, 2019 by Bright Cellars
Milwaukee County Parks reveals 2019 Traveling Beer Garden schedule
For the past five years the Traveling Beer Gardens have been an integral part of Milwaukee's summer fun. The Traveling Beer Garden opens on May 8, the entire 2019 schedule includes new parks throughout Milwaukee County.
Feb 26th, 2019 by Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee Film Achieves $10 Million Fundraising Goal
While the campaign enjoyed support from over 900 contributors, several highly committed philanthropists supported the campaign through generous lead donations.
Feb 26th, 2019 by Milwaukee Film
Members of the Milwaukee Turners Turn $4,000 Into a $16,000 Gift to Support America’s Black Holocaust Musuem
The Milwaukee Turners, founded by abolitionists in the 1850s, is the oldest civic organization in Milwaukee and has been deeply committed to social justice since its founding.
Feb 20th, 2019 by Milwaukee Turners
WISN 12 Hosts 34th Annual Black Excellence Awards
2019 Gala event recognizes local entrepreneurs
Feb 12th, 2019 by WISN 12
Board of Supervisors Calls for Fair Deal to Avert County Funding Crisis
"Milwaukee County is facing a serious funding crisis."
Feb 7th, 2019 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Milwaukee County to Move Inmate Healthcare In-house by 2021
Short-term Contract Provides a Bridge to In-house Provision of Healthcare at the Jail and House of Corrections
Feb 1st, 2019 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Abele Declares Winter Weather Emergency for Milwaukee County Employees Wednesday and Thursday
Non-essential services of Milwaukee County government, including circuit courts and County Board, will be closed for business on Wednesday and Thursday
Jan 29th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Abele Declares Snow Emergency for Milwaukee County Employees Sunday Night Through Monday Evening
Non-essential services of Milwaukee County government, including circuit courts, will be closed for business on Monday
Jan 27th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Abele: Addressing Homelessness through Regional Cooperation
Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin and other partners continue collaboration to connect individuals in encampments with permanent housing
Jan 16th, 2019 by County Executive Chris Abele
2019 Milwaukee Film Festival Dates Announced
Film submissions for the annual event are now being accepted
Jan 15th, 2019 by Milwaukee Film
New Downtown Apartment Building
Is the second time the charm for a long vacant downtown site?
Jan 13th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Co-Chairs of the Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention Host Committee Announced
Milwaukee is currently a finalist, along with Houston and Miami, for hosting the convention to be held July 13-16, 2020.
Jan 10th, 2019 by Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention Committee
Chris Abele Issues a $100,000 Personal Challenge Grant on Behalf of America’s Black Holocaust Museum
Written pledges submitted by February 25, 2019 can be paid through the end of calendar year 2021 (up to a 3-year pledge).
Jan 8th, 2019 by Dr. James Cameron Legacy Foundation
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
Milwaukee County Executive Announces Free Aira Service at Public Facilities
County partnership will make facilities more accessible by providing visual description service for people who are blind or low-vision
Dec 20th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
Miller Lite® Helps new Year’s Eve Partygoers Celebrate Responsibly® with Free Rides on MCTS
Miller Lite® Rings in the New Year by Providing Free and Safe Rides on all MCTS Bus Routes
Dec 19th, 2018 by Molson Coors Beverage Company
Co-Chairs of the Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention Host Committee Announced
Milwaukee is currently a finalist, along with Houston and Miami, for hosting the convention to be held July 13-16, 2020.
Dec 17th, 2018 by Milwaukee 2020 DNC Convention Committee
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
Time Magazine & ‘Ellen’ Show Recognize MCTS Driver for Remarkable Compassion
Natalie Barnes made international headlines in November when a MCTS Excellence video went viral, showing her taking extraordinary steps to help a homeless man.
Dec 12th, 2018 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Steering Committee Plans 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
The only cities that have celebrated Dr. King’s Birthday annually since 1984 are Atlanta, Georgia and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dec 12th, 2018 by Marcus Performing Arts Center
Abele, Lipscomb Announce Membership of Fair Deal Workgroup
Group includes diverse representation from community leaders seeking to recommend intergovernmental solutions to County funding challenges
Dec 10th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
East-West Bus Rapid Transit Project Receives Milestone Federal Approval
East-West BRT will be the first rapid transit corridor in the region, providing a “central spine” for MCTS and paving the way for future rapid transit corridors.
Nov 30th, 2018 by Milwaukee County Transit System
MCTS Honors Rosa Parks with Open Seat and Red Rose on Every Bus
Her small act of civil disobedience led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation.
Nov 29th, 2018 by Milwaukee County Transit System
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
Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Senior Advisor, Deputy Transition Director, Personnel Advisory Council
Governor-elect Evers will make numerous new appointments in the near future.
Nov 16th, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
Abele Signs 2019 Milwaukee County Budget
Collaboration-fueled budget process results in $1.19 billion framework for delivering County services; Abele emphasizes need for continued collaboration toward state-funding solutions
Nov 8th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
Logsdon Budget Amendment Ensures Repairs to College Ave. Bridges
"Before taking office this spring, I knew these bridges were in bad shape and that last year they had been delayed in favor of other projects."
Nov 5th, 2018 by Sup. Patti Logsdon
Board of Supervisors Adopts 2019 Milwaukee County Budget
17-1 Vote Demonstrates Unprecedented Unity Among Supervisors
Nov 5th, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
From Vision to Pitch to ‘Yummy Care’: Milwaukee County Pilots BOSS Program to Help Build Entrepreneurial Skills, Career Paths for Students
Five high school students saw their winning business plan brought to life this week at Mitchell Airport
Nov 2nd, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Couture Marks Major Milestone: Invited to Firm Loan Commitment Stage of HUD Loan Guaranty Program
“This is a major milestone for The Couture that enables us to move forward with the final stage of financing,” said Rick Barrett.
Nov 2nd, 2018 by Barrett Lo Visionary Development
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
Lipscomb, Abele Launch ‘Fair Deal’ Initiative
County Leaders Co-Signed Legislation Monday Night at Annual Public Hearing on County Budget
Oct 29th, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Supervisor Dimitrijevic Proposes Mitchell Park for Site of New Milwaukee Public Museum
"The positive possibilities of this proposed relationship are endless."
Oct 25th, 2018 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Milwaukee Film Announces Take A Seat Campaign
Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig launch a $1.5 million challenge match
Oct 19th, 2018 by Milwaukee Film
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
Milwaukee County to Provide Racial Equity Training for Employees
All full-time County employees, starting with leadership, will take part in training to advance racial equity throughout operations and community engagement
Oct 16th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
China Lights Lantern Festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens Extended One Week, Through Oct. 28
Clear skies ahead for anyone still looking to enjoy this spectacular event
Oct 15th, 2018 by Milwaukee County Parks
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 Film Announce Guests at 10th Annual Festival
Oscar winner John Ridley and Emmy winning actress Felicity Huffman to appear on panel in partnership with Nō Studios; Netflix star DeWanda Wise, rapper Speech, and 100+ guests attending the festival
Oct 11th, 2018 by Milwaukee Film
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
$900K Grant Awarded to Milwaukee County to Fight Opioid Abuse, Homelessness Among Women Involved in Street Prostitution
Federal DOJ grant helps County expand partnership with Benedict Center, offer extended Housing Navigation services under the Housing First model
Oct 9th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Balancing Act: Milwaukee County Gets Record Number of Submissions Through Online Budget Tool
More than 650 people balanced the Milwaukee County budget and shared their priorities at ABetter414.com
Oct 8th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
Energy Efficiency Day: Milwaukee County Launches ‘Journey to Sustainability’ at Mitchell Airport
Sustainability management plan for airport reflects Countywide commitment to reducing environmental footprint and finding greener ways to operate
Oct 5th, 2018 by County Executive Chris Abele
Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834
February 13, 2017 - View Report
Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770
February 8, 2016 - View Report
