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 10
Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000
September 23, 2019 - View Report
Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834
February 13, 2017 - View Report
Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770
February 8, 2016 - View Report
New Poll Shows County Executive Race Close
Poll Shows Abele Highly Unpopular, Larson within Striking Distance
Jan 27th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has 12,812 members in Milwaukee County.
Jan 26th, 2016 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
An End of an Era – MCTS Produces Last Paper Passes
The final weekly pass includes an image of the first pass from May 4, 1930 on the back side.
Jan 26th, 2016 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Quotations from the campaign trail
1/17/16 - 1/24/16
Jan 25th, 2016 by Joseph Thomas Klein
Chris Abele Sends Campaign Dollars Out-Of-State
According to his campaign finance reports, Abele paid a Chicago-based direct mail firm, The Strategy Group, almost $300,000.
Jan 24th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Civil Service Protections Need to be Restored
The weakening of civil service protections can lead to cronyism and corruption.
Jan 20th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
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
Chris Larson Congratulates Deputy Graduating Class of 2016
“Under Abele, we continue to fall short of our public safety goals.”
Jan 12th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Supervisor Romo West Applauds County Executive’s Efforts to End “Chronic Homelessness”
But She Says Abele Has Done Little or Nothing to Help “Situational Homelessness”
Jan 12th, 2016 by Sup. Peggy A. West
As Concerns Over Homelessness in Milwaukee Increase, Chris Larson Addresses County Executive Abele’s Insufficient Emergency Shelter Funding
“County Executive Abele has actually lectured homeless shelters on searching for other sources of funding while simultaneously requesting $100,000 taxpayer money to fund his private armed bodyguards.”
Jan 11th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Chris Larson’s Statement on Corporate Interest Loophole in New Campaign Finance Law
"Wisconsin should follow our long tradition of open, transparent government. The latest changing of the rules by Republicans currently in power shuts the public out of what their government is up to and why."
Jan 9th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
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
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Next Major Economic Development in Park East
New Proposal Will Create Jobs, Expand Property Tax Base
Dec 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Declares Snow Emergency On Monday, December 28th, Effective at 2:30PM, CST
Pursuant to this declaration, all non-essential departments will be closed for the safety of our employees and the public, and are scheduled to re-open tomorrow.
Dec 28th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Abele Cannot Dodge Judicial Review
Lipscomb Says Let the Court Decide
Dec 22nd, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele endorses Joe Donald for Wisconsin Supreme Court
“Judge Joe Donald is a dedicated public servant who has consistently put politics aside to deliver justice fairly,” said County Executive Chris Abele.
Dec 18th, 2015 by Joe Donald
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
What’s on County Executive Chris Abele’s Holiday Wish List?
1. Power 2. More Power 3. Less Public Oversight
Dec 16th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Supervisor Supreme Moore Omokunde Troubled By Lincoln Hills Allegations
Calls for Juvenile Justice System Reform in Wisconsin
Dec 11th, 2015 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
Supervisor Weishan Criticizes County Executive Chris Abele Over Sheriff’s Department Defunding
The Sheriff’s Department Proved Their Commitment to Milwaukee County
Dec 11th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Congratulates County Child Support Attorney Kristela Cervera on Receipt of Statewide Award
Milwaukee County’s Department of Child Support Services continues to set records and win awards as they empower children and families, with County Child Support Attorney Kristela Cervera being named the Child Support Attorney of the Year
Nov 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Budget Discussion with Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Abele
Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Chris Abele invite you to join them for a town hall discussion on both the city and county budgets
Nov 30th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Host 9th Annual Holiday Drive
Items Collected to Support Local Veterans and Families
Nov 25th, 2015 by City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces $100,000 Grant From Bader Philanthropies to Support Housing First initiative
Foundation supports County-wide collaborative to end chronic homelessness
Nov 25th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Help the Less Fortunate this Holiday Season and Stuff the Bus
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow Will Help Collect Food at Noon
Nov 24th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
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
Supervisors Haas, Weishan Blast County Executive Chris Abele Over Sex Offender Placement
They Received Little Notice of County Decision of “Inappropriate Placement”
Nov 20th, 2015 by Sup. Jason Haas
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
MCTS Launches the FAVRE LINE to Honor Packers Legend
Passengers and Fans Will Have One Week to Ride the FAVRE LINE
Nov 19th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
County Board Overrides Abele’s Vetoes
Board Action Includes Restoration of $4 Million in Funding for Public Safety
Nov 19th, 2015 by Sup. Jason Haas
County Board Restores $4 Million of County Executive’s Cuts to Public Safety
Board Overrides Veto of Funding for Public Safety
Nov 18th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Supervisor John Weishan, Jr. Calls Out County Executive on “Personal Vendetta” Against Sheriff Clarke
Weishan Calls for County Board to Override Abele’s Veto of Funding Restoration to Sheriff’s Department
Nov 17th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Budget Vetoes
Abele Budget Holds the Line on Property Taxes and Calls for Removal of Estabrook Dam
Nov 17th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MCTS Launches Another Upgrade for Riders
1-Day Pass Available to Buy on the Bus Beginning Sunday
Nov 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Abele made right choice in Demond Means
“I believe Mr. Means has what it takes to get the job done.”
Nov 12th, 2015 by State Sen. Lena Taylor
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Appoints MPS Graduate, Long-Time Public School Advocate Dr. Demond Means Commissioner of Opportunity Schools Program
Dr. Means is a graduate of Milwaukee’s Riverside University High School.
Nov 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Oak Leaf Trail Extension Bike-Chain-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Milwaukee Lakefront to Ozaukee Interurban Trail Connection
Bridges along the corridor were instrumental in providing unimpeded access over I-43, Port Washington Road, Silver Spring Drive, the Milwaukee River Parkway, and the Milwaukee River.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Veterans Day
“Today I’m honored to celebrate our nation’s heroes and thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep us safe and protect our freedoms.”
Nov 11th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chairman Lipscomb: County Board Passes Responsible Budget
More Money for Public Safety, Less Borrowing, and a Balanced Budget
Nov 9th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
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
Milwaukee County Board Passes Measure Calling for Creation of an Office on African American Affairs
Resolution by Supervisor Khalif Rainey Seeks to Identify and Address Issues In the African American Community
Nov 5th, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Sup. Jursik: Softball, Baseball Diamonds in South Shore Parks Suffer Under County Executive Abele
She Says South Shore Diamonds Could Have Been Repaired With $300,000 Surplus in Parks Revenue
Nov 5th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
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
County Supervisor Moore Omokunde has lost patience with Sheriff David Clarke
Says Clarke’s Comments About “Black Lives Matter,” Personal Attacks, Have “Ventured Out of Bounds”
Nov 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
Milwaukee County Board to Hold Budget Public Hearing November 2
Hearing at 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Domes; Public Invited to Speak Out on Budget Issues
Oct 30th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Rainey Calls for Office on African American Affairs
Office to Identify Ways to Improve Quality of Life for African Americans
Oct 28th, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Sup. Rainey’s Resolution Creating Office on African American Affairs
“Study after study, and statistic after statistic, confirms that racial and ethnic disparities exist in Milwaukee and are having a harmful effect on families and communities."
Oct 27th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MATC Board Politicized by GOP and Chamber of Commerce
Reverend Julian Jasper, a former MATC board member, said, “The legislative changes drafted by the MMAC are undemocratic.”
Oct 26th, 2015 by Press Release
A Democracy with out Debate is a Farce
I am dedicated to the dream of transforming our society into a just society, where social and civil rights are upheld for all citizens, including the powerless.
Oct 23rd, 2015 by Joseph Thomas Klein
Lawsuit Filed Against County Executive Chris Abele
The following is a statement from Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., on the filing of a lawsuit against County Executive Chris Abele
Oct 22nd, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Breaking News! Contract Ratified by 81% of ATU Local 998 Members
ATU Local 998 president James Macon released this statement.
Oct 21st, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
County Executive Chris Abele “Hiding” From Public
He Refuses Three Requests From County Board to Answer Questions in Public Forum
Oct 20th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Public Policy Forum Agrees: Milwaukee County is “Turning the Corner” Under County Executive Abele
County’s “Diligent Efforts” Lead to “Positive” State of Affairs
Oct 20th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Flexible services help more Milwaukee County residents apply for energy assistance
New locations, new approach put applications 26% ahead of last year
Oct 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
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 Executive Cuts Millions from Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff David Clarke told the Finance committee that the Executive’s budget “gives me no chance to succeed in terms of balancing the budget.”
Oct 14th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Attracts 70,885 Attendees for a 10% Increase Over 2014
The Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for feature film goes to Romeo is Bleeding
Oct 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
“Very Strong Management”
S&P Affirms Milwaukee County Bond Rating Under County Executive Abele’s Leadership
Oct 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on State Sentator Larson’s announcement of candidacy for County Executive.
Oct 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Taylor Announces Town Hall Meetings
Meetings set for October 14 & 22
Oct 12th, 2015 by Steve F. Taylor
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
Truth in Advertising: Games, Claims and Frames
A Review of the Milwaukee County 2016 Budget
Oct 9th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Abele Raids Reserves in Attempted Budget Bail-Out
Uses About $20 Million to Cover Pension Error. And $4 Million for Bucks Arena
Oct 9th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee County to Host Job Fair for Veterans Thursday, October 8th
More than 80 employers will be present at the job fair.
Oct 7th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
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
Milwaukee Transit Workers Reject MCTS Proposal
The union has sent a letter to MCTS requesting they come back to the bargaining table to resume negotiations.
Oct 5th, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
Milwaukee Transit Workers to Vote on MCTS Proposal Tomorrow
“This proposal doesn’t make sense for our members or for Milwaukee riders.”
Oct 4th, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
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
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Expresses “Shock and Disappointment” at County Executive’s Remarks About African Americans
“What Was Chris Abele Thinking When He Addressed African American Concerns?” Mayo Asks
Oct 1st, 2015 by Sup. Michael Mayo
