Marcelia Nicholson Bovell, chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
She changed her name in 2025, marrying Renwick Bovell and taking his last name.
Photos
Content referencing Marcelia Nicholson Bovell
MCTS Announces Spring Service Cuts
Second phase of 2026 budget cuts in bus service will be implemented March 8.
Feb 18th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Metcalfe Park Program Rescues Foreclosed Homes
Reclaim and Restore program helps neighborhood residents become homeowners.
Feb 17th, 2026 by PrincessSafiya Byers
‘Lipstick on a Pig,’ Board Passes Health Contract After Process Failure
Supervisors say they had little choice but to approve a flawed health insurance agreement.
Feb 6th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Who Screwed Up the County Health Care Contract?
Lots of blame on the county employee who was fired. But there's more to the story.
Feb 5th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Tentatively Approve Suspicious Health Contract
Crowley administration pushes approval though not sure of financial details and employee who oversaw contract was fired.
Feb 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Provides Aid to Local Food Pantries
Funding approved after government shutdown disrupted federal food aid.
Dec 24th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Passes 2026 Reductions in Bus Service
MCTS cutting budget by $9.3 million. But new plan avoids ending entire routes.
Dec 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Avoids Full Route Cuts Under New Plan
MCTS will not eliminate any routes entirely in 2026, but will cut service on 16 routes.
Nov 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Signs $1.3 Billion Budget Without Vetoes
Amended budget restores some funding, but likely hikes future budget deficits.
Nov 11th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2026 Budget, Reduces Size of MCTS Cut
Supervisors manage to restore some cuts, but transit and human services are hard hit in 2026 budget.
Nov 6th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Use Parliamentary Moves To Save MCTS
But proposal might only make budget deficit larger in 2027.
Oct 31st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Trying To Reverse Crowley’s Budget Cuts
Procedural move would provide board with revenue to craft amendment.
Oct 30th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Announces More Small Business Grants
10 more area businesses receive funds from county.
Sep 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Corporate Mergers Cost Taxpayers
Security company mergers leave county with nowhere to turn.
Sep 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Chair Spends Donor Cash on Meals, Travel, Candy, Wine Bars
No other board members spend campaign money in this fashion.
Sep 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Selects Contractors for Courthouse
But some supervisors balk at the complex financing arrangement for project.
Sep 22nd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Pension Backdrop Costs Hits $409 Million, Top Retiree Gets $2.5 Million
The total cost rose by $55 million since 2021, making more county workers rich.
Sep 22nd, 2025 by Caleb Rose
New Solar Project Reduces County’s Carbon Footprint
County officials tour modest renewable energy investment as Trump administration attacks wind, solar.
Sep 19th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Bus Wrap
New Hispanic Heritage bus went into service Monday.
Sep 15th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Local Businesses Awarded $100,000 in Grants
10 small businesses helped by new county economic development program.
Aug 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Approves $30 Million for Domes
County will start funding Mitchell Park Domes redevelopment in 2026 budget.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Jail Body Scanner, Drug Dog
Jail has growing problem with dangerous synthetic drugs being smuggled in.
Jul 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
New MPM Facility Drops a Beam While Celebrating New Milestone
A scary moment, then celebration of progress for Nature & Culture Museum.
Jul 16th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
After Shocking Budget Shortfall, County Orders Up MCTS Audit
County executive, board and comptroller all caught off guard by $11 million deficit.
Jun 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Rejects McGovern Senior Center Project
Controversial project would have involved private housing on public land, but was viewed as only option to save center.
Jun 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Planned For 5 County Parks
These parks and county zoo could receive charging stations through city program.
Jun 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Grand Opening Held For New Coggs Building
County officials, community celebrate new human services building in King Park neighborhood.
Jun 13th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Small Business Grant Program
County plans $200,000 in grants for small businesses planning brick-and-mortar locations.
May 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Sup. Eckblad Pushes County Affordable Housing Directory
County would partner with startup CityWise on novel affordable rental listing.
May 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Grand Jury Indicts Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan
Prosecutors allege she helped a man evade ICE agents.
May 13th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights
Annual May Day march draws increased attention, attendance due to Trump administration actions.
May 1st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Crowley Supports Replacing SDC
State could de-designate SDC as community action partner. But which local officials must agree?
Apr 30th, 2025 by Edgar Mendez and Meredith Melland
County Executive Signs Zero Carbon Emissions Plan
Plan for county government carbon neutrality by 2050 was 4 years in the making.
Apr 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Emission Plan Has $441 Million Price Tag
Cost to be spread over 25 years to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Can Create Sheriff Citizen Review Board, But What Power Would It Have?
Supervisors want independent community board, Sheriff plans her own.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Fearful Supervisors Call For Courthouse ICE Policy
One supervisor was afraid to vote, fearing retaliation from Trump administration.
Apr 16th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Releases Plan To Make County Carbon Neutral By 2050
Twenty-five-year effort will require lots of change, but county has already made major strides.
Mar 29th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Art Museum Director’s Salary Skyrockets
Compensation of more than half million per year is nearly equal with amount of county financial support, drawing supervisors' attention.
Feb 13th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Government Cuts Carbon Emissions by 48%
Reduction since 2005 puts it near to goal of 50% reduction by 2030.
Feb 6th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Zoo Opens New Penguin Habitat
Project funded with $4.5 million in state and local funding.
Dec 14th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Sheriff’s Office Responds to Alarming Jail Audit Report
Board will take report up in December. Chairwoman Nicholson and County Executive Crowley call for collaboration on solutions.
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Signs 2025 Budget Without Vetoes
Approves slightly amended $1.4 billion 2025 budget with 2.5% increase in tax levy.
Nov 13th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Was Jonathan Brostoff Bullied?
Some Democrats point finger at Shepherd Express, others for Brostoff’s suicide.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Board Quickly Adopts 2025 Budget
Board makes few changes to county executive's recommended budget. Adds Domes plan and funding for eviction representation.
Nov 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Officials Encourage Voter Participation, Trust in Election
Urging participation in democratic process and noting how secure local election system is.
Nov 4th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Tight Budget Forces Difficult Vote on Housing, Juvenile Justice
Sup. Shawn Rolland wants $500,000 for a housing program. But his chosen source raises concerns for administration, colleagues.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Politicians Get Close Look at Coggs Center Construction
Hard hat tour loops through several doors in building designed to have "No Wrong Door."
Oct 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Denise Wandke Out at MCTS, Says She Will Return
MCTS managing director takes 'unexpected leave' and goes camping?
Oct 8th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Spikes Chair’s Plan For Reduced Bus Fares For Voting
Wide-ranging concerns raised about Marcelia Nicholson's proposal.
Oct 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Propose Reduced Bus Fares On Election Day
Chairwoman Nicholson proposes cutting MCTS fares by up to $1 to encourage voting.
Sep 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Has Huge Solar Energy Potential
Report identifies 22 possible projects. Federal infrastructure bill could help fund them.
Sep 18th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Rep. Clancy Wins Reelection Despite Democratic Opposition
Incumbent Socialist Democratic legislator defeats challenger Jarrod Anderson.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Can Rep. Clancy Win Reelection?
Incumbent Democratic faces heavy opposition from his own party backing challenger Jarrod Anderson.
Jul 24th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Kamala Harris Visits Milwaukee
The new Democratic choice for president mixes a vision statement with attacks on Trump in speech to packed West Allis Central gymnasium.
Jul 23rd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich and Jeramey Jannene
High Stakes, Low Turnout Special Election Tuesday
State senate race pits Dora Drake vs. LaKeshia Myers to replace Lena Taylor.
Jul 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Supervisors Embrace Part-Time Roles, Schedule
Supervisors change start time of board meetings, reflecting truly part-time nature of job.
Jun 25th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Government Charts Big Expansion of Solar Power
New Coggs building project is a catalyst for countywide plan exploring solar power.
Jun 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor, Democrats Target Rep. Ryan Clancy
Why are they opposing incumbent Democrat? In a word, they hate him.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
County Seeks New Youth Commissioners
14 seats on 18-member youth commission will be open in 2025.
May 6th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
First Majority-Women Milwaukee County Board in History Sworn In
Board chair Marcelia Nicholson hangs onto the position for a third-term.
Apr 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet The New Milwaukee County Board
When the next legislative cycle begins, there will be four new supervisors.
Apr 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Jack Eckblad Wins Bay View County Board Seat
Defeats Ron Jansen for open seat representing southeastern part of Milwaukee.
Apr 2nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Apr 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Mar 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Insulin Price-Fixing Lawsuit
Plus: County will do business with historic bank, a new bus replacement policy and new housing-related projects are approved.
Mar 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Wants Ceasefire In Gaza, But Only By A Narrow Margin
Fight over underlying language divides board.
Mar 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Funds Black-Owned Bank’s Capital Campaign
Columbia Savings & Loan seeking to raise $10 million in deposits to fund 100 home loans.
Mar 15th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Biden Promotes ‘Life-Changing Improvements’ in Milwaukee Visit
Speech at Pieper Hillside Boys & Girls Club promotes effort to rebuild 6th Street.
Mar 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New County Building Could Run on Solar Power
County planning 31,000 square feet in solar arrays to power new human services building.
Mar 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee
Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Sherman Park Construction Will Begin This Spring
A new splash pad, bike loop and pathways will be constructed.
Mar 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Touts New Era for Parks Spending
County Executive signs $500,000 funding for parks using proceeds from new sales tax.
Feb 28th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee County Honors Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips
Barrier-shattering Phillips would have turned 100 on Sunday.
Feb 17th, 2024 by Evan Casey
County’s Top Attorney Leaving For Broadcasting Job
Corp Counsel Margaret Daun will join Civic Media and host daily radio show.
Feb 12th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
How Do You Calculate a Project’s Climate Impact?
County government has developed a formula to evaluate that for infrastructure projects.
Feb 8th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Votes to Wait for City Bodycam Lawsuit Ruling
County considering policy like the city's for release of body cam videos for officers.
Feb 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Gives Go-Ahead for Jail Audit
Policymakers authorize audit looking into cause of deaths at Milwaukee County Jail.
Jan 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Second Candidate Joins Race for County Comptroller
Capital Midwest Fund partner Michael Harper will run against Sup. Liz Sumner.
Jan 9th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Must Set Terms for Third Party Jail Audit
Supervisors will hear from county auditors on what is needed for the audit.
Jan 8th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Affordable Housing Funding, Bike Trail, Solar Study
Plus: A new overlook for the improved Kletzsch Dam.
Dec 22nd, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Could New Coggs Building Go Solar?
Two supervisors suggest new Human Services building should include solar power generation.
Dec 6th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2024 Budget, Setting Up Battle With Crowley
The county executive's administration has already pushed back against some of the amendments.
Nov 9th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Recommend Funding for On-Demand Paratransit, Despite Objections
Though the funding is likely not enough, and would be realized by issuing debt.
Nov 6th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Moving Closer To County Jail Audit
An amendment to 2024 budget calls for third-party, independent audit of county jail.
Nov 6th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board and County Exec At Odds Over Debt, Spending
Board wants to surpass debt limit given new sales tax, surplus.
Nov 5th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Will Re-Evaluate Cultural Contributions
Budget amendment requires review of the different institutions county dollars support.
Nov 5th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Budget Committee Recommends Correction Officer Raises
Budget amendment would raise starting pay to $30 an hour.
Oct 27th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
The Return of Sherman Park Harvest Fest
2nd annual festival on Oct 28 connects community and county government, with free food and entertainment.
Oct 20th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Groundbreaking For Coggs Center a History Lesson
Trailblazing legislator's legacy continues at new human services building.
Oct 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Sheriff Inquiry Leads to Board Fracas
Board removes jail inquiry from committee after process falls apart. Issue will go to full board.
Sep 26th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
After ‘Neither Dignity Nor Value’ Comment, Staskunas Wants Clancy Out As Law Enforcement Committee Chair
Staskunas irked by Clancy's recent comments about police work having no "dignity or value."
Sep 15th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Will Consider Paid Medical Travel For Employees
Propoal offers a workaround for legal concerns raised over abortion travel fund.
Aug 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
How David Crowley Led on Sales Tax
The inside story of how the county exec and mayor helped pass state legislation to save Milwaukee.
Aug 23rd, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Rep. Clancy Says Police Work Has ‘No Dignity Or Value’
Republican legislators call him 'clueless" and 'divisive' as Clancy doubles down.
Aug 21st, 2023 by Baylor Spears
South Shore Breakwater Getting Emergency Repairs This Fall
But 2023 budget politics may have killed appetite for long-term repairs.
Aug 18th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Signs Sales Tax Legislation, Tax Starts January 1
Crowley and Nicholson sign sales tax legislation, celebrate historic moment for Milwaukee County.
Aug 3rd, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Engage in the Great Sales Tax Debate
See how and why each supervisor voted the way they did for new tax.
Jul 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Approves Sales Tax
County joins city in adopting new sales tax designed to avert fiscal cliff after years of declining state aid.
Jul 27th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Debate Sales Tax Hike
Does the board have the 12 votes needed to approve this critical measure?
Jul 19th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Sales Tax Hike Gets First Approval
County officials detail future cuts without sales tax plan, as Parks Department is halved and senior centers eliminated.
Jul 17th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
