Willie Johnson, Jr.

Board Quickly Adopts 2025 Budget

Board makes few changes to county executive's recommended budget. Adds Domes plan and funding for eviction representation.

Milwaukee County Board Advances 2025 Budget Focused on Upstream Services

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.

Milwaukee County Board Finance Chair Johnson Jr. Responds to Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2025 Budget Report

Supervisors Coggs-Jones and Johnson, Jr. to Host Joint 2025 Budget Town Hall

Board Spikes Chair’s Plan For Reduced Bus Fares For Voting

Wide-ranging concerns raised about Marcelia Nicholson's proposal.

Supervisor Questions Jail Audit Contract

County Board will consider whether or not to release funding for audit of county jail this month.

Supervisor Johnson Encourages Residents to Explore Department of Corrections Career Opportunities this Thursday

After Veto, Reporting, Board Reverses Course On 36% Raises For Electeds

Special meeting used to support county executive's original proposal of 11.5%.

Meet The New Milwaukee County Board

When the next legislative cycle begins, there will be four new supervisors.

Villa Terrace Will Host 100 Events For 100th Anniversary, Charts Vision For Future

And check out that renovated kitchen.

County Board Wants Ceasefire In Gaza, But Only By A Narrow Margin

Fight over underlying language divides board.

Committee Backs Housing Voucher Incentives

Program would incentivize landlords to accept tenants receiving rental assistance.

County Funds Black-Owned Bank’s Capital Campaign

Columbia Savings & Loan seeking to raise $10 million in deposits to fund 100 home loans.

Supervisors Seek Even Bigger Raises For County Officers

Committee unanimously supports a $33,000 raise for all three constitutional officers.

Board Adopts Resolution for External Audit of Milwaukee County Jail

Chairwoman Nicholson Authors Action for Accountability

A Battle Over Sheriff’s Bodycam Policy

Two supervisors push for faster public release of video evidence, but committee says no.

Board Extends Racine Jail Transfer Contract

Sheriff's office says it needs this option in case of overcrowding.

Board Approves New Correctional Food Contract

Florida company will serve jail and CRC, replacing much criticized Aramark Corporation.

Board Adopts 2024 Budget, Setting Up Battle With Crowley

The county executive's administration has already pushed back against some of the amendments.

Supervisors Recommend Funding for On-Demand Paratransit, Despite Objections

Though the funding is likely not enough, and would be realized by issuing debt.

Board and County Exec At Odds Over Debt, Spending

Board wants to surpass debt limit given new sales tax, surplus.

Budget Committee Recommends Correction Officer Raises

Budget amendment would raise starting pay to $30 an hour.

Liz Sumner Announces Endorsements From Over a Dozen County Officials

Groundbreaking For Coggs Center a History Lesson

Trailblazing legislator's legacy continues at new human services building.

Committee Backs Transgender Sanctuary Resolution

In light of recent LGTBQ+ attacks and opposition, Milwaukee County would become transgender safe-haven.

Policy to Buy Union Cars Advances

Committee approves buying only union-made cars for county operations; policy now goes to full board.

Supervisors Engage in the Great Sales Tax Debate

See how and why each supervisor voted the way they did for new tax.

County Executive David Crowley Celebrates County Board Vote to Secure Fiscal Future and Preserve Critical Services for Most Vulnerable Residents

Supervisors Debate Sales Tax Hike

Does the board have the 12 votes needed to approve this critical measure?

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.

Resolution Would Declare Milwaukee a Transgender, Non-Binary Sanctuary

Also proposed is a county policy to oppose bans on gender affirming health care.

Resolution Supports Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Resolution instructs county lobbyists to push for such state legislation.

County Will Fly Intersex Progress Pride Flag in June

Sup. Peter Burgelis successfully passes resolution for recognition of updated pride flag.

Board Approves Jail Probe, Opposes Brewers Subsidy

Plus: Board sends abortion proposal to attorney's for additional review

Committee Rejects Abortion Travel Fund

With Republican legislators watching Milwaukee's every move, supervisors reject proposal.

Board Almost Blocks Juvenile Justice Funding

A majority of supervisors voted to hold on a $42 million contract without appearing to know what the impact would be.

Committee Approves Funding for Suburban Affordable Housing Projects

But Sup. Peter Burgelis tries to stop subsidy for Wauwatosa development, citing cost.

Milwaukee Youth Commission Appointments Confirmed

18 high school students appointed to new youth commission.

County Board Rejects The ‘Fix at Six’

Board still maintains a policy of opposition to I-94 expansion, but won't support this alternative.

Abortion Referendum Will Be On Spring Ballots

Advisory referendum on Wisconsin's abortion ban will be on Milwaukee County ballots during April election.

Supervisors Approve Affordable Housing Plans

Progress on two major affordable housing projects pushed by Crowley.

Board Considering Abortion Referendum, Again

Board would place question on April ballot after failing to approve November election proposal.

Supervisor Clancy Applauds Finance Committee Approval of Abortion Advisory Referendum

Crowley Vetoes Lake Park Bluff Proposal

Should neighbors have rights to maintain bluff forever? Crowley says no.

Board Adopts 2023 County Budget

Board spent nearly 12 hours debating amendments, what passed?

Chairwoman Nicholson and Supervisor Martin Commend Public Participation at Annual Public Hearing

Board Approves Ungendered Bathrooms

And LGBTQ inclusion initiative. 'Access to safe restrooms should be a basic right for every person.'

Vote Could Send More Youth to Lincoln Hills

Board votes down deal with Racine County to hold youth in its detention center.

Johnsons Park To Be Renamed

Or actually expanded, to include first names of the park's current namesakes.

Denita Ball Wins Sheriff’s Race

Ball wins with 55% of the vote, defeating Brian Barkow and Thomas Beal.

Crowley Vetoes Downtown Roller Rink

Roller rink in Red Arrow Park won't happen this summer, but idea may not be dead.

County Board Unanimously Adopts Resolution Repudiating Discriminatory Covenants

Wasserman Resolution Funding McKinley Beach Repairs Approved by County Board

Finance Committee Unanimously Recommends Wasserman Resolution to Repair McKinley Beach

Nicholson Shuffles Board’s Leadership

Chairwoman resets board's balance of power, and punishes a rival, with new committee assignments.

Chairwoman Nicholson Announces County Board Committee Assignments, Leadership Roles

Election Shakes Up County Board

Five of 18 supervisors will be new. Longtime Sup. John Weishan, Jr. upset by Peter Burgelis. A sixth new face could be coming.

2022 Milwaukee Spring Election Results

Election results for mayor and county board.

County Board Candidates

Seven districts out of 18 have competitive races. See who is on your ballot.

Board of Supervisors Approves Paid Parental Leave Policy for County Employees

Committee Opposes Minimum Bail Bills

Rejects Sup. Longdon’s push to support state legislative bills that increase bail.

9 Supervisors Unopposed For 2022

Deadline is one week away and nearly 70% of districts have just one candidate running.

Pension Costs Decimated County Services

New generation of leaders has inherited government unable to pay for parks, buses, buildings and basic services.

Board Adopts New Supervisory Map

After jettisoning their independent process, the board adopted a new map during a marathon meeting Friday night.

Supervisor Johnson Recognized with Distinguished Worldwide Humanitarian Award

Chairwoman Nicholson Proposal Would Create Paid Internships, a First for Board of Supervisors

County Board of Supervisors Congratulate Colectivo Workers on Successful Union Election

Colectivo workers voted to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 494 which will develop the group's first negotiated contract, pending the election’s certification by the National Labor Relations Board.

Ortiz-Velez Resolution Supporting Fentanyl Testing Strip Legalization Adopted by County Board

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Resolution Supporting Fentanyl Testing Strip Legalization Advances

Sheriff Projects $3.9 Million Overtime Deficit

Sheriff blames understaffing. Finance Committee does not accept his report.

Rep. Brostoff Celebrates Passage of Milwaukee County Resolution in Support of Ending Qualified Immunity for Police

Board Approves Mental Health Crisis Team

Partnering sheriff's deputies and mental health professionals. But some supervisors opposed creating new Sheriff's Deputy positions.

Supervisor Proposes Renaming Lindbergh Park for Lucille Berrien

Berrien is a long-time activist that was involved in the fair housing marches of the 1960's.

Board’s Bike Trails Resolution Fails

A proposed ordinance change would have given the board final authority over major trail alterations.

County Board Adopts Resolution Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalty

Reimagined County Board Health Committee Will Add a New Focus on Strategic Planning

Supervisors Denounce Violence and Discrimination Against Asian Americans

Judiciary Committee Approves Proposal to Reduce Marijuana Possession Penalty

Board Rejoins WI Counties Association

Board had withheld membership dues in January but decides to rejoin group after WCA leaders offer assurances.

County Board Adopts Resolutions Celebrating Black Icons

Chairwoman Nicholson Applauds Renewed Partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association

Resolution Cuts Pot Possession Fine to $1

Sup. Ortiz-Velez's county resolution will be mirrored by Glendale proposal, says Mayor Kennedy.

Supervisor Ortiz-Velez Introduces Proposal Reducing Penalty for Marijuana Possession

County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty

8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.

Clerk Christenson Applauds Board of Supervisors for Seeking Reforms at Wisconsin Counties Association

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Dr. Howard Fuller Joins Over 100 Community Leaders, Educators, and Elected Officials Endorsing Dr. Hendricks for State Superintedent

Does the Wisconsin Counties Association Help Milwaukee?

Some county officials say no, and are pushing to withdraw from the group.

Supervisors’ Statement on the Passing of Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron

Supervisors Denounce Anti-Democratic Coup Attempt in Washington D.C.

Board of Supervisors Won’t Penalize Employees Furloughed Due to Coronavirus

Committee Rejects Sheriff Cuts

But it also passed a widely supported increase in spending for services like housing and youth justice.

Milwaukee County Board unanimously approves strategic planning ordinance

New efforts compel longer-term thinking, goal-setting and performance-based reporting after 20 years with no strategic plan in place

County Supervisors Express Support for Colectivo Workers Union

Register of Deeds Israel Ramón Announces Early List of Endorsements

Elected officials from across Milwaukee County, state, support Ramón

Juneteenth Becomes a Holiday for County Employees

June 19 will be a floating holiday for Milwaukee County employees to honor and celebrate Black life and attend Juneteenth Day celebrations throughout Milwaukee.

County Board Unanimously Supports Including Transitional Jobs Program in COVID-19 Relief

Weishan Running for Register of Deeds

After 20 years on the county board Sup. John Weishan, Jr. seeks a better paying position.

Nicholson Picks New Board’s Leaders

While new board chair rewarded some allies, some who opposed her retained positions.

Milwaukee County Passes Ordinance to Advance Racial Equity and Improve Health Outcomes

Milwaukee County leaders commit to eliminating institutional racism by addressing County polices, practices and power structures through a racial equity lens

Nicholson Elected County Board Chairwoman

Marcelia Nicholson beats Willie Johnson, Jr. out for leadership of the county board.

New Board Sworn In at a Parking Lot

Nicholson and Johnson, Jr. vying for leadership position of County Board Chairperson.

Ballots Won’t Have Duplicate Gerrymandering Questions

City rescinds its referendum question after Milwaukee County passed a similar measure.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee County Supervisors Introduce Ordinance to Advance Racial Equity and Improve Health Outcomes

Leadership commits to eliminating institutional racism by changing County policies, practices and power structures

Supervisors Push Ex-Offender Voting Rights

Resolution calls for restoring the voting rights of people on parole or probation.

Nicholson Calls for Repeal of Federal Crime Bill, More Investment in Public Education

"There is a growing consensus that past efforts supposedly aimed at reducing violent crime in this country were really about the continued repression and subjugation of black and brown bodies."

Taylor Pushes to Expand Voting Rights

Taylor's resolution also expresses support for efforts to reduce felony disenfranchisement, and for the reform of practices that disproportionately impact communities of color in Wisconsin.

The County’s Queen of Hemp

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

County Board Votes Unanimously to Condemn We Energies’ Mercury Variance

“We Energies should be moving towards 100% renewables. This is 2019, not 1919.”

City-wide School Board Candidate Bob Peterson announces endorsement from 23 elected officials

The full list of elected officials to have endorsed Bob Peterson for MPS school board represents a broad span of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

Last Minute Amendment Saves Job Line

County board will pay to extend bus line to jobs in Waukesha, Washington counties.

Labor Battle Looms at Airport

Service and hospitality workers for SSP America demand union vote, may call for picketing or a strike.

The Collective PAC Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Governor of Wisconsin

Today’s endorsement joins Mahlon Mitchell’s growing list of support.

Riverwest Octagon House Cuts Corners

Who built it, when and where? Many mysteries surrounding rare home built in 1850s.

Chairman Lipscomb Announces Committee Assignments

Standing committees typically meet every month, prior to the County Board meeting.

Nessun Dorma The 13th Owner of Bar

Bar's history goes back to 1909. Was first to serve Lakefront Brewery beer, in 1987.

Judge Rebecca Dallet clear choice of Milwaukee County leaders

“I am honored and humbled to have earned the support of these officials, who work every day to make our communities stronger.”

Circle A Is Classic Riverwest Tavern

Built next to RR track, building a tavern for 120 years, now intimate music venue.

County Board Adopts Measure to Limit the Shackling of Pregnant Women

"The practice of restraining pregnant women is demeaning and unnecessary and best efforts must be made to avoid this practice at all costs."

Historic Sanger House and Gardens

Labor of love brought this 1872 mansion back to life. Tour the property and its beautiful gardens during Doors Open.

Supervisor Taylor Measure Would Limit the Shackling of Pregnant Women

A measure opposing the practice of shackling pregnant and postpartum women within Milwaukee County correctional facilities will come before the Judiciary, Safety, and General Services committee

Quarters Is Very Old School

It's the old Riverwest, not the new, for cheap beer and hard rock.

The Foundation Goes Back to 1893

Structure has carried neighborhood taps and now Milwaukee's go-to Tiki bar, Foundation.

Jabari Parker’s New Bachelor Pad

Bucks star still owns $570,000 Grafton home; now has a cool Brewers Hill warehouse.

High Dive’s Equitable Atmosphere

For decades a mom-and-pop tavern; now a hip hangout.

A Tiny Odd Beauty in Riverwest

Mediterranean Revival home was long an office for landscape firm.

Will County Give Pension to State?

Board approves work group to study state takeover of pension system.

Sheriff Clarke Rejects Invitation to Meet with Judiciary Committee

Members of the Committee released a joint statement regarding Clarke's absence.

Once Again Clarke No-shows on the Citizens of Milwaukee County

"This is another instance of David A. Clark, Jr. abandoning his responsibility to those who elected him and he needs to resign now."

Tiny Squirrel Cage Hard to Find

Peculiar old Riverwest tavern has 500 square feet, no tap beers, squirrelly atmosphere.

Supervisor Johnson: Abele’s Estabrook Scheme Offensive

"His anti-democratic scheme exploits the special powers granted to him by the Republican legislature in Madison."

The Whitnall House

One of handful of Pre-Civil War homes in City, was birthplace of the "Father of Milwaukee Parks System."

Milwaukee County Supervisors Avoid Opportunity to Remove Estabrook Dam

Finance and Audit Committee ignores Parks Department’s expert opinion to remove blighted structure

County Panel Refuses Move Toward Transparency

Committee Will Not Provide Public Notice of Budgetary Changes

The Riverwest 24 Countdown House

109-year old Pierce St. duplex is unremarkable, save for its RW24 spirit.

TWO Is For Couples, Get It?

Yep, the former Riverwest tailor shop is a tavern with intimate booths for TWOsomes.

Riverwest Tavern Is Very Dog-Friendly

There's been a neighborhood bar here for 100 years. The dogs are more recent.

Board Chairman Lipscomb Announces Standing Committee Assignments for the 2016-2018 term

I am excited to announce the historic appointment of Supervisor Peggy A. West as Chairwoman of Milwaukee County’s Finance Committee.

County Pension Scandal Poster Boys

Six veterans seeking re-election voted for infamous pension plan that ripped off taxpayers.

County Board Unanimously Approves Resolution to Protect Parks

At Least 43 Lack Designated Zoning as Parkland; Measure Moves to Avoid Sale by Executive

County narrowly approves Park East project’s final phase

Ald. Kovac’s “Adult” Home Is Very Modest

The 1893 Riverwest home has just 1.5 stories and one bathroom with 10% ventilation.

County Will Allow Politics in Parks

“Bizarre” ban on political activity had restricted free speech for more than a decade.

Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller

“Johnny Thomas is the person that we need to be our next Milwaukee City Comptroller,” said Alderman Willie Wade.

Historic Brewers Hill Association Presents The Gateway Signage Project Official Unveiling

On Thursday, Dec. 10, the brief outdoor Unveiling Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. on East Pleasant, between North Palmer and Commerce Streets.

Supervisors Johnson, Schmitt Commend County Board on Budget Balance

2016 Budget Provides More for Public Safety, Enhancements for Parks and Transit

County Panel Refuses to Label Community ID Cards

“The authors of the legislation funding the Community ID program with taxpayer dollars have said publicly that the ID cards will not be used for voting.”

Finance Committee Votes to Improve County Budget

Restores Funding for Public Safety and Rolls Back Use of Reserves

Taxpayers on hook for County Supervisor John Weishan’s legal tab

Taxpayers Lose Nearly $10,000 to County Supervisor’s Legal Bills

Today a Milwaukee County Supervisor had a solid victory over the taxpayers.

County Board Knew About the Looming Transit Shortfall

In fact, the entire County Board knew about the reports.

Passing the Gavel

County panel delays Park East land sale to Bucks development group

County Board Pushes Seniors on the Bus; Kicks Financial Warnings to the Curb

"While we want to see our transit system improved, I worry that the GO Pass, which was largely opposed by Milwaukee’s senior community, will eventually cause fares to increase at the expense of all other riders."

Community Works to Reclaim Park

Harambee neighborhood organizers looking for ideas to improve park at Burleigh and MLK Dr.

The County Board’s Anti-Environmental Boondoggle

Its Estabrook Dam decision will cost taxpayers millions and harm environment.

Will County Pass Another Pension Giveaway?

Board members favor a “grandfather clause” protecting retirees with illegal payments that could cost taxpayers $10 million.

Supervisors Broderick, Johnson Jr. and Jursik Announce Opposition to O’Donnell Park Sale to Northwestern Mutual

Three Committee Chairs Say Park Land Should Not Be For Sale to Private Company

Finance, Personnel and Audit Committee Welcomes Public Input as it Begins Budget Review

Announces Public Hearing on October 20 at Milwaukee School of Languages

Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr. Honored to Serve as WCA President

Johnson Will Be the First African American to Serve as President of State Counties Association

Milwaukee County Board Votes to Place Minimum Wage Referendum on November Ballot

County Leaders, Low Wage Workers, Advocates and Allies Hail Step Forward to Raise Wages for Working People In Wisconsin

Finally, a New Park East Plan

Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?

The Other Mandela

The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.

Committee Tailors Rules to Target Sheriff

Ethics rule aimed at Sheriff Clarke is based on hypocritical reasoning

Milwaukee County Board Honors Local Social Justice Advocate in Observance of Black History Month

Board Set to Present Lauri Wynn with Citation

M. L. King Library is Open and Will Hold a Special Program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

All Other Milwaukee Public Libraries are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Results from Today’s Milwaukee County Board Meeting

A summary of items passed at the county board meeting.

Still Defending the Infamous Pension Plan

County Exec Abele wants to cut back the lucrative backdrop provision. Why are supervisors delaying this?

County Supervisors, Others to Call for End to Poverty Wages for Janitors

Contract for cleaning county buildings spurs concerns that public dollars fund family-sustaining jobs

The Moody Blues

With the closing of Moody Pool, the city's North Side now has half the number of public pools as the South Side.

Chairwoman Dimitrijevic Announces Seven “Chat with the Chair” Events for the Month of December

“Chats” set for Whitefish Bay, South Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners and Bayside

Supervisor Stamper Praises Board for Leadership in Cases Involving Death of a Person in Law Enforcement Custody

Board overwhelmingly approves resolution outlining policy for Medical Examiner’s office

County Board 2013 Budget Blast: Nov. 5, 2012

The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, under the leadership of Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, has adopted the 2013 Budget today.

Results from Today’s Milwaukee County Board Meeting

A summary of items passed at the county board meeting.

County Board 2013 Budget Blast: October 31, 2012

The Milwaukee County Board’s Finance, Personnel & Audit Committee is holding a series of budget hearings throughout October on the County Executive’s 2013 Recommended Budget.

County Board 2013 Budget Blast: October 25, 2012

The Milwaukee County Board’s Finance, Personnel & Audit Committee is holding a series of budget hearings throughout October on the County Executive’s 2013 Recommended Budget.

County Board Committee Passes Fair Budget With Balance on Vote of 8-1

Public safety, economic development and Parks enhancement highlight budget that heads to public hearing at the Marcus Center on Oct. 29

County Board Refuses To Put Price Tag on Public Safety

Committee votes to invest in protection of Milwaukee County residents

County Board Budget Blast: October 24, 2012

The Milwaukee County Board’s Finance, Personnel & Audit Committee is holding a series of budget hearings throughout October on the County Executive’s 2013 Recommended Budget.

Raclaw to Challenge Veteran in 14th Supervisory District

Supervisor Nyklewicz will face a rare challenge for his seat when Milwaukee Police detective Sebastian C. J. Raclaw announces his candidacy for the Milwaukee County Supervisor for the 14th District

Is Ament’s Pension Deal Biased Against Blacks?

In the wake of the pension controversy, County Executive F. Thomas Ament has attempted to woo the black community in hopes that strong support there might keep him in office.