Chairwoman Nicholson Reflects on a Year of Progress, Policy, Community
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson is celebrating a year of bold action, historic milestones, and renewed commitments to advancing equity and opportunity for every resident of Milwaukee County. As a lifelong Milwaukeean, former educator, and national advocate for equity, Nicholson works to advance bold policy solutions that center community voices.
“As we close out the year, I am deeply proud of the progress we’ve made together,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “From passing transformative legislation to connecting with neighbors at community events, this year reflects the collective energy, advocacy, and vision of Milwaukee County.”
Nicholson championed several key policies in 2025 that propel health, sustainability, and human dignity:
- Opioid Response – Directed opioid settlement funds to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery, ensuring resources reach organizations saving lives every day.
- Climate Action 2050 Plan – Advanced a comprehensive plan to cut emissions, create local jobs, and improve public health, building on the resolution Nicholson authored to make Milwaukee County carbon neutral by 2050.
- Mitchell Park Domes – Championed legislative initiatives to preserve and reimagine the Domes as a living landmark, ensuring future generations can learn, connect, and celebrate community there.
- A Courthouse for the People– Co-authored a resolution with Supervisors Gómez-Tom and Martinez to safeguard fairness and due process following ICE arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
This year also marked a series of meaningful milestones:
- Five Years as Chairwoman – Nicholson was sworn in during the Covid-19 pandemic, in the middle of the parking lot, and days later was elected to be the first Afro-Latina Chairwoman. This year, she celebrated her fifth year as Board Chair.
- Robert Wood Johnson National Culture of Health Award – Milwaukee County was honored for its equity-centered leadership, driven by Nicholsons’ groundbreaking legislation declaring racism as a public health crisis and setting ordinances for Milwaukee County’s vision: ‘By achieving racial equity, Milwaukee is the healthiest county in Wisconsin.’
- Notable Latino Leader – Nicholson was named one of BizTimes’ 2025 Notable Latino Leaders, reflecting her commitment to representation and equity.
- Investments in Infrastructure – Contributed to transformative projects, including the new Health & Human Services Center, as well as the solar energy investments included in the project, and progress on the new Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin.
- Equitable and Community Driven Development – Nicholson championed funding legislation for projects that had their grand opening this year, including Concordia 27, King Park Housing, Washington Park Urban Ecology Center, and the revitalization of Sherman Park.
- Digital Transformation – After years of effort, County Board meetings are now digitally translated into Spanish to increase access.
“Milwaukee County has so much to be proud of as a diverse, resilient community with a shared commitment to equity,” Nicholson said. “As we look ahead, I remain dedicated to advancing policies and partnerships that create a healthier, brighter, and more just future for all.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson
Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson Hosts 4th Annual Sherman Park Harvest Fest and County Budget Booth
Oct 24th, 2025 by County Board Chairwoman Marcelia NicholsonCommunity Event with “Wicked” Fun Activities and Connections to County Services and Information
I thought MCTS was the domain of the County Board. Where is the “bold” action on getting the dysfunctional, entitled culture of the MCTS management under control? What is the County Board doing about stopping the ever-increasing fare evasion on MCTS? Those of us dependent on public transit who have never evaded fares, are dismayed by the Board’s lack of enthusiasm towards finding a solution. Raising the fare to $2.75 and the daily cap to $8 from $5 only puts a greater burden on those honest folks who pay their fares. It will probably increase the fare evaders, who always seem to have money for junk food, marijuana gummies,,iphones and designer clothes but somehow can’t afford their fare.
At the least, that esteemed body should come up with a plan to disable the fare boxes in the Connect 1 boarding areas. For whatever reason, they cannot be removed, so disable them and force an accurate account of exactly how many folks are evading fare. the latest guesstimate I heard was 33 percent. My observation is more likely 55-65 percent, especially on the Connect 1 line…
I understand Ms. Nicholson has higher political aspirations. I will NEVER vote for this person more interested in networking and getting known by the “right” folks than she is about guiding the County Board to address the serious issue of all those scamming the system, and doing something about the inept MCTS management.
I may contact RoJo. I am not a fan, but if I suggest Milwaukee County needs the National Guard to prevent fare evaders and to ensure the operators are willing to accept fares of those willing to pay them, not letting them on the bus free, perhaps he might be willing to mention it to the felon-in-chief, who does not like Democratic cities.. Think of all the press the County Board would get then.
I forgot to add I have been dependent on public transit my entire adult life. Until the current management team took over at MCTS approximately 12 years ago, MCTS was one of the best transit systems in the nation. No more, thanks to the new, dysfunctional MCTS management team and lack of oversight by the esteemed Milwaukee County Board.. There’s a reason Waukesha Metro paid more to keep the management company they do rather than take the lower bid and end up with the same dysfunctional management company that MCTS has.