As we say goodbye to 2025, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley takes a moment to assess the year's hits and misses. The County Executive shared a reflection in an article by Milwaukee County's official site, noting strides in affordable housing, economic development, and health services, as well as responding to challenges such as natural disasters and federal funding complications.
According to Milwaukee County's official site, Crowley highlighted maintaining essential services in 2025 despite fiscal challenges. He said, "While I’m proud of what we accomplished in 2025, our work is not complete in making Milwaukee County the healthiest community in Wisconsin." The 2026 budget continues tax relief, keeping the property tax levy lower than in 2023 after the county’s largest property tax cut in 2024.
Crowley’s administration invested $47 million in affordable housing and launched a $7 million Lead Abatement Program. In June, the first new home in the King Park neighborhood was completed, part of a $6 million effort to build over 100 affordable homes. These initiatives helped reduce county homelessness by 46% over five years, saving more than $30 million.
Crowley’s Building Bridges Program awarded $10,000 grants to 20 small businesses for facility improvements and technical support. Following severe flooding in August, he declared a state of emergency and mobilized county departments, despite federal Public Assistance funding being denied—a decision later appealed by Governor Evers.
FEMA provided over $143 million in Individual Assistance to more than 29,000 Milwaukee County residents affected by historic storms. Wisconsin’s request for federal Public Assistance funding was denied, limiting additional support for recovery efforts.
During a government shutdown, Crowley partnered with the City of Milwaukee, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, and NourishMKE on a food drive that raised $93,000 and more than 9,000 pounds of food, providing over 273,000 meals. The $95 million Concourse E Redevelopment Project at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport was completed without using local tax funds.
Crowley’s budget targeted fare evasion and improved route security for public transit. The 2026 MCTS Service Plan addresses funding deficits to support long-term transit viability. He also signed a Vision Zero resolution to eliminate traffic deaths by 2037, and his pilot field blood transfusion program for trauma patients saved lives.
Crowley signed the Milwaukee County Climate Action 2050 Plan to pursue net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. During the summer, the Healthy County Challenge promoted wellness through group bike rides and park cleanups.
