Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors

Welcome to the Board of Supervisors

Hello!

The Board of Supervisors is the legislative branch of Milwaukee County government, and your direct link to policy-making and oversight for everything from the airport to the zoo, from our world-class parks system to our world-famous MCTS bus operators, from everyday services like senior centers and housing assistance to our one-of-a-kind cultural facilities.

The Board of Supervisors aims to conduct county business on behalf of our constituents with the guiding principles of racial equity, preparation, collaboration, sustainability, and decorum at the forefront. In April 2024, we became the first Board in Milwaukee County history to have a majority of women Supervisors. 

We want to hear from you! Please connect with us via your County Supervisor's district office, or sign up to speak at an upcoming committee meeting.

Thank you,

- Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson

Milwaukee County Budget Process

The Milwaukee County budget is an important document that serves several purposes. First, the budget serves as a financial and operational blueprint that aids departmental administrators in the delivery of needed services. Second, it functions as a statement of policy developed and approved by the County's elected officials. Finally, the budget is a source of information for the general public, empowering the public to better understand the many functions of County government, county operations and how resources are allocated in furtherance of the County's mission.  

In June, all Milwaukee County departments submit budget requests to the County Executive's Administration. Milwaukee County was the first municipality in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis in April 2019, and all departments now use the County's "Racial Equity Budget Tool," a structured process that applies a racial equity analysis to critically assess the impacts of budget decisions on communities of color. 

A summary of departmental requests is released on or before August 15. The County Executive holds public meetings in August and September to gather public input before finalizing their budget proposal, and also solicits input via “Balancing Act,” a budget simulation tool. State Statutes require the County Executive to submit their budget proposal to the County Board by Oct. 1. The County Executive's proposal is known as the "Recommended Budget."

After the County Board of Supervisors receives the Recommended Budget, the Research Division of the Comptroller's office provides Supervisors with an independent analysis of the Recommended Budget, known as the "Overview." Download the Comptroller's "Overview of the 2021 Milwaukee County Budget" here. Staff from the Research Division then works with Supervisors to develop and draft budget amendments that are considered by the Finance Committee during the month of October. 

Throughout the month of October, many Supervisors host town hall style meetings to seek input on the Recommended Budget from their constituents. State Statues require the Board of Supervisors to host an annual public hearing on the following year's budget no later than the first Monday in November. After the annual public hearing, Supervisors may propose additional amendments to the Finance Committee, which then approves an amended budget.  

After the Finance Committee approves an amended budget, the full County Board holds a budget adoption meeting. Supervisors vote to adopt or reject proposed budget amendments, and then vote on a final version of the budget, which is called the Adopted Budget. The Adopted Budget then goes to the County Executive for their signature. The County Executive can veto any part of the Adopted Budget. If the County Executive issues vetoes, the Board of Supervisors then has a final opportunity to meet where they vote to accept the Executive's vetoes or reject them.

Click here to see the 2022 Adopted Budget. 

Click here to see the 2023 Recommended Budget.

Intern With the County Board of Supervisors

Interning at the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will give students interested in public policy a unique introduction to local government. Interns will be exposed to the inner workings of the legislative process as it pertains to Milwaukee County. Under direct supervision of current public servants, interns will play an integral part in the daily functions of the Board.

Learn More

Special Committees, Task Forces and Commissions

The following are County Board special committees, task forces and commissions. For information on these and past or inactive special committees, task forces and commissions, contact the County Clerk. 

• Independent Redistricting Committee
• American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Task Force 
• Fair Deal for Milwaukee County Workgroup
• Capital Improvements Committee
• Lakefront Development Advisory Commission
• Cultural Artistic and Musical Programming Advisory Council (CAMPAC)
• Pension Study Commission 
• Task Force on Mitchell Park Conservatory Domes

Milwaukee County Youth Commission

In June of 2022, County Executive Crowley signed into law a resolution that he co-authored with County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisor Sequanna Taylor to revive the Milwaukee County Youth Commission. On Dec. 15, 2022, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors confirmed the members of the 2023-24 Milwaukee County Youth Commission.

The Youth Commission works in partnership with the County Board and the County Executive to make advisory recommendations about policy and budgetary decisions to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, and to advance Milwaukee County’s mission of achieving racial equity. The Youth Commission also receives support from various Milwaukee County departments and a community-based operating partner.

There is one commissioner to represent each of the 18 supervisory districts in Milwaukee County and two co-chairs who represent the County Executive and Board Chairperson, for a total of 20 members. Eligible youth may apply here to be considered: county.milwaukee.gov/youthcommission.