David Crowley Proposes 2027 Milwaukee County Budget

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley presented a $1.5 billion proposed budget for 2027 on October 1, designed to close a projected $50 million gap. The proposal includes a property tax rate decrease for homeowners and a 2% raise for county employees. To address deficits, Crowley included a $12.1 million one-time reserve draw for the Milwaukee County Transit System.

Crowley proposed ending all funding for Flock cameras, citing concerns over the risk of misusing resident information, and suggested redirecting those funds to the Eviction Free MKE program. The budget also allocates $5 million for the Mitchell Park Domes and introduces a paid parking pilot program at high-demand areas, such as the lakefront, to prevent cuts to parks.

A primary point of contention is the Investing in Justice: Courthouse Complex Project, an $800 million initiative to replace the county courthouse. While the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution for the project, Supervisor Justin Bielinski opposed it due to the potential financial burden on constituents. Conversely, Supervisor Kathleen Vincent advocated for the replacement, stating the current building does not meet the needs of a modern justice system.