In year-end interview, County Executive Abele says he's still not happy with arena funding deal

In year-end interview, County Executive Abele says he's still not happy with arena funding deal

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele plans to ask the state Legislature to change a contentious aspect of the Milwaukee Bucks arena deal finalized this summer.The $500 million arena, which is scheduled to open in 2018, is funded by $250 million from the current and former owners and $250 million from public sources, a number that will increase because of interest.

Milwaukee County's Dept. of Health and Human Services receives generous grant

Milwaukee County's Dept. of Health and Human Services receives generous grant

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced Wednesday, November 25th that the County's Department of Health and Human Services has received a generous grant in the amount of $100,000 from Bader Philanthropies to advance the County's efforts to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee.“We are thrilled by the recognition and support from Bader Philanthropies,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “We launched Housing First in July of this year to provide chronically homeless individuals a place to live immediately with no stipulations.Through this work and our collaborations with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Police, our homeless shelters, and many community organizations, we are helping some of our most vulnerable citizens reclaim their lives with dignity and we are strengthening our community."Of the one year, $100,000 grant from Bader Philanthropies, $50,000 will support the launch of a pilot employment program for chronically homeless individuals, providing immediate job placements and on-the-job training, fostering independence.

County Board chairman files lawsuit against Co. Exec. Abele over alleged pay changes, budget meetings

County Board chairman files lawsuit against Co. Exec. Abele over alleged pay changes, budget meetings

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb has filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, for his "continued refusal to appear before the public in committee meetings" on the Milwaukee County budget, "as required by law" -- and allegations he made changes to Milwaukee County employees' pay, which exceeds his authority under state statute."If you were simply reasonable and would come, we wouldn't have to resort to this," said Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb says of meetings missed by Abele.Lipscomb says the County Board is requesting Abele's presence so they can ask him questions about his proposed 2016 budget.

Milestone in effort to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee: 45 people placed in homes

Milestone in effort to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee: 45 people placed in homes

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has announced a major milestone in the plan to end chronic homeless.The initiative involving Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee began in July.Since then, 45 people have already been successfully placed in housing, and another 30 are in the process of choosing housing.The goal was to place 100 people in permanent housing during the initiative's first year.

MCTS, bus drivers union reach tentative agreement on 3-year contract

MCTS, bus drivers union reach tentative agreement on 3-year contract

MILWAUKEE -- After months of negotiations and even a brief strike, officials with Milwaukee County Transit System say they have reached a tentative agreement for a three-year contract with the bus drivers union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998."We did come to an agreement.

Milwaukee County receives $10M grant to enhance "Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood" project

Milwaukee County receives $10M grant to enhance "Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood" project

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on Thursday, October 8th announced a $10 million “New Pathways for Fathers and Families” Administration for Children and Families grant that will build on and enhance the county’s "Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood" project.Milwaukee County is the only child support agency in the U.S. to receive and administer a “Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood” grant from the federal government.This grant partners Milwaukee County with community organizations to help fathers improve their economic security.

2016 budget: Milwaukee Co. Exec. Chris Abele delivers proposed $1.375B spending plan

2016 budget: Milwaukee Co. Exec. Chris Abele delivers proposed $1.375B spending plan

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele delivered an address on his proposed 2016 budget on Wednesday morning, September 30th."Milwaukee must do right by our employees, and do so in a sustainable way," said Abele.Abele says his $1.375 billion budget proposal makes a nearly $8 million investment in the county’s staff, with a 2.5 percent pay increase over the 2015 budget for employees, $2.5 million for the compensation system change that will result in hundreds of raises for front-line workers, and a new $300,000 tuition reimbursement program.Abele says this investment extends to include limiting employee expenses.