2026 Milwaukee County budget address; David Crowley presents plan

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley presented on Tuesday, Sept. 30, his 2026 Recommended Budget to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. 

2026 Recommended Budget

What we know:

A news release from Crowley's office says the 2026 Recommended Budget addresses a projected $46 million shortfall with a mix of new revenues, cost savings, and spending choices. 

Crowley's office says property tax collections will increase in 2026 but will remain lower than they were in 2023.

Sales tax revenues are expected to reach $192 million in 2026, with a significant share dedicated to paying down pension obligations. 

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Departments across the county were asked to find savings, and their reductions resulted in nearly $20 million in efficiencies that help close the gap without cutting core services.

"The comptroller’s office reported that we are staring down a $46 million budget deficit," Crowley said.

The shortfall comes despite an increase in the county sales tax. Crowley said rising inflation, tariffs and overtime spending at the sheriff’s office continue to strain finances.

His proposal includes transit cuts and a $12 million property tax levy increase to help fill the gap.

"The sales tax was not going to fix all of our problems," Crowley said.

Complete text of Crowley's budget speech

Reaction

Local perspective:

For bus rider Jillisa Schmidt, talk of the Milwaukee County budget became personal when she learned her daily route to work could be eliminated.

"It sucks because I take this bus to work every day," Schmidt said. "This is how I make my money. I go to work every day. I go home. It’s really important."

Route 28, which runs to Mayfair Mall, is one of six routes that may be cut under Crowley’s proposed 2026 budget.

Not all officials are satisfied with the plan.

"I just don’t know if the budget at this point quite meets the moment that we’re in," said County Supervisor Justin Bielinski. "This is a good start, let’s work together. Let’s try to improve it."

For Schmidt, the priority is clear: keeping essential services.

"There are people that need to get to work and need to get to school," she said.

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Supervisors Anne O’Connor, Caroline Gómez-Tom, Justin Bielinski, and Juan Miguel Martinez

"This budget, as proposed, forces County residents to pay more while getting less. We thank the County Executive and his administration for the hard work they have put in under extremely difficult circumstances, but to be clear, this proposal is the starting point, not the end. We need the public’s voice to shape what comes next. As Supervisors, we are committed to protecting transit, maintaining core community services, and prioritizing the needs of working families across Milwaukee County. We need to hear from you!  

"Nearly half of the tax levy is spent on law enforcement and incarceration—including courts, the Sheriff, District Attorney, County Jail, and the CRC—while behavioral health services are facing a proposed $17.6 million cut. This is not how we make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin. Milwaukee County faces strict state-imposed levy caps that limit flexibility, yet the budget continues to prioritize reactive approaches over prevention, forcing difficult choices that undermine public health and community well-being. 

"Transit is another major flashpoint. The recommended budget calls for double-digit service reductions, up to 15%, across Milwaukee County Transit System. For working people, seniors, and students who rely on the bus, this would mean longer waits, fewer routes, and difficulty accessing jobs, schools, and healthcare."

"Milwaukee County cannot be left holding the bag while the State and Federal government fail to do their part," the Supervisors said. "We need a fair deal for our residents, and that won’t happen unless the public steps in, speaks out, and demands better." 

Public hearings planned

What you can do:

Milwaukee County residents can make their voices heard when they attend any of the following public hearings on the 2026 Recommended Budget:

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Supervisor Justin Bielinski – West Allis Public Library, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Supervisors Anne O’Connor and Wasserman – Shorewood Public Library, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Supervisors Caroline Gómez-Tom, Sheldon Wasserman, Jack Eckblad, Miguel Martinez, Sky Capriolo, and Justin Bielinski – Kosciuszko Community Center, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 – Supervisors Miguel Martinez and Caroline Gómez-Tom – Mitchell Park Domes, 5 p.m.

The Annual Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Oct. 27 at the Mitchell Park Domes. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the hearing begins at 6 p.m. Free public access to the Domes runs from 5 pm. until 6 p.m.

Milwaukee CountyNews