County Executive Crowley delivers State of the County address: 'Possibilities for what you can accomplish are virtually limitless'
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in person as Milwaukee County executive, David Crowley spoke to a crowd of nearly 500 people Tuesday morning as he delivered the 2023 State of the County address at the UW-Milwaukee Student Union Ballroom.
The speech included several key topics including addressing the opioid crisis in Milwaukee County, reckless driving, reviving the Milwaukee County Youth Commission, affordable housing contracts throughout the county and more.
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"When you have great partners, the possibilities for what you can accomplish are virtually limitless," County Executive Crowley said. "I'm proud to have developed strong partnerships at every level of government to bring much needed resources to our area. I'm just as proud to have worked with leaders in the many communities that make up Milwaukee County to invest those resources upstream to improve health outcomes and quality of life for everyone, regardless of their ZIP code."
During his address, Crowley brought attention to a challenging fiscal situation in which the county finds itself.
"Currently, the cost of services are outpacing our current revenues, and we are limited by state law in how much revenue we can raise locally," Crowley explained. "By 2027, we are projected to have no local dollars to fund local services. We need sustainable sources of revenue to maintain services and amenities that make metro Milwaukee a competitive region to grow businesses and attract and retain talent, including public safety."
Crowley went on to say he continues to be encouraged by conversations with state lawmakers and Governor Tony Evers, discussing reform including a 1% sales tax for Milwaukee County.
"We are ready to be a strong partner with our leaders in Madison to ensure the safety of residents living in all 19 municipalities within Milwaukee County," Crowley added.
The county executive made sure to address housing insecurities in Milwaukee County and the work being done to provide affordable housing for residents.
"As someone with firsthand experience with housing insecurity, I can testify to the negative consequences that come with being evicted or having to move frequently," Crowley said. "It's because of those experiences that housing security is a top priority for me as county executive."
Crowley also discussed the importance of providing youth in Milwaukee County communities with resources and positive role models, crediting programs including Safe & Sound and Running Rebels for their work connecting justice-involved youth with neighborhood leaders, youth advocates and others.
"Our goal is to be highly responsive to youth involved in high-risk behavior. We will immediately connect them with a support system that addresses root causes and offers opportunities, resources, and guidance to change their trajectory," Crowley said. "As someone born and raised here, I understand that sometimes our leaders almost sound afraid of our youth. At a young age, I had my life changed by mentors who cared for me and helped me unlock my true power and potential."
Crowley told CBS 58 News following the address that he hopes he can use his position and success as the first African American man elected to be county executive in Milwaukee County, and Wisconsin, to show what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
"It's a great opportunity to show our young people what they can aspire to be, but it comes with responsibility," Crowley said. "Making sure we continue to build up leaders all around us is how we're going to make sure we continue to make not just Black history, but history right here in our own community for all Americans."
You can read the full State of the County address here: