First sworn into office in May of 2020, David Crowley became the youngest county executive in the history of Milwaukee County and the first Black leader elected to serve in the role. On April 2, 2024, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was reelected to a second term with 85% of the vote.

 As a lifelong Milwaukee resident, County Executive Crowley recognizes that Milwaukee County is truly a tale of two communities. He has lived the pain and struggle that many in our neighborhoods face every day, and he knows the joy of bringing people together to conquer those challenges. The fundamental tenet of Executive Crowley’s administration is to build bridges that bring people together, deliver prosperity for working families, and foster a safer, stronger, and healthier Milwaukee County.

Standing in front yard with his family, Crowley was sworn into office in May of 2020, at the heigh of the coronavirus pandemic. Immediately, he got to work.

Crowley led the implementation of the first County-wide strategic plan in 20 years, focusing the County on a vision of achieving racial equity, and by doing so, becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Milwaukee County has diversified positions, streamlined government services, and delivered investments that are moving the community forward. 

Thanks to County Executive Crowley’s leadership and advocacy, Milwaukee County secured new revenue-generating tools through the passage of the bipartisan Wisconsin Act 12 that reformed the state’s local revenue-sharing structure for the first time in over two decades. The legislation allowed Milwaukee County to raise additional revenues to address its unique financial challenges, reform its pension system, and preserve critical services that residents rely on each day. 

County Executive Crowley is working to expand access to mental health services and address the ongoing opioid epidemic throughout Milwaukee. The County Executive believes housing is a matter of public health and is collaborating with partners to build more safe, quality and affordable housing, create union jobs in the trades, and address the root causes of housing instability and unaffordability. Crowley is also committed to tackling the County’s fiscal challenges of tomorrow by securing new investments in public transit, economic development, and local parks.

During high school, David was introduced to the Milwaukee youth organization, Urban Underground, that ignited his passion for community organizing. He credits Urban Underground for saving his life, providing him with a supportive network, and helping guide him to public service. Thereafter, he joined AmeriCorps when he turned 18, and worked with several other community organizations, including Project Return, Safe & Sound Inc., and COA Youth and Family Centers.

His passion for service has continued as an adult. David is a member of numerous community organizations, including the ACLU, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals and the Milwaukee NAACP. David grew up in a working-class family in Milwaukee’s 53206 neighborhood. He attended Bay View High School, and is currently finishing up his degree at UW-Milwaukee. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Ericka, and their three young daughters.