1-on-1 with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: Highs and lows of 2023

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The year 2023 will soon come to a close and it's time we look back on this historic year that saw many accomplishments for Milwaukee County. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley spoke to CBS 58 about some of the highlights, challenges, and goals for next year.

"This is a very, very, very special place," David Crowley said. "I was born and raised here, and I don't know if I would go anywhere else because I truly believe that no matter what background you come from, you know, we have something to offer for everyone."

Crowley told CBS 58 that he's been able to reflect a lot in the past year.

"I think that we've created many milestones for Milwaukee County residents--one of the major pieces of legislation that we were able to get done is the passage of 'Wisconsin Act 12,' giving us the ability to leverage our local option sales tax to invest right back into our community," he said.

As a direct result of the act, the city and county of Milwaukee are now able to impose sales and use taxes for limited purposes. Milwaukee County will increase its sales tax rate by 0.4%.

"Even when we think about the Brewers deal being able to not only keep them here but making sure that we protect taxpayer dollars," he explained. "But also, the way that we have used our federal dollars, our ARPA funds to invest back into community organizations."

The 2024 Adopted Budget has also been a win for Crowley; it includes a $21 million decrease in property tax in which local homeowners will likely see their taxes reduced by nearly $100.

Crowley admitted that challenges were and still are present.

"We know that homelessness is a challenge, we know that mental health is a challenge, we know that transportation is a challenge and so, you know, for us, it's really about how do we continue to invest back into Milwaukee County?" he added.

CBS 58 asked about reckless driving being a prominent issue throughout the area.

"We have to recognize that for almost 20 years we did not have Drivers' Education, actually, within our school systems," Crowley said. "The issue at the end of the day is that we have to provide a space for our entire community to where they can, not be in survival mode, but they can be in a mode to actually thrive."

CBS 58 also asked if reducing violent crimes was a priority.

"We can't keep waiting until the back end of this and think that police is going to solve all of our problems," Crowley responded. "There are a lot of things that we have to do as government officials, as community leaders, and as just community members in general, to make sure we are being proactive when it comes down to violence."

He said that he would like community members to speak out more about mental wellness.

Crowley said he will be running for reelection next year. His only opponent so far? A Milwaukee resident with his same initials, named Daniel Crowley.

There is no relation.