For the first time, more than half of the board’s seats are occupied by women.

In a landmark shift for Milwaukee County, women now constitute the majority of the County Board for the first time in its history. This significant change follows the recent local elections where several new female supervisors were elected, bringing the number of women on the 18-member board to 10.

“The perspective of the board has changed,” Supervisor Liz Sumner remarked. “Women are often more collaborative and bring a different perspective to leadership.”

This transition not only reflects a growing trend toward gender diversity in political roles but also highlights the shifting dynamics within Milwaukee County’s governance. The increase in female representation is seen as a potential catalyst for more inclusive and comprehensive policymaking.

Historically, the County Board has been predominantly male, a common trend in local governments across the country. However, recent years have seen a shift, with more women stepping into leadership roles at all levels of government.

“Having women in leadership roles can result in policies that more broadly benefit the entire community,” said Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, reflecting on the new composition of the board.

As the newly elected women take their seats, there is a sense of optimism about the future direction of county governance, underpinned by a commitment to addressing diverse community needs through a more balanced representation.