(Photo by Joe Potente, Kenosha County)
KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — In her third State of the County address, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman offered a glowing assessment of local government’s direction, calling the county “strong” and its future “bright,” while using the occasion to celebrate major economic wins, budget discipline, and what she described as a renewed commitment to transparency.
Kerkman, who was elected in 2022 as Kenosha County’s first female executive, delivered the address to the County Board Tuesday evening. She used the speech to mark the county’s 175th anniversary and the 100-year milestone of the historic Kenosha County Courthouse, which will be commemorated in a public celebration on August 24.
“We’re not taking our foot off the gas pedal,” Kerkman said. “We’re making Kenosha County — the Gateway to Wisconsin — an even more attractive place to live, work and play.”
Economic Growth and Budget Discipline
Among the most notable achievements highlighted was Eli Lilly’s $3 billion expansion project in Pleasant Prairie and Bristol, which is expected to bring 750 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs. Kerkman also cited Microsoft’s purchase of 240 acres northwest of I-94 and Highway 142 — property the City of Kenosha recently rezoned for a potential data center development.
“These investments are reshaping our economic landscape,” Kerkman said, crediting the Kenosha Area Business Alliance for helping position the county as a business-friendly destination.
On the fiscal front, Kerkman pointed to a series of “high-quality budgets” with average tax levy increases of just 2.27 percent over three years. She credited rising property values for allowing many homeowners to see actual reductions in county property taxes. Sales tax revenues also hit record highs in early 2025, and the county maintained its AAA bond rating from S&P Global, saving more than $1 million in interest costs to date.
Transparency and Public Engagement
Kerkman emphasized new tools designed to make county operations more accessible to the public. A redesigned county website, data dashboards for Human Services divisions, and a public listing of infrastructure projects were all touted as part of an overarching transparency initiative.
Her administration also launched an e-newsletter and expanded outreach events like “Human Services on the Go” to bring resources directly to residents. She credited the County Board with supporting these efforts and singled out several supervisors for their work, including Chair Monica Yuhas, Human Services watchdog Supervisor Franco, and Supervisor Belsky, who led the push for data transparency.
“We’re serving people where they’re at, and not waiting for them to find us,” Kerkman said.
Environmental and Infrastructure Projects
Kerkman pointed to the long-planned restoration of the South Branch of the Pike River as a success story in collaboration and cost savings. Approved unanimously by the board in March, the project aims to improve water quality and environmental conditions while coming in under its original cost estimates.
She also praised the launch of a new Adopt-A-Highway program — fittingly kicked off on Earth Day — and acknowledged the Public Works and Parks departments for their rapid response to a severe storm that damaged over 100 trees at Brighton Dale Links golf course last week.
Public Safety and Social Services
The county’s investment in behavioral health and public safety also drew attention. A newly embedded social worker is now working alongside the Sheriff’s Office to support residents in crisis. Other recent additions to law enforcement include more deputies, detectives, a civilian jail administrator, and a data analyst — a role Kerkman said has helped the Sheriff’s Office more strategically address crime trends.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tone of celebration, Kerkman acknowledged looming challenges, including a new EPA designation labeling southeastern Wisconsin a “Severe Nonattainment” area for air quality. The classification could impose tougher regulations on local manufacturers, even though much of the ozone pollution originates in Illinois and Indiana.
“My administration, KABA, and our regional economic development partners are working with our congressional delegation to address this unfair burden,” Kerkman said, noting ongoing conversations with Rep. Bryan Steil and Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson.
County Pride and Community Spirit
The address ended on a celebratory note, with Kerkman showcasing an Emmy Award-winning video produced in partnership with Uniquely Wisconsin, highlighting Kenosha’s ties to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — popularized in the film “A League of Their Own.”
“While we’ve accomplished a lot over the last three years, we’re not done yet,” Kerkman said. “The state of Kenosha County remains strong. Our history is rich, and our future is bright.”
A community celebration marking the Courthouse’s centennial will be held Sunday, August 24, with more details to be announced.
