GovCast

Mental health affects individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. In this episode, hear how Waukesha County is partnering with local nonprofit organizations like NAMI SE WI to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect residents with support and resources when they need them most. More information: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southeast Wisconsin

What’s next for the former UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha campus? In this episode, get an update on the County’s efforts to sell the property, the process underway, and what the next steps could mean for the site and the broader community.

In this episode, hear from Waukesha County’s Interim County Executive fresh off introducing the 2027 County Budget. Tom Farley outlines the priorities guiding the proposed budget, from essential services and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars to planning for the county’s future. This conversation offers an inside look at the decisions shaping the year ahead.

Waukesha County Judge David Maas discusses Juror Appreciation Month and recognizes the essential role jurors play in delivering fair and impartial justice. The episode also explores the often-untold success stories of Waukesha County’s Drug Treatment Court, where accountability, treatment, and judicial support help participants build healthier, more stable lives.

Coming out of retirement from a long, tenured career as top county attorney, Tom Farley returns as Interim County Executive following County Executive Paul Farrow's passing in July. What Farley hopes to accomplish through the end of the year, his budget process approach and what the public can expect from his position.

GovCast reflects on the passing of County Executive Paul Farrow and what comes next for Waukesha County leadership. Acting County Executive and County Board Chairman Jim Heinrich explains his temporary role, outlines who may serve next as Interim County Executive, and shares when voters will have the opportunity to decide who will lead the county.

This episode gives residents a quick overview of a temporary courthouse entrance change and what it means for the public over the next year. We cover why the entrance is shifting, how visitors should plan ahead, and what to expect when arriving for court, county services, or other appointments. Listeners will hear key details about access, parking, signage, security screening, and accessibility ac...

On this episode of GovCast, "County Budget 101" breaks down how a county budget is built, what it pays for, and why it matters to residents every day. In this episode, Department of Administration Director Andy Thelke explains where county funding comes from, how priorities are set, and how budget decisions support essential services like public safety, roads, health and human services,...

Summer construction season is here — and so are the orange barrels. In this episode, we break down what road work means for drivers, neighborhoods, and daily County services, including how projects are planned, what residents can expect, and how to stay safe while crews are on the job. Tune in for a quick guide to navigating construction season with fewer surprises and a better understanding of wh...

Mental health affects individuals, families, workplaces, and the broader community — and getting help should never feel out of reach. In this episode, we talk about the importance of mental health awareness, highlight county resources available to residents, and introduce a new video series designed to reduce stigma and connect people with support. We’ll discuss how these tools can help people rec...

In this episode, we celebrate  Earth Day  by highlighting Waukesha County’s  Recycle Right Campaign  and the important role residents play in protecting our environment. We discuss why recycling correctly matters, how proper sorting helps reduce contamination, and the simple steps residents can take to make their recycling efforts more effective. The episode also showcases the County’s commitment...

In this episode, we spotlight Waukesha County’s Victim/Witness Program and recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by highlighting the services, support, and advocacy available to victims of crime in our community. Listeners will learn how the program helps individuals and families navigate the criminal justice process, understand their rights, access resources, and receive compassionate gui...

Severe weather moved through Waukesha County Tuesday night, April 14, and a tornado has now been confirmed as damage assessments continue. With more storms possible on Wednesday, April 15, County teams are working closely with Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Department, and weather officials to monitor conditions and help keep residents safe. In this episode, we’ll talk about what happened, wh...

In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at body-worn cameras for Sheriff’s Department deputies—what it takes to launch a sustainable program, what questions still need to be answered, and why implementation hasn’t happened yet despite ongoing community interest.

Southeast Wisconsin is seeing an uptick in major development proposals—and one question we’re hearing more often is: could a large AI data center in Waukesha County be next? In this episode, we explain what an AI data center is, why companies are expanding rapidly, and what conditions would need to be in place locally—power capacity, fiber connectivity, land use and zoning, transportation access,...

We’re spotlighting the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waukesha County—your front door to information, support, and options for older adults, people with disabilities, and the families and caregivers who support them. We’ll break down what the ADRC does, how to connect with a specialist, and the kinds of services and programs they can help you navigate—from long-term care options, n...

Love is in the air at the Waukesha County Courthouse. Meet the Court Commissioner who helps hundreds of couples say "I do." Find out how the process works, and what it's like to be part of these momentous ceremonies.

From patrolling county roads and highways, to parks, courts, jail, community outreach, K9 and more, GovCast goes one-on-one with Public Information Officer Lieutenant Nicholas Wenzel about how they work as a team to keep the community safe.

Waukesha County Public Health Officials continue to investigate the county's first confirmed case of measles in more than a decade. Public Health Officer Ben Jones breaks down the case, whos' at risk and how you can prevent the disease.

Extreme cold is on the way. Waukesha County will close the Courthouse, Administration Center, and Health & Human Services on Friday, January 23. In this episode, go inside the decision: who’s at the table, what weather thresholds trigger closures, and how we keep essential services running.

GovCast goes behind the scenes at the Waukesha County Communications Center, where dedicated dispatchers answer the call when residents need help the most—coordinating critical responses and serving as the calm voice in moments of crisis

From the basics of County government to courts, jury duty scams, fentanyl awareness, Veterans services, budgets, snowplows and parks, we covered it all. Now let's take a look back at GovCast highlights for 2025.

Final students left the UW–Milwaukee Waukesha campus in Spring ’25. With the county‑owned property now nearing sale, here’s what neighbors can expect—and how taxpayers could benefit. PLU's Dale Shaver and DPW's Allison Bussler explain next steps.

Snow’s here—are we ready? DPW’s Allison Bussler and Parks & Land Use’s Dale Shaver take us behind the scenes of winter ops, from plows to parks—and unveil “Highway Reporter,” the fast way to flag road issues. This is GovCast, let’s get moving!

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow signs the 2026 County Budget. Farrow breaks down the keys to getting a budget unanimously passed multiple times, plus why the county may consider shifting to a biennial budget process in the future.