County Executive Parisi Sets May Retirement Date

April 03, 2024
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

                                                              Parisi Marks Final Month as Executive, Following 13 Years of Service

Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that his last day in office will be Friday, May 3rd. Parisi has led a period of transformational growth for Wisconsin’s fastest growing county. Since first being elected Executive in 2011, Parisi has stabilized and improved county finances, developed partnerships to expand service delivery in areas like mental health, addiction, housing and homelessness, launched bold efforts to improve water quality in lakes and streams, and made Dane County a national leader on renewable energy and sustainability.

“I’ve had the honor of working with a community that cares a great deal for one another, with big dreams, and a clear vision for who and what it wants to be,” Parisi said.

Parisi, who announced his upcoming retirement last October, was first elected Dane County Executive in a special election in April 2011. At that time, county finances were reeling from impacts of a national recession. Since then, Parisi has led county government back to sound fiscal footing and when he retires from office Dane County will have a fund balance (rainy day fund) in excess of $50 million. That positions the county well for future uncertainty, insulating vital services from impactful cuts.

Dane County became only the fourth county in the entire country to generate more renewable energy than it utilizes, making its facilities and operations 100% renewable. Under Parisi’s leadership, the county has pioneered innovative technologies to use cleaner fuels, limit carbon emissions, and improve the well-being of our lakes. He’s added new trails, parks, and permanently protected thousands of acres for outdoor recreation, investing in quality of life and continued economic growth for the region.

Parisi noted the county’s future is bright, and he looks forward to continuing to serve the community he grew up in, in new and different ways.

“Dane County has a story to tell,” Parisi said. “Together, we’ve accomplished a great deal and I look forward to remaining part of such a vibrant community. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me through these years of service and look forward to working however I can to keep this a special place to live, work, and play.”