Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, was elected mayor of Milwaukee on April 5, 2022.
Elected to Milwaukee Common Council in 2016. Became council president in 2020 after re-election.
On Dec. 22 Johnson became acting mayor of Milwaukee following the resignation of Tom Barrett. Johnson was elected to the remainder of Tom Barrett’s term (through 2024) on April 5, 2022.
Campaign Finance Reports
2025 - January Continuing - $38,684 - 178 contributions
2020 - July Continuing - $1,739 - 13 contributions
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Content referencing Cavalier Johnson
The Clause in Milwaukee’s ICE Package That Could Trigger ‘Sanctuary City’ Label
Former alderman blasts council's actions.
Mar 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee The Regional Leader In Large Project Permitting
But projects requiring a zoning change can still take more than a year.
Mar 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Opposes We Energies Data Center Plan
Ald. Dimitrijevic says proposal could leave ratepayers on the hook for new power plants.
Mar 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Did Milwaukee Just Make Itself A Sanctuary City?
City Attorney warns of Trump Adm. reaction as council passes 'ICE Out' proposal.
Mar 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Names New Department of Administration Director
Familiar face being given key city job.
Mar 2nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Receives $400,000 Grant For Lead Screening
Monthly clinics focus on early intervention following MPS lead crisis.
Feb 24th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Continues Preparing for Possible ICE Surge
1,800 letter writers urge Common Council to sign ICE OUT proposals.
Feb 24th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
Milwaukee Loves Peter Feigin
Outgoing Bucks leader, replaced by the team, showered with praise by community, given rare 'key to the city.'
Feb 24th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan’s Assembly Measure Restricts Oversight Of Police
Former alderman adds amendment with no debate on unrelated health bill.
Feb 23rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Cargill Closing Last Milwaukee Meatpacking Plant
Closure of 'protein processing plant' marks the end of an overlooked era in Milwaukee's history.
Feb 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation
Property owner objected to designating East Side properties.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
After Surprise Loss, Mayor Names New Violence Prevention Czar
Cavalier Johnson goes back to one of the original candidates for the job.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the Police Report on Marty Brooks’ Alleged Pinch of José Pérez
Newly obtained report reveals recorded call, witness statements and why prosecutors closed the sexual assault case without charges.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves Historic District Over Owner’s Objections
Vote is unanimous. Former church also gets historic designation without opposition.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Unveils Plan to Curb Grocery Store Closures
Grant program would help cover costs; proposed ordinance aims to attract new stores.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Police Union Blames City Attorney For ‘Repeated Failures’
City Attorney Goyke takes issue with criticism, union's 'political game.'
Feb 6th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire-Police Commissioner Leaves Milwaukee for West Bend
'I'm very disappointed,' Mayor Johnson says. 'I'll be investigating this.'
Feb 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Loses Its Violence Prevention Czar Because of State Constitution?
Mayor, fire chief express disappointment, frustration.
Jan 30th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Buys New House
Milwaukee's mayor is moving again. Learn why, and to where.
Jan 28th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Silver Spring Sentry is Closing
Latest in a string of grocery closings in the city, worsening food deserts.
Jan 19th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Every Other Day, A Reckless Driver’s Car Is Now Getting Towed
A state law change lets police seize more vehicles, part of a broader push to curb reckless driving.
Jan 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Infusing AI Into 911 Emergency Calls
City hopes artificial intelligence will ramp up speed, quality of responses.
Jan 14th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Wins $8 Million To Make Streets Safer
Federal grant will improve two major streets, focusing on children's safety.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police Have No Plan If ICE Descends on City
Problems in Minneapolis raise concerns. 'We got to prepare,' mayor says.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Henry Redman
County Awarded $25 Million for Road Safety Projects
Federal grant will fund 67 projects at many locations in the county.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Homicides Back Up in Milwaukee in 2025
But non-fatal shootings, other major crimes declined.
Jan 6th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Milwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025
And tacked on even more for a run-away garbage truck and other issues.
Jan 1st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Brewers Weigh In On Parking Lot Development Proposal
Final study estimates possible tax revenue -- if Brewers agree to it.
Dec 30th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Offers Olive Branch On Oversight of Cabinet Officials
But will Common Council members accept it?
Dec 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City May Pay To End Lawsuit Claiming Inspector General Was “Judge, Jury, Executioner”
$50,000 settlement would resolve lawsuit from one of Tearman Spencer's top deputies.
Dec 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Report Identifies What Market Would Support at Former Northridge Site
City looking to hit a home run.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
$43 Million Later, MPS Says Classrooms Are Safe From Lead Dust
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius and city leaders mark the end of cleanup effort.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Council Blocked In Fight To Oversee Top City Officials
City Attorney says proposal isn't legal or enforceable. What will council do?
Dec 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
FTA Tells Milwaukee to Crack Down on Fare Evasion — Even Where Fares Don’t Exist
Feds want both county and city to crack down fare evasion, only one doesn't collect fares.
Dec 12th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Mayor’s Power in Decline?
Council grabbing more power, overriding nearly every veto by Mayor Johnson.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
City Plan For Marcus Parking Structure Repairs Falling Apart
Financial data is murky. 'More unanswered questions than answers,' says comptroller.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium
Facing unanimous council vote, Johnson punts on the issue.
Dec 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New State Program Will Hand Out $10 Million for Violence Prevention
Evers directing $10 million in federal funds to local governments, schools, nonprofits.
Dec 8th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Latest Effort to Adopt New Milwaukee Flag Going Nowhere
Bureaucracy and confusion create a slow-moving comedy of errors.
Dec 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Deadly May Fire, Milwaukee Adds New Safety Requirements
More inspections, more data and changes that will impact landlords, tenants.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Will West Milwaukee Do Development Near Brewers Stadium?
If it does, the big losers will be Milwaukee taxpayers.
Dec 1st, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Council Narrowly Approves New Police Contract
Several members raise objections to provisions in and out of the deal.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Entire Council Overrides Every Budget Veto by Mayor Johnson
Unanimous vote overrides all 7 vetoes, backs all alternations in mayor's budget.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Attanasio Has Never Developed Around Brewers Stadium
And why new report pushing an $800 million project could be irrelevant.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Seeks ‘Missing Middle’ Housing Developers
Three opportunities in newly released RFQ by city, with more to come.
Nov 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, County Executive Announce Winter Warming Shelters, Homeless Services
Warming shelters, meal sites and new strategies for preventing homelessness this winter.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
The Full Cost of New Police Contract
City will need to absorb large, complicated costs.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Leaders Celebrate Opening of Wisconsin’s Largest Private Affordable Housing Complex
The Corliss will eventually include 576 affordable apartments across eight buildings.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Marcus Center Problem Has Been 40 Years in the Making
City being asked to fund repairs to structure it doesn't own.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Miffed Mayor Issues 7 Budget Vetoes
Johnson unhappy with council amendments, calling one 'pointless and heartless.'
Nov 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Top City Official Resigns
Preston Cole rose to the unofficial title of 'deputy mayor,' then walked away.
Nov 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Forge Sells for $4.6 Million
Deeply indebted Bay View company sold out of receivership last week.
Nov 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
What’s In the 44 Footnotes Added to Milwaukee’s Budget?
Record number of footnotes reveal what council members are thinking. And who's the new prolific author?
Nov 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Mayor Is Looking To Move
Cavalier Johnson puts his home on the market.
Nov 13th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Is Experiencing a Surge in Wheel Taxes
Without other options, local governments increasingly turn to the option for funding.
Nov 13th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Temporarily Closes Its STI Clinic
Health department does 45,000 sexually-transmitted infection tests per year.
Nov 12th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
See Brewers’ Options To Develop Land Around Their Stadium
New study suggests housing, hotel, retail and offices atop parking lots.
Nov 12th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Marks Up Mayor’s 2026 Budget, Adds Services, Pay Raises
Proposal now subject to Cavalier Johnson's veto pen.
Nov 7th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Passes Tougher Reckless Driving Towing Policy
New state law clears way for long-sought policy change.
Nov 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Procell Has Sweeping Goals For Community Wellness and Safety
Is surprise appointee's plan to prevent violence too ambitious?
Nov 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Spends More Than Nine Hours Debating Budget Amendments
Testy meeting lines up more library hours, raises, fire truck funding.
Oct 31st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Size of Raises in New Police Contract Revealed
Voluntary agreement also includes an additional year.
Oct 30th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Aims To Build ‘Missing Middle’ Housing in 2026
But alderman is skeptical of timing and wants to reduce funding.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Launches Drive Ahead of Federal Cutoff of FoodShare Benefits
Donations are being accepted at more than 100 Milwaukee sites.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Northridge is Gone, Milwaukee Looks to Transform the Site
Searching for an anchor business or organization to help revive the area.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Reckless Drivers Would Get ‘Speed Limiter’ Devices Under New Proposal
Democratic legislators tout state bill. Milwaukee's mayor and Rep. Donovan have doubts.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Alderman, State Allies Seek Federal Help to Kill the Streetcar
Ald. Spiker makes a federal case out of stopping The Hop.
Oct 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Dimitrijevic’s Revised Budget Boosts Library Hours, Housing, City Wages
Finance committee chair says her amended budget 'invests in neighborhoods.'
Oct 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Legislators Push Fire Sprinkler Bills After Deadly May Fire
Legislation would provide grants for sprinkler installation, allow municipal regulations.
Oct 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
FEMA Denies Government Disaster Assistance For Milwaukee Area
Milwaukee County alone says it has $22 million of public infrastructure costs.
Oct 24th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
These City Employees Make More Than Mayor Cavalier Johnson
27 employees top the city's pay scale.
Oct 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Spends Millions Each Year Repairing Damage by Reckless Drivers
For the first time, city is breaking out the costs. It's a lot.
Oct 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Union, City Reach Tentative Labor Agreement
Contentious, long negotiation ends with voluntary agreement.
Oct 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Replacing 100-Year-Old City Building Won’t Be Cheap
But plan could yield long-term cost savings for Milwaukee.
Oct 20th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
One Alderman’s Quest To Defund The Streetcar
Ald. Scott Spiker wants city to hop off The Hop.
Oct 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Public Meetings Upcoming On Possible I-794 Removal, Replacement
WisDOT will present traffic impacts for first time on various alternatives.
Oct 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Gets Its Wish, City Can Tow All Reckless Drivers
Loopholes made prior policies "somewhat useless."
Oct 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
From Brownfields to Blue Waters, Mayor Names New Port Director
Benji Timm tapped to lead Port Milwaukee.
Oct 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Has a Fire Truck Problem
Milwaukee may soon need to dial 911 to replace its fire trucks.
Oct 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Crime is Down Across Milwaukee, But Homicides Are Rising
Newly-released crime data shows city going against national trend on homicides.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Steph Conquest-Ware
Hidden Tubes Will Net City $500,000 Annually
Milwaukee rewrites decades-old leasing framework.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Future of Sunday Library Hours Uncertain As MPL Tries New Staffing Model
Council hints it may override mayor. Spiker again provokes a coworker.
Oct 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Takes Major Step To Delay Mayor’s Wheel Tax Increase
Finance committee members charge mayor created budget hole he is asking council to solve.
Oct 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Rainbow Crosswalks Mark Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ History
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project leads installation.
Oct 8th, 2025 by Michael Horne
Policy Forum Says City Successfully Navigated Budget Crisis, Only To Find Future Problems
New analysis suggests city will need cut spending in future years.
Oct 8th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
What’s The Story With The Halted High Rise?
Commissioner hints DCD could subsidize it. Area alderman believes it's dead. Marcus Center caught in middle.
Oct 7th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Might Pump Brakes on Mayor’s Proposed Wheel Tax Increase
Finance chair says delaying vote gives city residents a voice.
Oct 6th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
LaMarr Franklin Lofts Open, With A Waiting List
High demand for affordable housing in Harambee.
Oct 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Meeting Over Police Pursuits Results in Tears, Barbs and a Walk Out
MPD chief of staff walks out of meeting, chides alderman for bad behavior.
Oct 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Again Exploring Third Drop-Off Center
But will it be able to find a location?
Oct 1st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Speed Data Shows Dramatic Impact of Milwaukee’s Traffic Calming Efforts
City's interventions are reducing speeds, crashes.
Sep 26th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Ask Council To Close Downtown Nightclub
Formal revocation filing triggers high-stakes hearing.
Sep 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee, Police Union Battle Over Contract
Millions of dollars apart with charges and counter charges getting uglier.
Sep 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Disaster Centers Will Help With Applications for Federal Funding
One center in Milwaukee, one in Wauwatosa. Deadline for applications is Nov. 12.
Sep 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor’s 2026 Budget Includes New Library, Hikes Property, Wheel Taxes
City contending with $100 million structural deficit.
Sep 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Will Provide Cash For Some Homeowners’ Flood Repairs
Proposal cobbles together funds to help low-income owners make repairs.
Sep 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Despite Its Passage, ‘Growing MKE’ Still Not A Done Deal
Tensions reemerge as zoning changes proposed. 'That's how a frog is boiled.'
Sep 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Reading Coalition Hopes to Transform Instruction
MPS superintendent, mayor back effort targeting Milwaukee third graders.
Sep 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
How to Apply for Flood-Related Disaster Relief
President recently approved $29.8 million for individual assistance.
Sep 12th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Proposal Would Make Attending Street Takeovers Illegal
New citation aims to address growing problem.
Sep 11th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
