JoCasta Zamarripa is a member of the Milwaukee Common Council. She was first elected in 2020. A Democrat, she served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011 to 2021.
Content referencing JoCasta Zamarripa - Page 2
‘Growing MKE’ Proposal Picks Up Key Endorsement
New name, revised plan turns one major opponent into a supporter.
Jun 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council, Community Groups Oppose MPD’s Facial Recognition Plans
But Mayor Johnson backs Milwaukee Police searching millions of records.
May 27th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Revises Its ‘Growing MKE’ Plan, Including Changing The Name
A 'benefit and harm analysis' also attempts to address critics' concerns.
May 1st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights
Annual May Day march draws increased attention, attendance due to Trump administration actions.
May 1st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Council Divided Over Nightclub’s Age Restriction
Council denies Allure's request to lower age limit, despite split vote.
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Delays Legalizing Carriage Houses
How the sponsors of accessory dwelling units sabotaged their own proposal.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Survey Finds Alarming Number of Milwaukee Homes Need Major Repairs
And one type of property owner is overwhelmingly responsible.
Apr 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Overturns Plan Commission, Recommends ‘Missing Middle’ Housing
But coalition of community groups continues to strongly oppose proposal.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Committee Backs Return of Granny Flats
Legalizing accessory dwelling units could grow housing across entire city.
Apr 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Pérez Reshuffles Council Committees
Addition of new alder Alex Brower prompts changes, restores power to veteran council member.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Will Be Funded by Council’s Transformation Fund?
After 'fighting' and negotiations, council finally picks 15 winners for funding.
Mar 31st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves MPS Police Officer Agreement, But Money Still An Issue
Council has opportunity to spend MPS funding, but on what?
Mar 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mr. Taco Opens Brick-And-Mortar Restaurant
Food truck-turned restaurant open for business in Clarke Square neighborhood.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
City Closes La Cueva, Vote Unanimous
Touted as Bartolotta-style restaurant but really a violence-plagued nightclub, alderwoman charges.
Feb 12th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
ICE Can Build Whatever Facility It Wants in Milwaukee
Council learns federal immigration agency can simply bypass local authorities.
Feb 5th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Officials Promote Municipal ID Program
With deportation raids looming, 'easy and simple' process costs $10 for identification card.
Feb 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Private School Plans Soccer Field Atop Public Street
Nativity Jesuit wants to build playing field, green space in unusual location.
Jan 29th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Southside Bar and Restaurant Receives 60-Day Suspension
La Caleta, on 18th and Muskego, is closed until mid-March.
Jan 22nd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
City Closes Southside Bar, a ‘Drug Trafficking Hub’
Ten arrests, eight firearms and a hell of a lot of drugs at El Infierno.
Jan 21st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Broad Coalition Opposes New Immigration Enforcement Facility
City, county and state officials, community and business leaders condemn ICE proposal.
Jan 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Mexican Restaurant For Clarke Square
El Caporal aims to become destination for authentic cuisine, live music and soccer viewing.
Jan 8th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
South Side Aldermanic Challenger Fined Over Campaign Literature
Perennial candidate Ryan Antczak admits to knowingly distributing false information.
Dec 15th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Cocaine, Chickens Lead to Closing Southside Tavern
Common Council votes unanimously to close El Cielo Bar, effective immediately.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Negotiating Milwaukee’s Police, Fire Contracts Gets Messy
'Sloppy' says a council member as city cycles through labor negotiator nominees.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Signs Brostoff’s Final Legislation Into Effect
Johnson pushes for everyone to follow in late alderman's forward-thinking spirit.
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
‘Peace Treaty’ Reached on Menomonee Valley Building
Kendall Breunig will get zoning change to redevelop Cream City brick structure.
Nov 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Common Council Overhauling Housing Authority Board
Four new HACM board members coming in, acting president on the way out.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Debate Over Future of Vacant Menomonee Valley Building Could Be Reaching The End
Kendall Breunig wants to redevelop a former tin ware factory into housing, but city has opposed him.
Oct 14th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Seeks State Funds for Small Businesses
Program would help fund the startup or expansion of small businesses.
Oct 8th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
TIF Funds Will Support New Northwest Side Restaurant
International Variety Restaurant would offer Mexican, Indian, Italian and Chinese dishes.
Oct 8th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Ahead of Biden Visit, Council, DPW Officials Question Efficacy of Replacing Lead Pipes
Data suggests that tackling paint, not water, might reduce lead poisoning faster.
Oct 7th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Again Delays Adopting People’s Flag
Parliamentary moves could delay vote on adoption until November.
Sep 24th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Fast Food and Convenience Store Approved For North Avenue
Power Hour Depot to sell quick meals and groceries in Washington Park neighborhood.
Sep 18th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Committee Endorses Making People’s Flag Official, Despite Objections
Concerns about inclusivity of 2016 design contest continue to cloud process.
Sep 9th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Closes Jack’s Executive Bistro
Security-involved shooting was final straw for the nightclub on Villard Avenue.
Jul 31st, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
First Key Vote On Zoning Overhaul Scheduled For Monday
Is Growing MKE good to go or dead on arrival? City Plan Commission gets first say.
Jul 26th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Attempt To Expand Disorderly Conduct Fine, Ban Bump Stocks Before RNC Fails
Council members concerned about unintended consequences.
Jul 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Super Majority of Council Takes Issue With Mayor’s Handling of Housing Authority
Council members want solutions, plan to "no longer tenable" situation.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Large Milwaukee Buildings Will Be Required To Conduct Energy Benchmarks
Simply tracking the data expected to trigger process that cuts energy use by 2.4% per year.
Jun 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Can City Close Infinity Lounge?
Council votes to close troubled nightclub, but bar is already challenging suspension in court.
Jun 13th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Council Hates For-Profit College, But Approves It Anyway
Threat of lawsuit a factor as Arizona College of Nursing seeks to open on West Side.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
License Division Embraces Power of Babel
Babel Blocks will deliver key information about licensing process in other languages.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Council Retreats On For-Profit College
Opponents call Arizona College of Nursing predatory. Committee decides to allow zoning change for it.
Jun 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Adopt-A-Neighborhood Initiative Aims to Uplift Silver City
City aims to boost neighborhood's safety, community engagement and beauty.
May 29th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Council Temporarily Bans Late-Night Dining at 27th Street Denny’s
'People fighting over french fries, it's not an alcohol-infused environment,' says alderman.
May 24th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Council At Odds On Committee Assignments
But Pérez pledges to install Ald. Pratt as a vice chair within six months.
May 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Choice of Committee Chairs Criticized
Council president Jose Perez 'shut all four Black women members out,' Ald. Pratt complains.
Apr 29th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council President Jose Perez Reelected
Pérez wins by 10-5 vote over Milele Coggs to lead city's legislative body.
Apr 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History
The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Over Objections and a Death Wish, Committee Endorses New Historic District
Full council will render its decision on April 9.
Apr 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
2024 Spring Election Results
MPS referendum and county exec, mayor, Common Council and County Board races all on ballot.
Apr 2nd, 2024 by Urban Milwaukee
Proposal Would Allow Food Trucks To Return To W. Capitol Drive
Concerns about traffic safety, litter, prompted ban.
Mar 29th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Meet the Candidates For City Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Mar 21st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Spends $77,000 To Resolve Harassment Claim Against Spencer
Embarrassing payoff comes amid city attorney's reelection campaign.
Mar 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Lawsuit Likely Over RNC Free Speech Stage
Committee endorses plan despite concerns from Coalition to March on the RNC.
Mar 18th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Concerned RNC Free Speech Zone Could Bring Extremists, Violence
'To hell with that,' says alderman of hate groups getting city-sanctioned platform.
Mar 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New Solar Arrays Will Help Milwaukee Hit 25% Renewable Energy Goal
Arrays near airport help city meet 2025 goal, but alders want tougher rules for We Energies.
Feb 14th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves Raises For Elected Officials, Administrators
Vote was 9-6. Elected officials will get 15% hike, non-elected leaders even more.
Jan 17th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Wrong Paperwork Gets County Board Candidate Tossed From Ballot
Ryan Antczak, a former Republican state Assembly candidate, circulated the wrong paperwork for nomination signatures.
Jan 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Southside Banquet Hall Adding Bar, Restaurant
Pakeng Palace expands, but will continue to host private events.
Dec 19th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Mayor Vetoes Controversial Insurance Partnership
Council narrowly endorsed idea, only for Mayor Cavalier Johnson to kill initiative.
Dec 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Justin Bielinski Running For Open Seat On County Board
Bielinski running for West Allis-centric seat being vacated by Sup. Tony Staskunas.
Dec 7th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Is Milwaukee Being Sold An Insurance Scam?
Or is exclusive contract with company offering water and sewer line warranties a good deal?
Nov 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Confirms New Chief Building Inspector
Jezamil Arroyo-Vega is the new head of the Department of Neighborhood Services.
Nov 21st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
‘Inflation-Adjusted’ Deer District Concert Venue Approved
FPC's proposal for a smaller Deer District concert venue finds unanimous support.
Nov 21st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Revised Deer District Concert Venue Wins Key Approval
Council's zoning committee votes yes. Full council vote expected next week.
Nov 13th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
2024 Milwaukee Budget Increases Services, Taxes
New sales tax allows city to avoid drastic cuts, but comes at a cost.
Nov 3rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Might Hold Up Mayor’s Changes To Zoning Board
At issue is new chair, two new appointments and oversight by Department of Administration.
Oct 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
VIA CDC’s Affordable Houses Are Test of New Building Technique
Structure of homes, sold at affordable prices, will be pre-assembled in factory near Teutonia and Hampton.
Sep 21st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races
Cavalier Johnson seeks a full-term. All city officials are on the ballot.
Sep 20th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
City Seeks Firm To Manage Its Accelerating Lead Pipe Replacements
New funding would allow program to double in size by 2025. Will council change plan?
Aug 9th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Burnham Park Food Truck Zone Unveiled
Designated parking allows six trucks to operate on the street, combatting overcrowding and safety concerns.
Aug 9th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Food Trucks Banned On Portion of W. Silver Spring Drive
Alderman says grills, pop-up shoe sales have occurred on busy street.
Jul 31st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
After $15-Per-Hour Pledge, Museum Gets Zoning Change
Council members asked for better protections for food service workers.
Jul 31st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Members Want Better Pay For Museum Food Service Workers
Zoning vote could hinge on oft-overlooked city policy.
Jul 27th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Time for County Board to Guts Up
If they don’t approve sales tax hike, county will face fiscal disaster and voters will blame them.
Jul 24th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
National Ave Could Get Protected Bike Lanes, Fewer Driving Lanes
But will accommodations be made for bus rapid transit or streetcar service?
Jul 19th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law
"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.
Jul 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Approves 2% Milwaukee Sales Tax
But members blast policy provisions state is imposing. Mayor says vote was equal to one to create city in 1846.
Jul 11th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
City Could Regulate Airbnb, Other Services
Short-term rentals have proliferated beyond Downtown, but no public database of who is participating exists.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Will Ban Most New Vape Shops
City zoning code change aims to deter teens from using tobacco.
Jun 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Has Very Ambitious Climate and Jobs Plan
Alderwoman Dimitrijevic and ECO director Erick Shambarger seek to transform the city.
Jun 13th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Now Requires More Notice When Contractors Dig Up Streets
Prior practice was "terrible" says Bay View alderwoman.
Jun 1st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Food Truck Restrictions Approved
Time limits, distance minimums, other rules target bad actors, say sponsors Brostoff and Zamarripa.
May 31st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Food Trucks Face New Restrictions
Proposal includes downtown time limit and ban on operating within 50 feet of a restaurant.
May 16th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
County Could Fly Newer Pride Flag in June
Strong support for Sup. Peter Burgelis' proposal to have county fly Intersex Progress Pride Flag.
May 15th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Johnny’s Hot Sauce Popping Up at 1840 Brewing
Plus: Funky Fresh goes wholesale, Third Space adds food, Juneau Park adds beer garden.
May 14th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
New Proposal Would Regulate When, Where And How Food Trucks Operate
Food trucks could return to Water Street, but with new requirements for how they operate.
May 11th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
MATC Will Use Vacant Lot For Training Program
Partnership with city and We Energies will help train electrical line mechanics.
May 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Potholes Are A Hot Problem in Milwaukee
Council members frustrated as complaints mount.
Apr 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Pérez Shakes Up Council Committees
Changes after new members added: Ald. Scott Spiker gets his first gavel, Zamarripa loses hers.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Bans Food Trucks Along Four Blocks of Water Street
Unanimous vote for stretch north of bar district may be precursor to citywide regulations.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause
Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Bashes City’s Housing Authority
Citing 'slumlord behavior,' launches Tenants United campaign, demands changes.
Mar 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Participating In “No Mow May” Will Require Registration
Ald. Dimitrijevic leads Milwaukee in adopting bee-friendly program.
Mar 23rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Requires All-EV or Hybrid City Fleet
Ald. Dimitrijevic and ECO office want to move toward only low or zero-emission vehicles.
Mar 20th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Street Light Outages Vex City Officials
Even after passing street lighting fee the city struggles to hire electricians.
Mar 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Extended Parking Meter Hours Sparks City Hall Debate, Possible Repeal
But committee holds off for now, citing delayed implementation.
Mar 9th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
County Board Primary Race Has Three Candidates
Special election called to fill District 14 seat left vacant by Dyango Zerpa resignation.
Mar 1st, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
