Jonathan Brostoff represents the Third District on the Milwaukee Common Council. He was elected in a 2022 special election and a won a full, four-year term in 2024.
From 2015 to 2022 Brostoff served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 19th District as an Democrat.
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Content referencing Jonathan Brostoff
Crowley Focuses on ‘Building Bridges’ in 2026 State of the County
The county executive promotes major infrastructure projects, policy successes in annual address.
Mar 19th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Brady Street Will Test Traffic Calming Measures
Two-phase project by city aims to slow cars, improve safety.
Nov 26th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
County Installs Suicide Prevention Signs in Parks
40 signs going up in parks and along the lakefront.
Nov 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
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
A ‘Mini Zocalo’ for Silver City
Plus: Two projects progressing in Bay View and a new tenant for Company Brewing space.
Sep 14th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Older Adults Account for 20% of Wisconsin’s Suicides
Older men have highest rate. Experts discuss possible causes and solutions.
Jul 22nd, 2025 by Sreejita Patra
Mayor Signs Housing Legislation, Praises Late Jonathan Brostoff
'Honey Badger' alderman was champion of affordable housing effort.
Jul 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Adopts Growing MKE Plan
Now known as 'Housing Element,' plan aims to fight off gentrification, create 'missing middle' housing.
Jul 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Housing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement
Revised 'Growing MKE' is not perfect, but council should still adopt it say sponsors.
Jul 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposed Food Truck Park Wins Key Approval
After a year in limbo, Pali Park is progressing. It's a big change for Water Street.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee’s Flag Debate Is Back
New task force would host design contest. Could People's Flag prevail?
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Court Hands a Lifeline to Americorps But Its Future Uncertain
Wisconsin has 25 AmeriCorps programs. 'Things are just very confusing.'
Jun 9th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Guns Now Kill More Than Auto Crashes
Super majority in state wants some gun restrictions. Will Republicans agree?
Jun 4th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
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
Brower Waxes Anti-Capitalist In First Council Speech
New alderman makes his case for socialism in front of packed council chamber.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
7-Story East Side Apartment Complex Wins Key Endorsement
New alder Alex Brower backs new housing for long-vacant site.
Apr 15th, 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
Brower Defeats Bauman In Race To Replace Brostoff
The nonpartisan Milwaukee Common Council now has a self-described socialist joining its ranks.
Apr 1st, 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
Can Milwaukee Buy We Energies?
The idea has become a key point in the Third District aldermanic race. Is it feasible?
Mar 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Legislature Pauses To Remember Jonathan Brostoff
But will it act on proposal to add waiting periods to gun purchases?
Mar 20th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
City Still Pausing New Liquor Licenses in Vacant Aldermanic District
On hold until April 1. Pending licenses range from dive bars to upscale restaurant.
Mar 10th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
MAM After Dark Will Transport You To The 1980s
Plus: Flat Out Friday brings motorcycles to Fiserv Forum, with Mama Tried to follow.
Feb 20th, 2025 by Michael Holloway
Who Will Win 3rd District Aldermanic Race Between Brower and Bauman?
And what does socialist Alex Brower have in common with Republican Bob Donovan?
Feb 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Brower, Bauman Advance From 8-Way Race to Replace Brostoff
Alexander Kostal narrowly finishes third.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Suicide Prevention Program Expands in Honor of Jonathan Brostoff
Friendship Circle plans 41 free trainings across the state to honor late alderman.
Feb 11th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Designs Revealed For Two Proposed Buildings
A new Deer District hotel and a 7-story East Side apartment building.
Feb 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
It’s Groundhog Day in State Capitol
New budget surplus estimate triggers GOP tax cut pledge. Again.
Feb 3rd, 2025 by Steven Walters
Meet The Eight Candidates Running To Replace Brostoff
Special election for third district aldermanic seat draws large field.
Jan 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
District 3 Aldermanic Candidate Narrowly Survives Nomination Challenge
Election Commission reverses decision. Eight candidates are running for eastside seat.
Jan 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Want To Fund Brostoff-Inspired Suicide Prevention Training
Sup. Kathleen Vincent proposes funding "We Can Save Lives" tour.
Jan 10th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Proposed East Side Apartments Will Go Before The Neighbors
For the second time in 20 years, developer trying to turn parking lot into housing.
Dec 31st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
The Year’s Most Popular City Hall Stories
It was a year of controversies, craziness and sadness at a great loss in City Hall.
Dec 31st, 2024 by Urban Milwaukee
The Year’s Most Popular Murphy’s Law Columns
What do Don Smiley, Ryan Clancy and Eric Hovde have in column?
Dec 30th, 2024 by Urban Milwaukee
Do Protected Bike Lanes Violate Historic Preservation Standards?
City rebuilding Lake Drive as lawsuit plays out in federal court.
Dec 14th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Daniel Bauman Enters Race to Replace Brostoff With Major Endorsements
Bauman announces campaign with endorsements of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Diana Vang Brostoff.
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
Special Election Called For Brostoff’s Third District Seat
Open race in city's highest-turnout aldermanic district could draw many candidates.
Nov 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Approves Two Unusual Housing Developments
Condos and cohousing secure necessary zoning changes.
Nov 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Was Jonathan Brostoff Bullied?
Some Democrats point finger at Shepherd Express, others for Brostoff’s suicide.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Council Boosts Road Repair In Adopting 2025 Milwaukee Budget
City services maintained through increases to property taxes and fees.
Nov 8th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
The Daily Bird Returns
Just two days after an indefinite closure, the Riverwest coffee shop will reopen Thursday.
Nov 6th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Council Honors Jonathan Brostoff, Terry Witkowski in Somber Meeting
City lost alderman and former alderman on same day this week.
Nov 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Puts Milwaukee Flag Debate on Ice
Issue sent back to committee, council more focused on tragic death of Ald. Brostoff.
Nov 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Understanding the Loss of Jonathan Brostoff
He was someone who considered suicide as a teen and knew how important the issue was.
Nov 5th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Alderman Jonathan Brostoff Has Died
Brostoff, 41, was a passionate advocate for Milwaukee and a proud husband and father.
Nov 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Scooter Ridership Soars, City Raking in Cash
And one company is far outpacing its competitor.
Oct 29th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Despite Mayor’s Objections, Council Reallocates More Than $4 Million
But the big question remains - how will council spend its transformation fund?
Oct 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Cruise Ship Dock More Than Doubled In Cost, Is It Worth It?
Port says yes, at least one council member says no.
Oct 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Apartment Development Proposed Just Off Downer Avenue
11-story condominium tower once proposed for site.
Oct 21st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Riverwest Cohousing Development Receives First Approval
40-unit development would merge condominiums and community.
Oct 21st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Members Skeptical of Employ Milwaukee’s Financial Health
But Mayor's chief of staff says its a rumor that has been "greatly exaggerated."
Oct 18th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could Send People’s Flag To April Referendum
But the multi-step process is off to a rocky start.
Oct 15th, 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
Dollar General Closing Riverwest Store
Store received a three-week suspension from city in 2023.
Oct 11th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
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
Milwaukee Wins Funding For Three New Protected Bike Lanes
Plus: DPW, council discussing ways to better protect, beautify existing lanes.
Sep 27th, 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
Major Westside ‘Art Intersection’ Project Advancing
Derrick Cainion draws praise for his perseverance.
Sep 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Historic Protection Pushed For 5 West Side Buildings
Owner of 'Red Castle' seeks to protect area from Berrada, other developers.
Sep 18th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Construction Starts On Safety Upgrades for E. North Ave.
Key eastside street being overhauled to improve safety for all users.
Sep 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Unveils Plan to Replace Swing Park
'The Landing at Tannery Row' would be a big change. Citizen input sought.
Sep 10th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Milwaukee’s New Tool To Fight Reckless Driving? Public Art
Rolling sculpture aims to provoke, encourage people to drive safer.
Aug 14th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Rep. Clancy Wins Reelection Despite Democratic Opposition
Incumbent Socialist Democratic legislator defeats challenger Jarrod Anderson.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Momentum Grows for Cash Payments To Low-Income Pregnant Women, New Mothers
Unconditional cash payment program initiated by Zilber would be expanded with city funding.
Aug 2nd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Can Rep. Clancy Win Reelection?
Incumbent Democratic faces heavy opposition from his own party backing challenger Jarrod Anderson.
Jul 24th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
City Approves Hampton Avenue Tavern
Common Council unanimously approves license for Excluzive Bar N Lounge in Wahl Park neighborhood.
Jul 9th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
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
Milwaukee Receives $2.1M From HUD For Growing MKE Plan, Affordable Housing
Milwaukee is 1 of 21 communities to receive grant from new PRO Housing program.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Evan Casey
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
Streetcar Route Changed Until Summerfest’s End
'Festivals Line' merges two lines. Easier lakefront access, slower northern trips.
Jun 17th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New Cafe and Bakery to Serve Delta-9 Infused Items on Brady Street
The High Crowd is expected to open in July with a menu of bakery, beverages and more.
Jun 17th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
City Suspends Brady Street Qdoba
Fast-casual restaurant suspended for 10 days; customer reported finding a razor blade inside burrito.
Jun 11th, 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
Mayor, Democrats Target Rep. Ryan Clancy
Why are they opposing incumbent Democrat? In a word, they hate him.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
City Government Could Launch a Daycare
Proposal for new perk aims to help city retain and attract employees.
Jun 5th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Major Traffic Calming Changes Coming To Prospect Avenue
Raised crosswalks and curb bump-outs are designed to aid pedestrians.
Jun 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Protected Bike Lanes For Lake Drive Raise Ire of Neighbors
Despite vehement objections in raucous meeting, committee approves plan.
Jun 3rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
The Fitz Opens On Hackett Avenue, See Inside
Once opposed project is 30% leased before move-in begins.
May 31st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
The Hop’s Lines Will Merge For Easier Summerfest Service
'Festivals Line' will make it easier for first-time riders to get to lakefront.
May 30th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Don Smiley Paid $3.3 Million in 2022
Summerfest boss has collected $9.9 million in 6 years for running tax-exempt charity.
May 20th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
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
Zoning Changes Would Clear Path To 1 Million Residents
But the Growing MKE plan is also intended to prevent gentrification and deter spikes in housing prices.
May 2nd, 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
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
Downer Theater Reopens To Big Crowd
Milwaukee Film kicks off stewardship of historic cinema with near-capacity crowd.
Apr 12th, 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
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Apr 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Mar 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Proposal Would Allow Food Trucks To Return To W. Capitol Drive
Concerns about traffic safety, litter, prompted ban.
Mar 29th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Could Begin Rejecting Liquor Licenses In Areas With ‘Concentrated Poverty’
Proposal aims to arm council with legally-defensible metrics to block new liquor stores, bars.
Mar 29th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
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
