Alderman José G. Pérez represents the 12th District on Milwaukee’s South Side, and won the April 2012 election against incumbent Jim Witkowiak.
Perez grew up in the district he now serves, at S. 10th and W. Walker streets, and was the oldest of two children. He told the Journal Sentinel his grandfather came from Puerto Rico in the early 1950s when agents from the Grede Foundry went to the island to recruit labor.
According to his official biography, Perez dropped out of high school and started college at age 26, after early work experience ranged from investigating welfare fraud to developing gang prevention and youth development programs for non-profit organizations. Perez later enrolled at Cardinal Stritch University and was the first Latino Student Government Association President and the first recipient of the Multi-Cultural Image Award that is now institutionalized at the university. He also served as an intern for Congressman Gerald Kleczka in Washington D.C. through the Hispanic Congressional Caucus Institute (1996), for Milwaukee Mayor John O. Norquist (1997) and for the Milwaukee City Clerk’s office (1998). Perez obtained a B.A. in political science from Cardinal Stritch in May 1999.
Perez soon became MICAH’s executive director and led the organization in creating the Good Jobs and Livable Neighborhoods Coalition, a group of labor and community organizations that worked to ensure the Park East Land Corridor development would benefit the entire city. He also served as Hispanic/Latino Advisory Committee member for former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.
In February 2004, José joined the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrialized Organizations as a National Field Representative, and he next joined the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development (DCD) in January 2006. He served DCD as an Economic Development Specialist working on business development, real estate development, planning, permitting and public housing until September 2009. Jose then became a Program Officer for the City of Milwaukee’s Community Development Grants Administration, where he managed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects.
In addition to his university studies, José pursued many educational programs, attending several institutes and receiving certifications in finance, real estate, economic development, multicultural entrepreneurship, youth service, management skills and advanced leadership. Perez received The Business Journal’s Forty under 40 Community Leadership Award in 2008.
He ran for alderman as a champion of small business, and won by just 88 votes. Witkowiak fought for a recount, but Perez’s victory was upheld.
Content referencing José G. Pérez - Page 3
Council Moving To Institute Mask Mandate With No Enforcement
Would apply to all publicly-accessible, indoor businesses and organizations in the City of Milwaukee.
Jan 7th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneChildren’s Hospital’s New Southside Clinic
Facility replaces former Forest Home Library.
Dec 31st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Suspends Downtown’s ELMNT Lounge For 60 Days
Action taken after police and others argue over how a homicide near bar was handled.
Dec 15th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Split On Hiring Its Own Attorney
Just the latest twist in the council's ongoing conflict with City Attorney Tearman Spencer.
Dec 14th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil adopts ordinance lowering recovery rate for assessable traffic calming improvements
Dec 14th, 2021 by Ald. Michael Murphy
New Event Venue Would Overlook Rivers
Former Love Shack space would offer views of Downtown and Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers.
Dec 7th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Could Make Speed Humps Cheaper
Committee approves slashing cost for property owners by 69% to combat reckless driving.
Dec 6th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Endorses Dana World-Patterson’s Appointment To FPC
Human trafficking victims' advocate draws high praise from council members.
Dec 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneShould 20 MPH Be Milwaukee’s Default Speed Limit?
City has money set aside to lower speed limits, particularly on side streets.
Dec 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneAnti-Displacement Policy Sees Slow Start
But city program to keep renters in their neighborhoods by setting aside new apartments is growing.
Nov 29th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneThe Council’s War With Tearman Spencer
Lots of grumbling, but City Attorney scores wins in two of three battles Tuesday.
Nov 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneState bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100
Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Nov 18th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilZoning Committee Okays Factory-to-Housing Conversions
Former dairy plant and one-time Perlick factory could both become housing.
Nov 17th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Adopts ‘Calm Before The Storm’ 2022 Budget
No fee increases and small tax increase as city bolsters pension reserve fund in anticipation of fiscal cliff.
Nov 5th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneStamper Wants Rat Inspections Of Excavations
Could the city possibly check every construction project for rat infestations?
Nov 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Recommends Few Budget Amendments
No fee increases and few changes as council braces for next year's fiscal cliff.
Oct 28th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneHousing Authority employee target of attempted carjacking
Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W Stamper, II
Oct 28th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilTHIRTEEN31 Apartment Building Opens
Walker's Point complex has 74 affordable apartments, all already full.
Oct 27th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNorth Side Plan Plots 16 Priority Projects
Traffic calming, housing rehab, safety, dealing with vacant lots top list of recommended projects.
Oct 26th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee recommends approval of ARPA omnibus proposal
Includes funding for public safety and crime prevention, housing, lead abatement, continued COVID response and more
Oct 15th, 2021 by Mayor Cavalier JohnsonCommon Council Has 7 Times The Ideas As It Has Funding
82 ideas for how to spend $394.2 million federal grant. What will council choose?
Oct 12th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil looks to maximize positive benefits with ARPA-funded housing rehab and construction work
Oct 12th, 2021 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office
Resignation forms cite ethical violations, poor treatment of women & more by Tearman Spencer.
Sep 15th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneSchool To Buy Nuisance Building For Garden
Notre Dame girls school will raze building on 15th and Scott for garden, outdoor classes.
Sep 15th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil members to host Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off
Sep 14th, 2021 by Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa
Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics
Fewer white residents citywide, but shrinking population totals in many majority-Black neighborhoods.
Sep 3rd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays Action On ARPA Funds
City has $193 million in the bank. But how to spend it still being debated.
Sep 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCongratulations Colectivo workers
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Scott Spiker
Aug 25th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilProposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees
More than 6,000 city workers would need to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.
Aug 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneSix Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules
Push mayor for indoor mask mandate and mandatory vaccinations for city employees.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Holds ARPA Spending Until September
Mayor's $93 million "summer plan" delayed, along with proposals by alders.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneStreetcar Study Draws Controversy
Study of Walker’s Point extension moves forward.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneOllie’s Bar Is For Sale
A historic, century-old corner bar on near South Side could be yours.
Jul 21st, 2021 by Angeline TerryTax Exemption For Church Gets Pushback
Property taxes would be lost in neighborhood just north of Fiserv Forum. Council members push for payment in lieu of taxes.
Jul 21st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneThe 1500s on Jefferson Street Okayed
City committee approves, but not before opponent sings six-verse rap as public testimony.
Jul 20th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneSouthside Streetcar Study, Street Improvements Approved
Walker's Point would be targeted for expansion.
Jul 20th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneUrbal Tea Opens Cafe On South Side
Health-focused cafe in transformed building located on revived commercial strip.
Jul 20th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneHarley-Davidson Museum Worth $12 Million
But this value will soon increase. And the site has a remarkable history.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Michael Horne$98 Million Plan Targets Lead Poisoning
Proposal addressing lead poisoning of children backed by the Coalition on Lead Emergency.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneUpdate Expected Soon on Criminal Investigation Into Health Department
City officials and council members want to know status of DOJ, Milwaukee County DA investigation.
Jul 16th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneAnger and Frustration With Milwaukee’s Lead Program
Even the Milwaukee Health Department doesn't like what's happened since 2018.
Jul 15th, 2021 by Jeramey JannenePublic Safety and Health Committee to discuss city’s lead abatement program on Thursday
Jul 12th, 2021 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point
Proposed extension would run from Third Ward south to 6th and National.
Jul 8th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Ends City Attorney’s Review Power
Unanimous vote strips Spencer's ability to halt contracts and overrides Barrett veto.
Jul 7th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil approves resolution related to ARPA fund distribution and tracking
Jul 7th, 2021 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
The Ann Wilson Problem
Mayor's chief of staff promises she will be replaced on Fire & Police Commission. But when?
Jun 24th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneBauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos
Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."
Jun 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again
Scale of problem currently limited to one family in Bay View, but full review planned.
Jun 17th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneEnough is enough with MHD lead program mistakes
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
Jun 17th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilReckless driving behavior continues to be a detriment to our community
Joint statement from members of the Common Council – Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Mark Borkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez
Jun 17th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilMillennial Task Force report received and has first recommendation approved
Jun 15th, 2021 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000
Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.
Jun 8th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneShould Millions in Federal Aid Be Split Up By Aldermanic District?
Council members float idea that would allocate some of the money by district instead of citywide.
Jun 4th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneVacant Building To Become Creative Hub
Tonda Thompson has big dreams for small building in Harambee.
May 26th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act file
May 25th, 2021 by Ald. Milele Coggs
City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project
Agreement will have the city getting paid to plow snow in exchange for giving up traffic lanes.
May 13th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneA County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?
Dispute between council and City Attorney gets ever stranger, as committee requests county corp counsel's opinion.
May 10th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Tool deal is important to our city on multiple levels
Joint statement from Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
May 5th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil approves transparency file for receipt and distribution of ARPA funds
May 4th, 2021 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Element Apartments’ Construction Begins
6-story building with 66 units. Redesign of S. 5th St. big draw for neighborhood investment.
Apr 20th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneResolution introduced in support of the American Jobs Plan
Apr 14th, 2021 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Bauman Proposes Moratorium On City Demolitions
Alderman proposes fixing all deteriorated city-owned homes using federal stimulus funds.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Must Decide How To Spend $405 Million
Latest federal COVID-19 stimulus plan creates pleasant challenge for mayor, council.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee
But property owners will need to pay at least once.
Apr 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Makes Street Name Changes Easier
New rule requires four-fifths of council to approve. Cesar Chavez Dr. extension next?
Apr 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneTIF District Will Support Central City Housing
Revenue from surging Sigma chemicals TIF district will help three struggling TIFs.
Mar 31st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Rejects Hawley Rd. Flood Settlement
Residents left soaked with costs after settlement agreement falls apart. Their attorney thinks it might cost even more to sue.
Mar 25th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneAld. Coggs introduces file to discuss ARPA spending engagement plan
Mar 17th, 2021 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Troubled Tavern Could Become Veteran’s Housing
Southside-focused real estate firm buying S. 6th St. building.
Mar 15th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNew Partnership Brings Additional COVID-19 Vaccines to Milwaukee’s Southside
Joint Statement from Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderman Scott Spiker
Mar 10th, 2021 by Common Council President Jose PerezAnother Council Committee Opposes Wilson
Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.
Mar 10th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks
Council members and mayor urge Oshkosh Corporation to consider Milwaukee location.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNew Apartment Building for Walker’s Point
Heavily-altered 1880 building on 5th Street to be demolished for six-story, 66-unit building.
Feb 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneSales Tax Proposal Would Increase Revenue Diversification, Support Local Communities
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Jose G. Perez, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II and Alderman Nik Kovac
Feb 12th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilAnti-Displacement Grants Double in 2020
To prevent gentrification, 116 greater downtown homeowners received help with property taxes.
Feb 8th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Creating Plan to Develop and Preserve Bay View
New area plan would create shared vision for future of neighborhood.
Feb 4th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Okays City Funds for Convent Project
School Sisters of St. Francis transforming south-side home into 63 apartments.
Feb 3rd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNew Deconstruction Firm Makes Progress
But citywide deconstruction requirement will again be suspended until March 2022.
Feb 2nd, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCity Pushing Back On Interstate 94 Expansion, Not Reconstruction
City poised to lobby feds to slow down WisDOT.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNew Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement
Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneLa Causa’s New Home
Hispanic-focused non-profit developing administration building in Walker's Point.
Jan 29th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee recommends renaming of Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters
Jan 27th, 2021 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive
Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneContinuing King Drive is continuing the work of Dr. King
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 22, 2021
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Ald. Milele CoggsOn the passing of Henry “Hank” Aaron
From all members of the Common Council -- Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilAnother Step in a 1,000-mile Journey
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Mark Borkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez
Jan 20th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilJoint Statement on the Passing of Ms. Maria Monreal-Cameron
From members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Jan 19th, 2021 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…
Police department agrees to certain conditions for grant intended to reform operations.
Jan 19th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneNew City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving
Committee approves Kruschke to job. And alders want him to focus on safety.
Jan 6th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneWe All Know What “ZIP Code” is Code For
From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II,
Dec 23rd, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilVote No on COPS Grant
We don't want the grant today, tomorrow or next month.
Dec 18th, 2020 by Markasa TuckerCouncil, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant
Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneForest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved
Council clears way to demolish old library, build new Children's Hospital southside clinic.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneIt’s Not Just About 30 Police Officers
The debate about the federal COPS grant is really about long-term commitments and generational change
Dec 16th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant
Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Sets Conditions For COPS Grant
Committee proposes 7 conditions for police department in order for city to accept federal grant.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneForest Home Library Not Historic, Alders Vote
Committee overturns historic designation for 1960s building, full council vote to come
Dec 8th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneShould Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?
Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.
Dec 7th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneWhy All The New Cell Phone Towers?
5G towers are popping up across Milwaukee. The city has little power to determine where.
Dec 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDilapidated Building To Become Community Resource Hub
Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.
Nov 29th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene