Alderman José G. Pérez represents the 12th District on Milwaukee’s South Side.
He was elected council president in 2022 and re-elected in 2024.
Pérez was first elected in an 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 4
Reckless 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 JanneneCouncil Delays on Federal COPS Grant
Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.
Nov 25th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene300-Unit Bay View Project Gains Zoning
ZND Committee okays former factories to become city's largest mixed-income housing development.
Nov 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneTroubles at Fire & Police Commission
12 staff vacancies, no director, three board vacancies. Committee grills Barrett aides for answers.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneAnti-Displacement Plan and related fund honored with an Excellence in Planning Award
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Nov 6th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCommittee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget
Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee recommends approval of omnibus budget amendment
Amendment provides funding for healthy food access, lead abatement, CART teams and Community Collaborative Commission, among other initiatives
Oct 29th, 2020 by Mayor Cavalier JohnsonCity Extending Active Streets Dining Program Until March 2021
Program would allow expanded outdoor, winter dining.
Oct 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneAvoidable and senseless crash takes the life of beloved community leader, spouse
Joint statement from Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderman José G. Pérez October 20, 2020
Oct 20th, 2020 by Ald. JoCasta ZamarripaCommunication file on social justice issues going before Steering and Rules Committee
Oct 16th, 2020 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
From members of the Milwaukee Common Council – 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 JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 12th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilMunicipal ID program to resume with changes to support COVID-19 health guidelines
Oct 2nd, 2020 by Jim Owczarski
Communication file introduced to source community input on social justice issues
Oct 2nd, 2020 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Night Parking Rules a Tax on the Poor?
Or good public policy? Reinstating night parking is a $13 million question for city.
Sep 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee passes motion relating to protective services vacancies
Would require MPD to explore possibility of filling openings by non-sworn employees
Sep 28th, 2020 by Ald. Milele CoggsWisconsin municipalities should be able to count mail-in ballots early
Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – 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 JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Sep 28th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilSouth Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman
Immigration attorney, neighborhood leader lost to senseless killing.
Sep 26th, 2020 by Edgar MendezMilwaukee loses a strong community advocate to senseless shooting
Joint statement from Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
Sep 23rd, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilSouth Side Tanning Company Expanding
Law Tanning buying tax delinquent building for storage of specialty leather products.
Sep 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneIn recognition of unions on Labor Day
Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
Sep 7th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilMilwaukee athletes take a stand in support of racial justice
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Scott Spiker
Aug 27th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilLamar refuses billboard ads with Black Lives Matter content
Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman José G. Pérez
Aug 22nd, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil’s Police Reform Wish List Grows
Council wants still more changes, but can only request Fire & Police Commission to enact them.
Jul 28th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil approves resolution seeking to provide greater broadband access throughout Milwaukee
Jul 28th, 2020 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Renters in need of assistance encouraged to utilize local resources
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez July 22, 2020
Jul 22nd, 2020 by Common Council President Jose PerezWe Can Do Better
Joint statement from Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa July 20, 2020
Jul 20th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilRemembering John Lewis
Joint statement from Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey July 20, 2020
Jul 20th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilPublic comment sought again for next set of cabinet-level appointees
Leadership for Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Review, Assessor’s Office, Department of Administration and Department of Employee Relations set for next week
Jul 18th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments
Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.
Jul 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneResolutions urging Fire and Police Commission to adopt new reform policies recommended for approval
Jul 17th, 2020 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?
Common Council has a growing wish list. Will Fire & Police Commission act?
Jul 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneSelection of next executive director of the Fire and Police Commission must involve community and must be transparent
Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Caviler Johnson
Jul 10th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil effort to create lead-safe program moves forward
Jul 7th, 2020 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
What Should Or Shouldn’t Be in Milwaukee Mask Mandate?
Council debates ordinance before its written.
Jul 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCrump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD
New commissioner would serve in one of most visible, influential administration roles.
Jun 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneBiggest Ever Affordable Housing Project Advances
197-unit, $59 million Community Within the Corridor project would get $3 million from city.
Jun 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases
Would require approval for all purchases.
Jun 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers
Seeks change in state law so city can stop paying suspended cops charged with felonies.
Jun 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil passes resolution seeking Juneteenth Day become a federal holiday
Jun 17th, 2020 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut
Requires city budget office to model what cut would look like, in time for fall budget debate.
Jun 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommunity deserves to hear from department leaders on plans for change
Joint statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa
Jun 16th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil passes resolution seeking greater accountability for officers involved in homicides
Jun 16th, 2020 by Ald. Nikiya Dodd
Homicides Way Up In County This Year
Up from 47 to 80 at this time last year, with most (73) in the city.
Jun 16th, 2020 by Corrinne HessCouncil Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut
11 council members back $30 million cut and investing in other programs.
Jun 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Holds Emergency Council Meeting To Approve Voting Sites, Why?
Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.
Jun 11th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneChief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council
13 members sign letter urging Morales: stop chiding protesters and listen to their message.
Jun 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene86 Homeowners Getting Property Tax Help
Foundation's anti-displacement fund gives $38,356 to owners in four city neighborhoods.
May 20th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJoint statement on free COVID-19 testing for Milwaukee’s communities of color
From Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
May 8th, 2020 by Milwaukee Common Council