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

Council members to host Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off
City Hall: Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics
City Hall

Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics

Fewer white residents citywide, but shrinking population totals in many majority-Black neighborhoods.

City Hall: Council Delays Action On ARPA Funds
City Hall

Council Delays Action On ARPA Funds

City has $193 million in the bank. But how to spend it still being debated.

Congratulations Colectivo workers
Press Release

Congratulations 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

City Hall: Proposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees
City Hall

Proposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees

More than 6,000 city workers would need to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.

City Hall: Six Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules
City Hall

Six Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules

Push mayor for indoor mask mandate and mandatory vaccinations for city employees.

City Hall: Council Holds ARPA Spending Until September
City Hall

Council Holds ARPA Spending Until September

Mayor's $93 million "summer plan" delayed, along with proposals by alders.

Transportation: Streetcar Study Draws Controversy
Transportation

Streetcar Study Draws Controversy

Study of Walker’s Point extension moves forward.

Taverns: Ollie’s Bar Is For Sale
Taverns

Ollie’s Bar Is For Sale

A historic, century-old corner bar on near South Side could be yours.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Tax Exemption For Church Gets Pushback
Eyes on Milwaukee

Tax 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.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The 1500s on Jefferson Street Okayed
Eyes on Milwaukee

The 1500s on Jefferson Street Okayed

City committee approves, but not before opponent sings six-verse rap as public testimony.

Transportation: Southside Streetcar Study, Street Improvements Approved
Transportation

Southside Streetcar Study, Street Improvements Approved

Walker's Point would be targeted for expansion.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Urbal Tea Opens Cafe On South Side
Eyes on Milwaukee

Urbal Tea Opens Cafe On South Side

Health-focused cafe in transformed building located on revived commercial strip.

What’s It Worth?: Harley-Davidson Museum Worth $12 Million
What’s It Worth?

Harley-Davidson Museum Worth $12 Million

But this value will soon increase. And the site has a remarkable history.

City Hall: $98 Million Plan Targets Lead Poisoning
City Hall

$98 Million Plan Targets Lead Poisoning

Proposal addressing lead poisoning of children backed by the Coalition on Lead Emergency.

City Hall: Update Expected Soon on Criminal Investigation Into Health Department
City Hall

Update Expected Soon on Criminal Investigation Into Health Department

City officials and council members want to know status of DOJ, Milwaukee County DA investigation.

City Hall: Anger and Frustration With Milwaukee’s Lead Program
City Hall

Anger and Frustration With Milwaukee’s Lead Program

Even the Milwaukee Health Department doesn't like what's happened since 2018.

Public Safety and Health Committee to discuss city’s lead abatement program on Thursday
Transportation: City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point
Transportation

City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point

Proposed extension would run from Third Ward south to 6th and National.

City Hall: Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power
City Hall

Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power

Unanimous vote strips Spencer's ability to halt contracts and overrides Barrett veto.

Council approves resolution related to ARPA fund distribution and tracking
City Hall: The Ann Wilson Problem
City Hall

The Ann Wilson Problem

Mayor's chief of staff promises she will be replaced on Fire & Police Commission. But when?

City Hall: Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos
City Hall

Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos

Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."

City Hall: Milwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again
City Hall

Milwaukee’s Lead Program Fails Again

Scale of problem currently limited to one family in Bay View, but full review planned.

Enough is enough with MHD lead program mistakes
Press Release

Enough 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

Reckless driving behavior continues to be a detriment to our community
Press Release

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

Millennial Task Force report received and has first recommendation approved
City Hall: City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000
City Hall

City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000

Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.

City Hall: Should Millions in Federal Aid Be Split Up By Aldermanic District?
City Hall

Should 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.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Vacant Building To Become Creative Hub
Eyes on Milwaukee

Vacant Building To Become Creative Hub

Tonda Thompson has big dreams for small building in Harambee.

Council approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act file
Transportation: City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project
Transportation

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.

Eyes on Milwaukee: A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?
Eyes on Milwaukee

A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?

Dispute between council and City Attorney gets ever stranger, as committee requests county corp counsel's opinion.

Milwaukee Tool deal is important to our city on multiple levels
Press Release

Milwaukee 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

Council approves transparency file for receipt and distribution of ARPA funds
Eyes on Milwaukee: Element Apartments’ Construction Begins
Eyes on Milwaukee

Element Apartments’ Construction Begins

6-story building with 66 units. Redesign of S. 5th St. big draw for neighborhood investment.

Resolution introduced in support of the American Jobs Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee: Bauman Proposes Moratorium On City Demolitions
Eyes on Milwaukee

Bauman Proposes Moratorium On City Demolitions

Alderman proposes fixing all deteriorated city-owned homes using federal stimulus funds.

City Hall: City Must Decide How To Spend $405 Million
City Hall

City Must Decide How To Spend $405 Million

Latest federal COVID-19 stimulus plan creates pleasant challenge for mayor, council.

City Hall: Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee
City Hall

Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee

But property owners will need to pay at least once.

City Hall: Council Makes Street Name Changes Easier
City Hall

Council Makes Street Name Changes Easier

New rule requires four-fifths of council to approve. Cesar Chavez Dr. extension next?

Eyes on Milwaukee: TIF District Will Support Central City Housing
Eyes on Milwaukee

TIF District Will Support Central City Housing

Revenue from surging Sigma chemicals TIF district will help three struggling TIFs.

City Hall: City Rejects Hawley Rd. Flood Settlement
City Hall

City 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.

Ald. Coggs introduces file to discuss ARPA spending engagement plan
Eyes on Milwaukee: Troubled Tavern Could Become Veteran’s Housing
Eyes on Milwaukee

Troubled Tavern Could Become Veteran’s Housing

Southside-focused real estate firm buying S. 6th St. building.

New Partnership Brings Additional COVID-19 Vaccines to Milwaukee’s Southside
Press Release

New Partnership Brings Additional COVID-19 Vaccines to Milwaukee’s Southside

Joint Statement from Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderman Scott Spiker 

City Hall: Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson
City Hall

Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson

Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks

Council members and mayor urge Oshkosh Corporation to consider Milwaukee location.

Eyes on Milwaukee: New Apartment Building for Walker’s Point
Eyes on Milwaukee

New Apartment Building for Walker’s Point

Heavily-altered 1880 building on 5th Street to be demolished for six-story, 66-unit building.

Sales Tax Proposal Would Increase Revenue Diversification, Support Local Communities
Press Release

Sales 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

Anti-Displacement Grants Double in 2020

Anti-Displacement Grants Double in 2020

To prevent gentrification, 116 greater downtown homeowners received help with property taxes.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Creating Plan to Develop and Preserve Bay View
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Creating Plan to Develop and Preserve Bay View

New area plan would create shared vision for future of neighborhood.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Okays City Funds for Convent Project
Eyes on Milwaukee

Committee Okays City Funds for Convent Project

School Sisters of St. Francis transforming south-side home into 63 apartments.

Eyes on Milwaukee: New Deconstruction Firm Makes Progress
Eyes on Milwaukee

New Deconstruction Firm Makes Progress

But citywide deconstruction requirement will again be suspended until March 2022.

Transportation: City Pushing Back On Interstate 94 Expansion, Not Reconstruction
Transportation

City Pushing Back On Interstate 94 Expansion, Not Reconstruction

City poised to lobby feds to slow down WisDOT.

City Hall: New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement
City Hall

New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement

Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.

Friday Photos: La Causa’s New Home
Friday Photos

La Causa’s New Home

Hispanic-focused non-profit developing administration building in Walker's Point.

Committee recommends renaming of Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters
City Hall: Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive
City Hall

Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive

Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.

Continuing King Drive is continuing the work of Dr. King
Press Release

Continuing King Drive is continuing the work of Dr. King

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 22, 2021

On the passing of Henry “Hank” Aaron
Press Release

On 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

Another Step in a 1,000-mile Journey
Press Release

Another 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

Joint Statement on the Passing of Ms. Maria Monreal-Cameron
Press Release

Joint 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

City Hall: Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…
City Hall

Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…

Police department agrees to certain conditions for grant intended to reform operations.

City Hall: New City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving
City Hall

New City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving

Committee approves Kruschke to job. And alders want him to focus on safety.

We All Know What “ZIP Code” is Code For
Press Release

We 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,

Op Ed: Vote No on COPS Grant
Op Ed

Vote No on COPS Grant

We don't want the grant today, tomorrow or next month.

City Hall: Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant
City Hall

Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant

Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Forest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Forest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved

Council clears way to demolish old library, build new Children's Hospital southside clinic.

It’s Not Just About 30 Police Officers
Press Release

It’s Not Just About 30 Police Officers

The debate about the federal COPS grant is really about long-term commitments and generational change

City Hall: Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant
City Hall

Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant

Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.

City Hall: Council Sets Conditions For COPS Grant
City Hall

Council Sets Conditions For COPS Grant

Committee proposes 7 conditions for police department in order for city to accept federal grant.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Forest Home Library Not Historic, Alders Vote
Eyes on Milwaukee

Forest Home Library Not Historic, Alders Vote

Committee overturns historic designation for 1960s building, full council vote to come

City Hall: Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?
City Hall

Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?

Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Why All The New Cell Phone Towers?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Why All The New Cell Phone Towers?

5G towers are popping up across Milwaukee. The city has little power to determine where.

Plats and Parcels: Dilapidated Building To Become Community Resource Hub
Plats and Parcels

Dilapidated Building To Become Community Resource Hub

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

City Hall: Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant
City Hall

Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant

Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 300-Unit Bay View Project Gains Zoning
Eyes on Milwaukee

300-Unit Bay View Project Gains Zoning

ZND Committee okays former factories to become city's largest mixed-income housing development.

City Hall: Troubles at Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

Troubles at Fire & Police Commission

12 staff vacancies, no director, three board vacancies. Committee grills Barrett aides for answers.

Anti-Displacement Plan and related fund honored with an Excellence in Planning Award
Press Release

Anti-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

The City of Milwaukee’s Anti-Displacement Program Honored with an Excellence in Planning Award
City Hall: Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget
City Hall

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.

Committee recommends approval of omnibus budget amendment
Press Release

Committee recommends approval of omnibus budget amendment

Amendment provides funding for healthy food access, lead abatement, CART teams and Community Collaborative Commission, among other initiatives

City Hall: City Extending Active Streets Dining Program Until March 2021
City Hall

City Extending Active Streets Dining Program Until March 2021

Program would allow expanded outdoor, winter dining.

Avoidable and senseless crash takes the life of beloved community leader, spouse
Press Release

Avoidable 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

Communication file on social justice issues going before Steering and Rules Committee
Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Press Release

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

Municipal ID program to resume with changes to support COVID-19 health guidelines
Communication file introduced to source community input on social justice issues
City Hall: Night Parking Rules a Tax on the Poor?
City Hall

Night Parking Rules a Tax on the Poor?

Or good public policy? Reinstating night parking is a $13 million question for city.

Committee passes motion relating to protective services vacancies
Press Release

Committee passes motion relating to protective services vacancies

Would require MPD to explore possibility of filling openings by non-sworn employees

Wisconsin municipalities should be able to count mail-in ballots early
Press Release

Wisconsin 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

South Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman

South Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman

Immigration attorney, neighborhood leader lost to senseless killing.

Milwaukee loses a strong community advocate to senseless shooting
Press Release

Milwaukee loses a strong community advocate to senseless shooting

Joint statement from Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

Eyes on Milwaukee: South Side Tanning Company Expanding
Eyes on Milwaukee

South Side Tanning Company Expanding

Law Tanning buying tax delinquent building for storage of specialty leather products.

In recognition of unions on Labor Day
Press Release

In 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

Milwaukee athletes take a stand in support of racial justice
Press Release

Milwaukee 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

Lamar refuses billboard ads with Black Lives Matter content
Press Release

Lamar 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 

City Hall: Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows
City Hall

Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows

Council wants still more changes, but can only request Fire & Police Commission to enact them.

Council approves resolution seeking to provide greater broadband access throughout Milwaukee
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