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 5
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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 CouncilProperty assessments to be discussed at special Judiciary and Legislation Committee meeting
News release from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs
May 7th, 2020 by Ald. Milele CoggsJohnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs
Not every supporter rewarded. New council president says picks reflect experience, not politics.
Apr 28th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneHow Hamilton Lost Council Presidency
Will bad feelings linger over Cavalier Johnson’s victory?
Apr 22nd, 2020 by Bruce Murphy7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?
Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.
Apr 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJohnson Elected Council President
Second-term Ald. Cavalier Johnson defeats Ashanti Hamilton and Milele Coggs.
Apr 21st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCOVID-19 Cluster Growing on City’s South Side
Hispanic community being hard hit by fast growing cluster.
Apr 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Would Mail Milwaukee Voters Absentee Request Forms
Proposal from incoming Dimitrijevic would make it easier for people to vote in November election.
Apr 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JannenePlastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?
As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Approves Wisconsin Center Deal
Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Overrides Mayor’s Veto
Should Friends of Housing contract be terminated? Did mayor violate attorney-client privilege or council violate city charter?
Mar 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays Convention Expansion?
9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.
Mar 24th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneNational Ave. Affordable Housing Moves Forward
But is it ugly? Committee debates design of Thirteen31 building at 13th and National.
Mar 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneEvent Celebrates Latino-Led Real Estate
Urbano is first annual Hispanic focused commercial real estate conference in Milwaukee.
Mar 11th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Moving to Biweekly Recycling Pickup
$1 million grant from non-profit will kickstart program. Change would start in early 2021.
Mar 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JannenePerez Leads Termination of Friends of Housing Contract
Frustrated by nuisance properties, Alderman takes aim at organization's city contracts.
Feb 28th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDevelopers Must Monitor Homes on Hold
Under new policy, developers must watchdog city-owned homes held for them to buy.
Feb 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneWhat To Do About Century City?
Bailout needed; what's the impact of losing Strauss or trying to start a hemp farm?
Feb 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity to Rebuild National Avenue
City to partner with state, rebuild street from 1st to 39th, add safety improvements.
Feb 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneSchlitz Tivoli Palm Garden Is a Classic
1901 Charles Kirchhoff, Jr. building at heart of city's largest concentration of historic structures
Feb 13th, 2020 by Michael HorneIs This Good Urban Design?
Alderman objects to car-centric layout of proposed south side grocery store.
Feb 4th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMeet the Candidates for City Offices
Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.
Jan 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDark Horse Is So New Yet So Old
South Side bar opened in December with new style in tavern dating to 1880s.
Jan 9th, 2020 by Michael HorneCan Downtown Boom Boost Poorer Areas?
Airbnb tax, mentorship program, other proposals suggested to boost investment elsewhere.
Dec 17th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneRacist Policy? Committee Rejects Hotel Sign
Comfort Suites hotel simply wanted a new sign. Then things got strange.
Dec 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Okays Reed Street Yards Fix
Sewer being relocated to accommodate development. But by which company?
Dec 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneSabbatic Is Very Historic Yet Punk
Walker's Point building dates to 1894, music to 1980s, attitude to 21st century.
Dec 10th, 2019 by Michael HorneCity Wins $700,000 For Drug Overdose Fight
Opioid program has saved 15 lives in 2019; new funding will expand program.
Dec 6th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene“Officer Ray’s” FPC Appointment Okayed
Committee approves appointment of retired officer to police oversight board.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Bans Most Plastic Straws
Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneJournal Square Will Be Hundreds of Apartments
Plus: Packed week of affordable housing news, and Cheesehead expansion.
Nov 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneAdmiral’s Wharf Sails Through Committee
City committee okays zoning for 11-story, 133-unit apartment complex in Walker's Point.
Nov 19th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCafe-Cop House Coming to Clarke Square
Unique center is a partnership of city, non-profit Journey House and police department.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneHealth Department Probe a State Matter
Criminal investigation taken over by Department of Justice, city officials say.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws
Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget
Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.
Nov 8th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Uses Lead Abatement Funds for Marketing
Ald. Lewis proposes using lateral replacement funds for council's "community outreach."
Nov 7th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMural Spurs Historic Preservation Reform
Historic Preservation Commission moving to establish guidelines for murals.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneIndeed Brewery’s Taproom Is Unique
Minneapolis brewer spent a lot to redevelop Walker's Point building for first taproom here.
Nov 5th, 2019 by Michael HorneMayor, Officials Denounce Acid Attack
Barrett says Trump’s rhetoric has fed anger leading to such attacks.
Nov 4th, 2019 by Corrinne HessHeinous acid attack being probed as a hate crime, will have long-term impact on victim
Statement of Alderman Jose G. Perez November 2, 2019
Nov 2nd, 2019 by Common Council President Jose PerezWhat’s This Sherman Park Home Worth?
City, prospective buyer have wrangled over price of foreclosed home.
Oct 29th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneControversy Over Historic Building’s Mural
Mitchell Street mural sparks debate. Is a mural just paint? Should it be removed?
Oct 29th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneDC Group Could Redevelop City Homes
Non-profit backed by for-profit investors aims to rehab city-owned, foreclosed homes.
Oct 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneIndigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday
Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneBarrett Blasts Council On Strauss Deal
They let "malarkey" of disinformation campaign kill meat processing plant deal, he charges.
Oct 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneAnonymous Crime Reporting Service Launches
"Crime doesn't pay, but Crime Stoppers does," says Alderwoman Chantia Lewis.
Oct 15th, 2019 by Jeramey JannenePuerto Rican Cafe Opens in Walker Square
Johanna's Cakes & Desserts Cafe offers sweet treats, custom cakes and sandwiches.
Oct 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneV. Marchese Acquiring More Land for Expansion
Company buying former railroad spur for 50,000-square-foot expansion.
Oct 8th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneShould Smoking Be Banned in Front of Public Buildings?
Murphy and Donovan square off over smoking in front of City Hall.
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneBusiness, Property Owners Discuss How To Benefit From DNC
50,000 people expected to pour into Milwaukee during the DNC.
Sep 24th, 2019 by Corrinne HessCristo Rey Breaks Ground on New School
Voucher high school will move from suburban West Milwaukee to Clarke Square.
Sep 18th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneTiny Homes Land Sale Approved
City committee okays sale of 7 acres for veterans' housing; zoning change still needed.
Sep 18th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneSelena Themed Art Festival Set To Take Place This Weekend
Fiesta Selena -- a two-day community arts festival that honors the late singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez this weekend.
Sep 13th, 2019 by Ald. Scott SpikerCitizen anti-displacement advisory panel could address issues related to downtown development
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II July 31, 2019
Jul 31st, 2019 by Ald. Milele CoggsCouncil Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs
Would urge downtown businesses, developers to increase wages, worker protections.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneOutside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program
Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.
Jul 29th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneFPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty
Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Edgar MendezTake It EZ, Donovan Urges
New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.
Jul 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneRibbon Cutting Celebrates SEVEN04 Place, Developer Brandon Rule
First development from young, African-American developer brings new, affordable housing to Walker's Point.
Jul 19th, 2019 by Jeramey JannenePilot project aims to put the brakes on reckless driving in Milwaukee
News conference set for Monday at 11 a.m. to launch unique public-private partnership called Operation Take it EZ Milwaukee
Jul 19th, 2019 by State Rep. Bob DonovanA Grand Update on The Avenue
Plus: downtown streetscaping improvements and lots of historic preservation news.
Jul 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Protects Tenants Seeking Lead Hazard Remedies
Ordinance prohibits evictions of tenants seeking advice or service for lead hazards.
Jul 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil approves resolution calling for visas for parents and spouses of DACA or TPS recipients
"I’m proud of all of my colleagues on the Council for showing their unanimous support for this important resolution."
Jul 10th, 2019 by Common Council President Jose PerezCouncil approves ordinance protecting tenants in lead-exposure investigations
“Prolonged exposure to lead can have extremely dangerous health consequences, especially for children”
Jul 10th, 2019 by Common Council President Jose PerezMATC Program Would Redevelop Homes
Would partner with city, JCP Construction and non-profit on job training, blight elimination.
Jul 8th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Approves 32-Story Tower
But first, council members give tower its most thorough public vetting to date.
Jul 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThe County’s Queen of Hemp
Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Graham KilmerMarcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension
DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.
Jun 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneWill Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?
Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Would Help Food Trucks
Proposed zoning change on commercial kitchens makes business easier for food trucks.
Jun 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThree Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC
Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.
Jun 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil approves resolution supporting creation of federal Green New Deal legislation
News release by Alderman Nik Kovac and Cavalier Johnson
May 31st, 2019 by Nik KovacNo Agreement on Streetcar Extension
Mayor's press conference touts $160 million expansion plan. Delay could hurt city, he says.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneTussler Saving Merrill Park Home
Hunger Task Force leader has quietly saved three homes in the area already.
May 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Holds Streetcar Extension
Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.
May 21st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene























































































