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 8
Point-Counterpoint for Three Council Races
The views (or non-views) of aldermen Bauman, Donovan and Perez — and their opponents.
Mar 31st, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Where City’s Crime is Rising
The biggest hike is in Ald. Donovan’s district. No wonder that’s his major issue.
Feb 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Kovac Raises Money for Reelection
Politicians, city officials and other notables chow down on food from Glorioso's.
Feb 15th, 2016 by Michael Horne
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Ald. Kovac’s “Adult” Home Is Very Modest
The 1893 Riverwest home has just 1.5 stories and one bathroom with 10% ventilation.
Jan 22nd, 2016 by Michael Horne
Did Karl Kopp Let Historic Building Rot?
Unique 1871 building on river was “irreplaceable.” Bauman blames Kopp for its destruction.
Dec 10th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Gwen Connolly continues to garner endorsements in race for Branch 44
She has previously announced the endorsement of hundreds of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders.
Nov 20th, 2015 by Gwen Connolly
Common Ground Pushes for Safer Streets
Common Ground urges Common Council to adopt school bus Stop Sign Ordinance
Nov 11th, 2015 by Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin
Tragedy is a sad reminder to buckle up, drive safe, follow rules of the road
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez November 11, 2015
Nov 11th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Council approves 2016 budget focused on public safety, libraries and jobs
News release from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac
Nov 3rd, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant
City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Harbor Room Is Classic Gay Men’s Bar
Its colorful 108-year history charts the rise and fall of a dense manufacturing neighborhood.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Future of Walker Square?
New DCD plan calls for bike lanes, greenery, diverse tenants on National Avenue.
Oct 26th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Barrett, Walker, Tout New Freshwater Plaza
$48 million mixed-use development has a little to do with water and a location near inner harbor.
Oct 23rd, 2015 by Michael Horne
O’Lydia’s Has 99-Year History
The atmospheric, old-style tavern still has the original floor, tin ceiling and back bar.
Oct 22nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Common Council President Michael J. Murphy announces committee changes
Alderman Borkowski, who won the August 18 special election, was appointed by President Murphy to the Community and Economic Development Committee.
Aug 31st, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee Public Library Opens Up Future Library Space to Public on September 2-3
Library and Architects Seek Community Input on New Library on Mitchell Street
Aug 21st, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Library
Asking for Sheriff Clarke’s help to stem south side auto theft crisis
243% increase in 8th Aldermanic District in five years
Aug 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Removing Employment Barriers for Men
Ald. Jose Perez talks about barriers he once faced at summit for unemployed men.
Jul 29th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Rash of morning street robberies on city’s near south side
Joint statement from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman José G. Pérez July 22, 2015
Jul 22nd, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City officials take on business leaders in basketball game to benefit Autism Speaks
A team of Milwaukee public officials will face off against business leaders from around the city in a basketball game and charity event to benefit Autism Speaks on Saturday, June 13 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Journey House.
Jun 9th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
The passing of Alderman Joe Dudzik
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez May 22, 2015
May 22nd, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Will Historic Building in Third Ward Be Saved?
Third Ward review board defers decision on Historic Designation. And Milwaukee now has a Croatian sister city.
May 15th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Bay View’s Golden Age?
A proposal for five new apartment buildings in Bay View. And will At Random be razed?
May 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
Anti-Violence Plan Targets Poor Neighborhoods
City and community groups cite approach that cut violence by 30% in areas of Chicago and Baltimore.
Apr 21st, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Mexican Consulate Will Open in Milwaukee
The 51st such consulate in U.S. will serve city's growing Mexican population.
Apr 12th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Ald. Pérez to propose stricter sex offender residency rules
Meeting on Wednesday will provide info about “troubling” developments
Mar 31st, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Walker Square neighborhood planning effort set to kick off
Building on the momentum generated by activity in neighboring Walker’s Point and the Menomonee Valley, the Department of City Development, Alderman Jose Perez and the Walker Square Neighborhood Association are working with residents, business owners and other neighborhood stakeholders to develop a neighborhood Action Plan for Walker Square.
Mar 13th, 2015 by City of Milwaukee
Alderman Perez seeks viewpoints on Walker Square
Community meeting to be held to discuss city's ideas for housing, public spaces, commercial areas, bicycles and pedestrians
Mar 12th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Important city documents for businesses now available in Spanish
“Milwaukee is fortunate to have a growing population of small business owners from the Spanish-speaking community.”
Mar 6th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support
Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes
Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
News conference Tuesday to explore proposals for eventual, extended streetcar routes
Several members of the Milwaukee Common Council and a member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will hold a news conference Tuesday.
Jan 19th, 2015 by Ald. Terry Witkowski
Clarke Square
On just one block of W. Mineral St., the homes lost 43 percent of their value. Overcoming the foreclosure problem is a slow process.
Jan 9th, 2015 by Ben Greene, Courtney Perry and Patrick Leary
Five Neighborhoods With Foreclosure Problems
First in a series on five city neighborhoods that still have many foreclosed and abandoned homes.
Jan 7th, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Red Arrow Park decision demonstrates need for additional reforms
Joint Statement from Common Council members Ashanti Hamilton, Russell W. Stamper II, Milele A. Coggs, Willie C. Wade and José G Pérez
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Forest Home Library Replacement Decided, Mill Road Deferred
New library on Mitchell St. could bring "Third Ward-caliber energy" to the south side neighborhood, John Gurda predicts.
Dec 18th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Council approves Milwaukee Promise funding to help city neighborhoods
News release and maps document from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Dec 16th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Youth Council to discuss children’s zone
The newly-sworn City of Milwaukee Youth Council will begin its term discussing several key initiatives.
Dec 9th, 2014 by City of Milwaukee Youth Council
New Forest Home Library Coming
Two proposals were unveiled at a public meeting of library board. Which one is better?
Dec 5th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Development Partners
Issues Request for Proposal for Forest Home and Mill Road Libraries
Nov 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
Milwaukee Children’s Zone to address achievement gap on the near south side
Stakeholders from around Milwaukee’s near south side will be brought together in order to seek solutions to an achievement gap affecting less fortunate neighborhoods.
Nov 5th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Conference Touts Historic Preservation
Conference at We Energies offers experts touting the huge environmental payoff for historic reuse of buildings.
Oct 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
RICH program, selling city-owned foreclosed homes for $1, receives unanimous Council support
ews release from Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 14th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
New location for Saz’s Catering opening in Walker’s Point
Saz’s Catering has announced that they will move their operations to 201 W. Walker St.
Oct 9th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Housing stock, affordable housing get boost from Common Council
The Common Council has approved a new Housing Stock Improvement Program
Sep 24th, 2014 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Again, the justice system fails Milwaukee
Joint Statement from Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Bob Donovan September 4, 2014
Sep 4th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Historic Mitchell St. walk with Alderman Pérez and Mayor Barrett
Alderman José G. Pérez will be joined by Mayor Tom Barrett for a walk down Historic Mitchell Street.
Aug 6th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Council approves minimum hourly wage ordinance
Joint news release and file from Alderman Hamilton, Alderman Kovac and Alderwoman Coggs
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Community JOBS Resource Fair is Monday, July 21
Event will showcase opportunities available during $450M NML HQ project
Jul 17th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Training Program Builds New Homes in City
Christian Center's YouthBuild program has built a dozen new homes while training young workers.
May 28th, 2014 by Brittany Carloni
Listening to Mitchell, an interactive public art project of image and sound by Sonja Thomsen and Adam Carr, coming to Milwaukee’s Historic Mitchell Street
Seven block temporary public artwork excavates street’s present through the act of listening
May 22nd, 2014 by Press Release
Common Council to vote on measure condemning abduction of Nigerian girls
#bringbackourgirls
May 9th, 2014 by Ald. Milele Coggs
County Supervisor Peggy Romo West Hosts Premiere of “Cesar Chavez” Movie in Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy Romo West will attend tonight's premiere of "Cesar Chavez: History is Made One Step at Time" at Southgate Cinema at 7:15 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2014.
Mar 28th, 2014 by Sup. Peggy A. West
Cesar Chavez city worker holiday proposal to be heard by Finance and Personnel Committee
City employees would have the option of taking off on March 31 annually as a holiday observing the birthday of American labor and civil rights champion Cesar E. Chavez.
Mar 25th, 2014 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Murphy Announces New Committee Assignments
The changes aren't radical but big winner is Ald. Kovac, who becomes chair of Finance and vice-chair of Steering and Rules.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Other Mandela
The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.
Dec 8th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Bike-sharing program moves forward with committee approval
A public bike-sharing system for the City of Milwaukee picked up the endorsement of a key Common Council committee on Wednesday.
Dec 5th, 2013 by Ald. Bob Bauman
New anti-prostitution initiative meeting with success on South Side
News release from Alds. Bob Donovan and Jose G. Perez
Oct 29th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
FPC nominees to appear at community forum tomorrow
Reappointed Fire and Police Commission member Kathryn A. Hein and new Commission appointee Steven M. DeVougas will take part in a public forum tomorrow (Tuesday, October 22) evening at La Luz del Mundo Family Services, 1570 W. Greenfield Ave.
Oct 21st, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.
Oct 16th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail
Despite rainy weather, Mayor Barrett and a host of politicians celebrated the new bike trail.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Eighth annual Fatherhood Summit offers resources, advice for Milwaukee dads
Aimed at giving Milwaukee fathers the tools they need and providing some dads with a much-needed second chance, the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative Summit kicks off this weekend with resource fairs, informational sessions and much more. The theme of this year’s eighth annual Fatherhood Summit is “Changing Milwaukee through Male Empowerment.” The event will be held this Friday and Saturday, October 4th and 5th from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Destiny Youth Plaza, 7210 N. 76th St. Conference admission is free and includes all workshops, resource materials, parking and a light breakfast and lunch. “A community with strong, responsible fathers in it is a strong community,” said Alderman José G Pérez, a speaker, guest and participant at the summit. “By providing dads with the information and resources they need to be good role models for their kids, we are empowering them to transform the next generation of Milwaukee citizens.” One focus area of this year’s summit will be the federal Affordable Care Act that came online this week. Summit workshops and informational sessions will explain to participants how the new system works, what their options are and how they can enroll. The summit will also feature a Health, Job and Resource Fair. Participants will have access to a variety of free health screenings, employers who are seeking to hire, and housing, education, job training, personal development and financial education programs and services. To pre-register or learn more, visit cr-sdc.org or MilwaukeeFatherhood.com. Onsite registration will also be offered. Agenda
Oct 2nd, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Going green is good news for workers and the environment
Statement from Alderman José G. Pérez September 25, 2013
Sep 25th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Ald. Pérez’s Tiny, Former Jesuit Home
His tiny lot and 840 square-foot home make him a true man of the people. And not much of a gardener.
Aug 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Common Council members call on state to house sex offenders elsewhere
Members of the Milwaukee Common Council sharply criticized a state program that houses dangerous sex offenders in residential neighborhoods this week, calling it “disruptive to neighborhoods” and a “foolish waste of taxpayers’ money.”
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Information and assistance is available to help citizens deal with dangerous heat
Milwaukee police have reported several suspected heat-related deaths in the city during the most recent wave of hot temperatures.
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Where the Buffalo Roam
A new art project honoring Native American history will be constructed on the new Downtown to Bay View Bikeway
Jul 17th, 2013 by Joe Kelly
King Drive Owner Under Fire, Taxpayers Could Lose $212,000
Ald. Coggs assails company for promising local grocery and leasing to Dollar Tree instead.
Jul 3rd, 2013 by Shakara Robinson
New legislation targets predatory schools, protects students
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs June 11, 2013
Jun 11th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!
Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.
May 13th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Listening Session with Alderman Jose G. Perez
Alderman José G. Pérez is hosting a 12th District Listening session TONIGHT to meet residents and discuss issues that affect local neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
Apr 17th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Politics & Poetry II
Aldermen join seasoned poets to tout today's election and celebrate the memory of poet Anita Brooks.
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Grace Fuhr
Immigration summit TONIGHT will feature key experts, timely discussions
The prospect of meaningful immigration reform and how it could affect Milwaukee will be one of several key issues discussed TONIGHT during an immigration summit hosted by Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. and Alderman José G. Pérez..
Mar 25th, 2013 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Immigration summit next week will feature key experts, timely discussions
The prospect of meaningful immigration reform and how it could affect Milwaukee will be one of several key issues discussed next week during an immigration summit hosted by Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. and Alderman José G. Pérez.
Mar 19th, 2013 by Press Release
Alderman Pérez appointed to NLC national Hispanic leadership post
Alderman José G. Pérez has been appointed to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) for the National League of Cities (NLC).
Mar 13th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Alderman Pérez invites residents to Zilber Clarke Square Community Listening Café
Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Mar 6th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
District 12 welcomes Natural Resource Technology to the Freshwater Hub
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez March 6, 2013
Mar 6th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Alderman Pérez part of this week’s “Around the Corner” episode on MPTV
Each episode of “Around the Corner” is broadcast on Milwaukee Public Television, Channel 10.1.
Feb 6th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Immigration reform holds promise for Milwaukee, U.S., aldermen say
The City of Milwaukee and the U.S. stand to benefit under much needed immigration reform principles announced by President Obama earlier this week, Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. and Alderman José G. Pérez said today.
Feb 1st, 2013 by Milwaukee Common Council
Same-day voter registration advisory referendum goes to voters on April 2, 2013
Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 15, 2013
Jan 16th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Common Council to recognize state champion Saint Anthony soccer team
In just its third season since organizing, the fledgling Milwaukee Saint Anthony Roman Legion soccer program fought its way to a 27-3 record in its 2012 championship push.
Jan 11th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Family needs assistance to help pay for 15- year-old daughter’s funeral
Alderman José G. Pérez is inviting residents to help the family of Brendaliz Morales Rodriguez, who died earlier this week after being shot accidentally by a sibling, according to the family.
Jan 10th, 2013 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Witkowiak Runs Off to Siberia
The former alderman is an obsessive marathon runner. And the city gets 2000 more trees.
Jan 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Airborne Asbestos Plagues South Side?
A KK river restoration project may be causing asbestos and lead contamination while tearing down homes too near the river.
Jan 2nd, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Public vetting process needed for Fire and Police Commission appointments
Joint Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, and Alderman José G. Pérez
Dec 12th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Concerned citizen brings health and safety issue to light
I am very concerned about safety and health violations that have been brought to light related to the ongoing Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) demolition project of certain properties along the Kinnickinnic River.
Dec 10th, 2012 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Alderman Pérez will speak during fundraiser to help disaster victims
Alderman Pérez will speak during fundraiser to help disaster victims
Dec 3rd, 2012 by Common Council President Jose Perez
The Rise of Chris Larson
Is he a young liberal heavyweight? Or a punching bag for Republicans?
Nov 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
