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
The City’s Most Curious Lobbyist
Why is fire fighters’ president quietly lobbying on issues unrelated to his job?
Sep 14th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
City officers to provide key updates on moves to foster business growth
Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee will hear reports Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Sep 12th, 2017 by Ald. Terry Witkowski
Council hearing set for DOJ draft report on MPD practices
News release from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Council President Ashanti Hamilton
Aug 31st, 2017 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Bucks Top Off New Arena
4,400-pound steel beam symbolizes the peak of new arena's construction.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Bawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare
Donovan, Perez announce effort to target prostitution, landlords on South Side.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Junior’s Hook Has 125-Year Heritage
Old South Side tavern since 1892, with countless owners, is suddenly chic.
Aug 22nd, 2017 by Michael Horne
A Taste of Cultural Fusion
Snifters Tapas and Spirits to Host Grand Opening Weekend in Walker’s Point
Aug 17th, 2017 by Snifters Tapas and Spirits
Commission Approves 27-Story Tower
Madison developer revives 27-story proposal on Prospect next to Goll House.
Aug 14th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Supports Restricting Asset Forfeiture
Would only be allowed for convicted criminals. Milwaukee police opposed change.
Aug 10th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn
"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Camino Has Romance and History
1890 Walker's Point building once housed leather, upholstery and wood working shops.
Jul 13th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
The scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017
Jun 29th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
New Restaurant on Brady
Plus: Cermak gives Walker's Point residents access to more groceries.
Jun 16th, 2017 by Alexandra Mucks
New Cermak Opens in Walker’s Point
The new store brings fresh food to residents.
Jun 14th, 2017 by Alexandra Mucks
Hit-and-run incidents show callous disregard for others
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez June 6, 2017
Jun 6th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
30 Homes On One Block Repaired
Clark Square area work by Revitalize Milwaukee, fixing 1,700 homes in 15 years.
May 28th, 2017 by Keith Schubert
City Seeks Rescue for Several Buildings
Gorman will redevelop McKinley school. Old Esperanza auto repair shop needs savior.
May 25th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
La Cage Is Center of Pride Parade
But precisely who owns it has gotten murky.
May 24th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Hit-and-run death hits close
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez May 12, 2017
May 12th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Downtown Strip Club Approved
Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.
May 9th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Gibraltar Has International Heritage
Now a jazz club, 1895 building on National Ave. long featured the International House.
May 5th, 2017 by Michael Horne
How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.
May 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Work is complete for Water Quality Task Force
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez April 28, 2017
Apr 28th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Why Strip Club Deal Fell Apart
Deal would have ended suits against city if council okayed new club.
Apr 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Celebrating the Past, Building the Future: Milwaukee Celebrates César E. Chávez Day with Plans for Chávez Plaza
The festivity will feature speeches from local leaders and project plans for the continued construction of Chávez Plaza.
Mar 23rd, 2017 by César E. Chávez Business Improvement District
The City of Milwaukee mourns a dedicated civil servant
Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez March 23, 2017
Mar 23rd, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
New Era For Pulaski Park
New pavilion opens after 10 years. New recreational offerings may combat crime.
Mar 10th, 2017 by Gabrielle Barriere
City sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution
Landlord allegedly knew widespread illegal activities were taking place
Feb 14th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
New City of Milwaukee ID card now available to the public
Informational news conference set for Friday at City Hall
Feb 7th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
The Problem Of Architecture Review Boards
All the rules for developers kill bad buildings. But do they also kill the great ones?
Feb 1st, 2017 by Tom Bamberger
12th District neighborhood selected for 2017 Block Build MKE
Revitalize Milwaukee initiative will bring FREE improvements to properties
Jan 13th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Quorum Architects – Ayres Associates Chosen as Winning Design for New Public Space in the Harbor District
Harbor District, Inc. plans to build the first phase of the winning design during the summer of 2017.
Jan 11th, 2017 by Harbor District
MKE Plays receiving $100K gift at City Hall Dec. 22 The
MKE Plays is a city-led initiative aimed at renovating 12 of Milwaukee’s most dilapidated playgrounds.
Dec 20th, 2016 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Shaker’s Cigar Bar is Smoking
City's only cigar bar has fine dining and retro-cocktails, classic architectural artifacts.
Dec 9th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Wangard Violates Residents Preference Program
Council members blast the company for failure, call for tougher requirements.
Dec 7th, 2016 by Graham Kilmer
The Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Problem of Prostitution
Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Ad mocking Bradley Tech students was vile
Ads like that belong in the recycling bin, and not on the pages of published magazines.
Nov 18th, 2016 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing
Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six
Nov 17th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.
Nov 7th, 2016 by Gretchen Schuldt
Joint letter to DA John Chisholm
Joint letter from members of the Common Council to District Attorney Chisholm
Oct 28th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
A Riot of Good Intentions
Or how a small city green space was killed by countless improvements.
Oct 27th, 2016 by Tom Bamberger
Public Safety Plan Ignores the Community
Aldermen should work harder to consult residents and target underlying causes of crime.
Oct 21st, 2016 by Markasa Tucker
DPW Sanitation Services to Amend E-Notify Choices
Improvements coming to E-Notify system
Oct 14th, 2016 by Common Council President Jose Perez
MobCraft Milwaukee
The world's first completely crowdsourced brewery is another piece of the redevelopment of Walker's Point.
Sep 28th, 2016 by Michael Horne
City hearings on public safety issues to be held throughout October
News release from Alds. Ashanti Hamilton & Bob Donovan
Sep 27th, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
David Winograd’s Mequon McMansion
Milwaukee developer's $1.2 million home is in subdivision where rusty mailboxes aren't allowed.
Sep 8th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Mexico Opens 50th US Consulate Here
A big turnout of American and Mexican politicians with "Trumpism" in the air.
Aug 31st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Two MPD officers to receive honors for heroic actions while off duty
“The selfless actions of Detective Ayala and Officer Acevedo speak volumes about their sense of duty and their caring about the wellbeing of their fellow citizens.”
Aug 30th, 2016 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Common Ground and Common Council Leaders Commit to For Neighborhoods & Youth in 2017 City Budget
Leaders asked elected officials to commit to up to $7 million in capital investment for the funding of an indoor sports complex on the South side for youth sports as well as other recreational, educational and cultural activities.
Aug 14th, 2016 by Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin
Alex Lasry’s $1 Million Waterfront Condo
And why not? The son of Bucks owner Marc Lasry has become a MAJOR player in town.
Aug 3rd, 2016 by Michael Horne
Rocky Marcoux Keeps His Job
In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Kills Prospect Ave High Rise
Impressive 27-story, $55 million project is dead, due to opposition of neighbors.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Outrage at ambush of MPD officer & other police shootings
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jul 19th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Why Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble
New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Inside the New Mercantile Lofts
Former International Building now has 36 apartments. View the units and restored mural.
Jul 14th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy
Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Taking “Home” out of Home Rule
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jun 24th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Green Space Project on Forest Home Avenue?
El Rey’s owners have donated land. Community planning has begun.
Jun 19th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Public video art event on West Historic Mitchell Street
The event will feature video productions by more than 30 regional and national artists projected simultaneously onto exterior surfaces and within buildings.
Jun 15th, 2016 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Ciclovía MKE, South Side Bicycle Day, to feature car-free streets in Walker’s Point
Side Bicycle Day will provide free children’s helmets and will raffle off more than 600 bicycles and bike locks.
Jun 9th, 2016 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week with Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderpersons, the Wisconsin Bike Fed, and Bublr Bikes
Wisconsin Bike Week is June 6-12, 2016
Jun 3rd, 2016 by City of Milwaukee Deptartment of Public Works
Common Council leading the way on multi-pronged public safety effort
Council president and members issue “All Hands Call” for peace
Jun 2nd, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Mayor’s Design Awards
The 2016 Mayor's Design Awards recognized projects from every corner of the city.
May 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Small Pleasures of Koz’s Mini Bowl
For 60 years it's featured duck-pin bowling, the last such place in town.
May 13th, 2016 by Michael Horne
D.I.X. Bar A Marvel of Old Architecture
110-year-old bar has tin ceilings and oak bar, floors, wainscoting, ice box and on and on.
Apr 29th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Town’s Most Ship-Shape Home
The "Boat House" on Cambridge, built in 1920s, is internationally known.
Apr 21st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Statue of Cesar Chavez Unveiled
Hundreds gather to celebrate new statue of legendary labor activist, located on Cesar Chavez Dr.
Apr 5th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
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 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
