Alderman Michael Murphy of District 10 on Milwaukee’s West Side, was first elected at age 27 in 1989, and is the city’s longest-serving alderman.
Michael Murphy is a lifelong West Side resident, a member of the Gesu Parish, and the first son of Irish immigrants to be born in America, his official biography reveals.
Murphy attended Hi Mount and St. Catherine’s elementary schools and graduated from Milwaukee’s Madison High School in 1980. In 1986, he earned a B.S. degree in Geological Sciences from UW-Madison and he has since completed graduate course work toward a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. To pay his way through college, he worked in the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Geology Department and as a lab technician at Great Lakes Research Institute researching the effects of heavy metal contaminants in the Fox River Valley.
Murphy has been reelected six times. Since April 2004 he has served as chair of the Common Council’s budget-writing Finance and Personnel Committee. He is also vice chair of the Steering and Rules Committee and a member of the Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.
Murphy has served on many different boards over the years. He currently serves as chair of both the Investment Committee of the Employees’ Retirement System and the Milwaukee Arts Board. Murphy describes himself as a long-time supporter of the local arts.
In 2012, Murphy received the “Common Ground Hero Award” from the Southeastern Wisconsin branch of the non-profit Common Ground group. He was cited for his work in helping the group fight the foreclosure crisis in Milwaukee. Murphy worked with Common Ground to secure $33.8 million from five major banks (Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo) to help rescue homeowners facing foreclosures.
Murphy also received the Arts Leadership Award from the String Academy of UW-Milwaukee for his “long term dedication to the importance of the arts in the lives of Milwaukee’s citizens and children.”
Murphy, along with the Common Council, has supported 180 Degree Properties, LLC to fight unemployment.
Murphy met with Aurora Health Care officials out of concern that Sinai Medical Center might close its emergency department.
Seeing a growing need for supportive housing for Milwaukee’s at-risk populations, Alderman Murphy brought to life the Housing Trust Fund Task Force in 2006, which has helped fund numerous housing projects throughout the community.
Murphy was among nine aldermen who criticized the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for misleading the public about how the police department reported crime data.
Content referencing Michael Murphy - Page 4
CWNA annual meeting Thursday to feature elected official town hall
Aldermen Michael J. Murphy and Jim Bohl invite residents to the Annual Meeting of the Capitol West Neighborhood Association at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church Hall.
Oct 16th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures
Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.
Oct 2nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Common Council to deliberate on Mayor’s proposed 2013 City Budget
Today, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered a 2013 proposed executive budget to the Milwaukee Common Council that provides some relief to property taxpayers, includes no employee layoffs and maintains police staffing, but also includes an agreement to have the city absorb police patrols in parks and 911 communications duties from the county.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
U.S. Attorney’s insight needed in Williams death investigation
We are respectfully requesting that the office of the U.S. Attorney conduct an investigation into the case of Derek Williams, who died last year while in the custody of Milwaukee police.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
State funds for BMO/Harris Bradley Center helpful; others could also be helped
In my view, I do not see this move as a flip flop on the part of the Governor .
Sep 14th, 2012 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Common Council Sets Standards for Elementary School Playgrounds
The Milwaukee Common Council today passed a measure that will require all new elementary schools in the city to provide a minimum amount of safe, open play space to help children stay healthy and active.
Sep 5th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Candidates should make position known on Disclose Act
American politics today is bursting at the seams with money, and most of it is donated anonymously. That lack of transparency is troubling to Alderman Michael J. Murphy and to members of the Common Council.
Aug 17th, 2012 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Tragedy in Oak Creek
Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
Aug 6th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Preliminary Budget Hearing Invitation
The City of Milwaukee will hold a 2013 Preliminary Budget Hearing to ensure the 2013 City of Milwaukee Budget addresses the needs of our community. Mayor Tom Barrett, Finance and Personnel Committee Chair, Alderman Michael Murphy, Budget Director Mark Nicolini and budget staff will provide information regarding the budget planning process and give attendees an opportunity to share input on City services. City residents are encouraged to attend. Monday, August 13, 2012 6:00-7:30 p.m. Zeidler Municipal Building 841 North Broadway, Rm. 102
Aug 6th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
Bike-sharing program pedals to Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee will discuss a resolution Wednesday (July 11) to create a bicycle-sharing program in Milwaukee that if approved could start up in spring 2013.
Jul 9th, 2012 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.
Jun 22nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Event Wednesday will tout summer safety in the city
Alderman Michael J. Murphy will join representatives from the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department to encourage safe summer activities for children. The event will take place tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at the entrance to Washington Park Pool, 1859 N. 40th St.
Jun 19th, 2012 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Mayor Barrett Encourages City Employees To Say “Not Me” To Diabetes
The City of Milwaukee is among the first public sector employers in the state to offer employees the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a 12-month lifestyle behavior intervention designed especially for people with prediabetes, the clinical precursor for type 2 diabetes. To screen its employees at the highest risk for diabetes, the City will host UnitedHealthcare’s 18-wheel mobile testing clinic at City Hall.
Jun 19th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
