Michael Murphy

25-Story Prospect Ave. Tower Headed For Approval

No opposition to revised design. Groundbreaking, construction could start this year.

City, County Will Study Merging Services

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos pushing for this as prerequisite for more shared revenue for Milwaukee.

New Youth Prison Wins Key Endorsement

Despite objections from neighbors, zoning committee supports new facility on northwest side.

City Committee Overrules Historic Commission On Mitchell Street Project

Will full council allow demolition of 1895 building for new affordable housing project?

I-94 Expansion Public Comment Deadline Extended

State allowing public comment until Jan. 31. Opponents favor "Fix at Six" option.

Land Purchased For Downtown Brewery and Dog Park

Foxtown Brewery takes major step forward on Downtown project.

Help keep our community safe amid harsh winter weather

Joint statement from: Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Common Council President José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr. and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey 

Council approves 14 Housing Trust Fund projects

Grants totaling more than $10 million will create new homes, create jobs and help homeowners with needed repairs

Deal On Affordable Housing Adds Bay View, Edison School Projects

Housing fund will back 14 projects, including Martin Luther King Library redevelopment.

Council Members, DCD and Citizens Panel At Odds Over Affordable Housing

Confusion, disagreements over how to spend federal pandemic funds on housing projects.

Fiserv’s Move Downtown Is About Attracting ‘Young, Diverse’ Workers

Council committee endorses complicated subsidy for Brookfield company's relocation.

City Creates Bronzeville Development Zone

To spur development, limit chain businesses. Plus: a recap of week's real estate news.

Housing Trust Fund projects selected, will go to Council for review

Housing Trust Fund grants totaling more than $8.8 million would create new homes, help the homeless, create jobs and help with homeowner repairs

City To Fund 12 Affordable Housing Projects

Using federal funds for everything from new apartments to blocking predatory landlords.

Perez Gives New Committee Assignments

Newly-elected alders get their first assignments. But others still doing double duty.

Council Overrides Mayor Johnson’s First Vetoes

Actions finalize 2023 budget with no cuts to libraries or fire department.

Committee Okays Carleton School Project

Despite complaints from neighbors, $18 million conversion of long-vacant school into 30 apartments approved.

Former City Attorneys File Discrimination Claims

City will spend up $40,000 for outside counsel and could face future settlements.

Youth Correctional Facility Faces Obstacles

May be years before $42 million, northwest-side facility gets built, state Sen. Taylor says

Eight-lane I-94 East-West project proposal not in the best interest of area residents

Joint statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Robert J. Bauman

Mayor Vetoes Library, Fire Service Cut Restorations in 2023 Milwaukee Budget

In making first veto, Johnson offers compromise to Common Council.

Mayor’s Office Adds ‘Vision Zero’ Czar

Newly-created position will coordinate citywide effort to eliminate traffic deaths.

Alderman Murphy sponsors budget amendments aimed at combatting reckless driving, boosting city parks

Council Reverses Cuts, Raises Fees In Adopting 2023 Milwaukee Budget

But police will still see service reduction and drastic cuts will come in future years without changes at state level.

Discrimination Lawsuit Will Cost City $400,000

Council grumbles but okays settlement. 'A very bitter pill to swallow,' says Ald. Murphy.

2022 City Christmas Tree hails from the 10th District

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy November 1, 2022

Mayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff

But there is unanimous agreement that city faces a looming crisis.

Milwaukee Spending $1.5 Million On Lawsuits, Including Two Police Conduct Cases

And another $1.5 million in settlements is pending.

Library Poised To Cut Services At 5 Branches In 2023

Council debates what libraries and if service could be restored.

Senseless gun violence ends a much-loved 12-year-old’s journey before it truly gets started

Joint statement from all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

2023 Milwaukee Budget Includes $500,000 Protected Bike Lane Fund

But will council approve it?

What Two Fire Stations Will Milwaukee Fire Department Cut?

Or will an influx of Medicaid money stave off cut?

Business Incubator Planned for 52nd and Center

Entrepreneur-contractor-nurse would breathe new life into vacant building.

Treasurer Coggs Rejects Budget Cuts

Mayor's proposed budget eliminates temporary workers, could begin eliminating practice of paying taxes in person.

Milwaukee’s Credit Rating Cut

All three rating agencies have a negative outlook on cash-strapped city.

Juneteenth Now An Official City Holiday

Ald. Milele Coggs leads the charge for full city recognition after 2014 'halfway measure'.

Council votes to make Juneteenth an official city holiday

Resolution authorizes city opposition to potential We Energies rate increases

City Building New Street in Third Ward

New apartment building triggers long-desired extension of Corcoran Ave.

Committee approves file advancing Homes MKE Program

Milwaukee Gets $18 Million Opioid Settlement

But overdoses, deaths and need for treatment continue to increase.

Why Was Key City Leader Fired?

Some in community question ousting of Office of Violence Prevention director Arnitta Holliman.

IKON Hotel Deal At Risk of Default

Haywood Group could default on $4 million city loan. City could end up owning empty mall.

Zoning Changes Could Grow City Population

City looks to update zoning code, in line with Mayor Johnson's vision for growth.

City Seeking Affordable Housing Developers Who Need Funding

Housing Trust Fund has $10 million to award to worthy projects.

Housing Trust Fund now accepting applications for new round of grant funding

Can New Naloxone Medication Reduce Overdose Deaths?

Increased potency of fentanyl, other opioids driving death rate in Milwaukee.

Mayor Johnson’s New HR Director Gets Committee Endorsement

Harper Donahue would move from the City of Madison to Milwaukee.

North Shore Bank Names Michael Murphy as New Vice President of Consumer Lending

Milwaukee Planning To Eliminate Traffic Crash Deaths

City, led by Mayor Cavalier Johnson, adopts "Vision Zero" policy

ARPA Funds Can’t Plug City Budget Hole

Deficit keeps growing and even devoting every ARPA dollar to it won't solve problem.

Can Menomonee Valley Project Attract Tenants?

Style of industrial development common in suburbs draws questions at City Hall.

Clifton Crump Named To Zoning Board

Former secretary of city's Board of Zoning Appeals returns to serve on board, to acclaim from council members.

Drug Overdose Deaths Still Plague County

Fentanyl driving 5-year rise in Milwaukee, though cocaine also a factor.

27-Page Complaint Blasts City Attorney

Tearman Spencer and top deputies face new complaints of misusing public funds, kickbacks and more.

Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause

But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?

RNC framework contract is a win-win for the City of Milwaukee

Joint statement from Common Council Members: Common Council President/Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, and Alderman Scott Spiker June 1, 2022

Council Approves RNC Deal, Drops $6 Million Request

Move praised by mayor, convention backers.

Should Select City Employees Be Paid More Than Mayor?

Alderwoman Coggs warns it could primarily benefit white men.

Council Members Asking RNC For $6 Million

Milwaukee can't otherwise benefit from convention because of lack of sales or hotel tax.

Statement on mass shooting at school in Uvalde, Texas

By all Members of the Common Council: Common Council President/Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Robert 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 Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Special Election Called For Kovac’s Seat

Veteran alderman is now the city budget director. Primary would be on August 9

Committee Backs Kovac For Budget Director

A unanimous vote for alderman, whose resignation is expected to occur May 9.

City Faces $9.5 Million In Legal Claims

Allegations of coerced confession, wrongful termination and underpayment of wages.

No New Jackpot Tax at Potawatomi

Borkowski pulls his proposal after meeting with casino CEO. But he already has a new more modest plan.

Bublr Rolling Out Hundreds of E-Bikes, 26 New Stations

New e-bikes are "awesome" and "extremely fun" says Mayor Johnson.

Perez Shakes Up Committee Assignments

Musical chairs game has new leaders at the helm of city's most powerful committees.

Police chase and horrific crash results in probation for reckless driver

Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy April 28, 2022

Statement on the election of Alderman José Pérez as Common Council President

By Common Council members: Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II April 19, 2022

City Braces For More Lawsuit Settlements

Unusual number of claims by this early in the year. City may transfer $850,00 into settlements account.

Federal Grant Could Help Stave Off 1,300 Layoffs

But only for a couple years. Milwaukee still needs state help.

DNS Could Drop City Attorney, Hire Its Own

Council debates, then holds off proposal to help Department of Neighborhood Services.

Should Milwaukee Add Jackpot Tax?

Ald. Borkowski pushes 1% tax of all jackpots of at least $1,200 won at Potawatomi casino.

New Assessments Hike Residential Values By 17.7%

Property values surging across the entire city, but won't necessary mean a tax increase.

Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan sets Milwaukee up for success

HOPE Kits aim to provide lifesaving tools for the community

City Attorney Halts Plan To Sue Reckless Drivers

Spencer submits last minute opinion saying the proposal is too broad.

Workers Seeking Raises Find Open Ears, Empty Pockets

Pension cliff and stagnant wages are pushing city toward a 'tipping point.'

Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future

Candidates for mayor differ on streetcar, partisan politics and who favors defunding police.

MPD Moving To Seize Vehicles Via Court System

Policy would apply to repeat offenders that don't change their driving behavior.

Foreclosure Fiasco Costing Taxpayers Nearly $200,000

City Wide Investments had $49,000 in unpaid taxes before the city stepped in and a lawsuit started.

City Boosts 911 Operator Pay By 26%

Milwaukee dealing with staffing shortage as call volume grows, system overhaul looms.

Statement on the passing of Dr. Lester Carter

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II.

Should City Fund Part of New County Juvenile Justice Facility?

Committee debates options for the complex challenges of juvenile justice in Milwaukee.

Anti-Harassment Policy Expanded After City Attorney Case

Effort took more than a year, from investigation to enactment.

Common Council Adopts Resolution Amending City’s Anti-Harassment Policy

On Tuesday the Common Council adopted a resolution directing the Department of Employee Relations to update the City’s anti-harassment policy

Summerfest CEO Collects $2.49 Million

Don Smiley gets total compensation of 1.19 million in 2019 and $1.29 million in 2020.

City Moving Toward Cash Vaccination Incentives, Free Rapid Tests

But first the city must figure out how it can purchase the tests.

Milwaukee Starts Over On Redistricting, Only To Adopt Same Map Again

Effort to expand Latino influence won't stand up to legal challenges says City Attorney. Alderwoman says council "hoodwinked" and "railroaded."

City Could Sue Reckless Drivers in Civil Court

Could allow seizure of repeat offenders' cars. But is City Attorney trying to delay civil suits?

Oil Spill’s Spread Could Have Been Halted?

Komatsu criticized for not calling local officials to prevent spread of 400 gallons of oil.

Thank you, Governor Tony Evers

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Nik Kovac, and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

Johnson Controls’ Departure Impacts Third Ward

The story goes all the way back to 1993. Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news

Does City Need Third Drop-Off Center for Waste?

DPW says it would provide efficiencies, but one alderman balks at the cost.

City, County Struggle for Solutions to Overdose Deaths

South-side ZIP code hardest hit. A push for legislation to legalize test strips.

Council Suspends Downtown’s ELMNT Lounge For 60 Days

Action taken after police and others argue over how a homicide near bar was handled.

Council adopts ordinance lowering recovery rate for assessable traffic calming improvements

Predator Cop Costs Milwaukee $400,000

Officer ultimately spent four years in jail after using his job to prey on teenage girls.

Pastors Demand “Tax and Take” Moratorium

City officials say it's not possible, as discussion of how to handle churches gets confusing.

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $72