Michael Murphy

Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?

Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.

Overdose Responders Struggle Against Rising Deaths

Response team connects people to treatment after a non-fatal overdose.

Troubles at Fire & Police Commission

12 staff vacancies, no director, three board vacancies. Committee grills Barrett aides for answers.

$1.6 Billion Adopted Budget Raises Fees, Cuts Police

City's fiscal challenges continue to mount under state restrictions, rising costs.

Amended 2021 budget addresses key community issues including public health and safety, housing and more

Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”

Proposal start of an effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.

Committee recommends approval of omnibus budget amendment

Amendment provides funding for healthy food access, lead abatement, CART teams and Community Collaborative Commission, among other initiatives

Almost Half of Budget Amendments Are Policy Footnotes

Footnotes call for a racial equity audit, benches in vacant lots, lead-safe property database and much more.

SafeHomes initiative expands lead abatement efforts for a lead-free Milwaukee

MPD Survey Shows Police Perception Divided Along Racial, Economic Lines

Researcher says key takeaway is for MPD officers to exercise compassion in any interaction.

Public Safety & Health Committee to discuss Police Satisfaction Survey results

City Could Lose 30 More Police Officers

Federal grant rules could mean cutting 30 more than proposed cut of 120 cops.

Municipal Court Attendance Way Up

Huge reduction in no shows in Zoom era. Even a court appearance from Saudi Arabia.

Should Milwaukee Stop The Hop?

Alderman proposes this, but suspending the service might cost more than it saves.

Files in support of election operations and federal COVID relief approved by Council

About That Proposed Street Lighting Fee

Average homeowner fee is $45 per year so city could replace 100-year-old circuitry

Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

From members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Committee passes motion relating to protective services vacancies

Would require MPD to explore possibility of filling openings by non-sworn employees

Wisconsin municipalities should be able to count mail-in ballots early

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

We have your back, Colectivo workers

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

City Made $8.6 Million Debt Mistake

Past Comptroller blamed. Mistake equivalent to all the salaries of health department staff.

Assessor Wants No Assessments in 2021

Proposal would freeze property values for two years.

120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning

The Milwaukee Police Department will have fewer officers in 2021, but the question is how many?

Cultural organization grant program aims to help financially-strapped arts providers

City Expands Program To Fight Overdoses

Housed in fire department, the MORI program aims to reduce drug addiction, overdoses.

Residents deserve better treatment after Hawley Road water main break

City of Milwaukee Arts Board announces 2020 Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year and Friends of the Arts Awards

Budget Testimony Includes Repeated Ask For $75 Million Police Cut

Two-thirds of those that testified at preliminary budget hearing want funds to go towards health, housing.

Milwaukee athletes take a stand in support of racial justice

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Scott Spiker

Budget Process Kicks Off On Wednesday

Virtual hearing Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mayor will outline city's financial situation.

Couple Opens Medical Training Center

Former MPS facility at 69th and Appleton becomes Standard of Excellence training center for entry-level medical jobs.

Article offers insight into how Milwaukee suburbs keep out affordable housing

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy August 19, 2020

Police Cuts Could Hit Minority Officers

Milwaukee Police Department’s Black and Hispanic officers tend to have less seniority.

Milwaukee has an opportunity to usher in lasting change

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey

City efforts against reckless driving to include restriping of Grantosa Drive

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson July 29, 2020

Task Force Plan Targets Reckless Driving

City-County Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force contains strategies to combat problem.

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

Once expected to face a close vote, Steve Miner gets council approval on 13-2 vote.

Council approves resolution seeking to provide greater broadband access throughout Milwaukee

Ald. Coggs Wants To Increase Internet Access

Remote work and education has made internet access a necessity.

$1 Million For ‘Really Unique Project’

Headline: Journal Sentinel building from 1960s would become housing for MATC students.

Council Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner

Assessment Commissioner finds little support from Judiciary & Legislation Committee.

Committee moves forward with grants to help bolster voting access, security

Remembering 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

Public 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

Current openings make no sense, and the public deserves answers

Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy July 17, 2020

Taking Back Our Streets

Reckless driving plagues the city. An new coalition of concerned citizens wants your suggestions.

City Secures Funding To Redevelop, Expand Century City Park

Park will quadruple in size as of MKE Plays redevelopment.

Selection 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

Council Okays Funding for Indigent Defense

Many Milwaukee Municipal Court defendants are poor and lack an attorney.

Feds Won’t Cover $1.6 Million Hazard Pay

Changing guidance leaves Milwaukee holding the bag for COVID-19-related bonus.

Committee passes resolution supporting Gov. Evers’ policing accountability and transparency reforms

Protests throughout Wisconsin must remain peaceful

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council - Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker

Milwaukee County Headed for Record Overdoses in 2020

By March the county was significantly ahead of 2019 in the number of deaths.

Council passes resolution seeking Juneteenth Day become a federal holiday

Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut

Requires city budget office to model what cut would look like, in time for fall budget debate.

Council Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut

11 council members back $30 million cut and investing in other programs.

Police Blame Mayor, Council For Murder Rate

Department uses official account to say budget cuts driving murder rate higher. Data doesn't prove link.

City Holds Emergency Council Meeting To Approve Voting Sites, Why?

Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.

Grant extension of $500K good news for MKE’s efforts to combat opioid epidemic

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 10, 2020

Chief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council

13 members sign letter urging Morales: stop chiding protesters and listen to their message.

Protests must remain peaceful in the interest of public safety

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 4, 2020

Suburbs’ Policies Ignore Science, Kowalik Charges

Suburban elected officials overruling health officers on COVID-19, city official charges.

Council Debates Assessment Process

Alders unhappy. Assessor gets grilled about home value hikes in certain neighborhoods.

Joint 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

City To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees

Revenue down $27 million in pandemic and city forced to make cuts.

Johnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs

Not every supporter rewarded. New council president says picks reflect experience, not politics.

How Hamilton Lost Council Presidency

Will bad feelings linger over Cavalier Johnson’s victory?

7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?

Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.

Johnson Elected Council President

Second-term Ald. Cavalier Johnson defeats Ashanti Hamilton and Milele Coggs.

White City Worker Wins Racial Bias Payout

Health department employee's claims involve former interim commissioner Patricia McManus.

City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal

Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.

12 Election Takeaways

How high was turnout, lawyers will be busy, girl power, streetcar wins again and a new council president?

2020 Spring Election Results

Live City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County results for the April 7th Spring Election.

Common Council Candidates

Ten contested races could reshape 15-member council.

Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto

Should Friends of Housing contract be terminated? Did mayor violate attorney-client privilege or council violate city charter?

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.

Milwaukee on 70-Year Pace To Replace Lead Laterals

What will the city do for property owners that want to voluntarily replace their laterals?

Milwaukee Will Cut Down 900 of Its Ash Trees

Federal grant funds replacement of trees ravaged by Emerald Ash Borer.

Audit Gives Water Works High Marks

Outside audit of city utility found good practices for lead reduction, water quality monitoring.

11 Key Details About the Convention Center Expansion

Plus: Rite-Hite moving to city, Mitchell Street mystery, Lower East Side projects still alive.

Coronavirus Likely to Hit Milwaukee, Officials Say

Health Department officials are planning for response to outbreak.

City Wants $5 Million of Hotel Tax Per Year

Council may rescind support for convention center expansion without its historic cut of tax restored.

Perez Leads Termination of Friends of Housing Contract

Frustrated by nuisance properties, Alderman takes aim at organization's city contracts.

Red Light Cameras Are Not the Cure for What Ails Milwaukee

A Long-Term Solution to Reckless Driving Will Require Leadership

City’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest

Revised special events permit could charge festival full price of police security.

City’s African American Auto Deaths Soar

Up by 93% in five years, report finds. Statistic is “shocking,” says Ald. Murphy

Strauss Closes Door on Milwaukee Move

Plus: An abandoned basement discovered in former Grand Avenue Mall.

City Wins Grant for New Park on 31st and Galena

Pump track, sepak takraw courts will cater to cyclists and area's Southeast Asian population. Builds on previous support from Green Bay Packers.

Committee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate

Ald. Bob Bauman's amendments attempt to set baseline, grow value of deal.

County Had Record Overdose Deaths in 2019

404 overdose deaths last year; previous high was 401 in 2017.

City Okays Convention Center Expansion

Cost of $300 to $375 million. Murphy questions whether it will fill more hotel rooms.

Summerfest Flush With Cash

Festival has $47 million net fund balance. Aldermen say it can afford to pay for police services.

Is Tire Disposal Fee Causing Illegal Dumping?

Council wants data, raises concerns.

Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income

Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.

Meet the Candidates for City Offices

Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.

Pipe Destroyed in Water Main Break

"Very, very rare" break destroys 29 feet of water main, raises questions, devastates residents in area.

Is There A Plan To Prevent New Tent City?

City officials worry. If no plan, should state build a campground under highway?

South Hawley Road to Fully Reopen on Monday, January 13

City of Milwaukee Arts Board seeks proposals responding to the role of the arts and artists in civic engagement

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $72