Michael Murphy

Meet HQ501

Scott Lurie, in partnership with RINKA, unveils renderings for redeveloped Assurant building.

City Invests in 207 Affordable Homes

Housing Trust Fund will provide $900,000 in capital. Can this program be grown?

City Wins $700,000 For Drug Overdose Fight

Opioid program has saved 15 lives in 2019; new funding will expand program.

Summerfest Pays No Net Rent

Charges ethnic festivals more rent than it pays city, like “a greedy landlord,” alderman charges.

Summerfest Got $48 Million in Gifts

Total donations from 2010 to 2018 helped pay for CEO Don Smiley’s "caviar lifestyle"?

Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes

Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.

Morales Blames ACLU Suit for Traffic Ticket Drop

Police Chief says stop-and-frisk settlement caused decline. But some question this.

Police Overtime Costs a Budget Problem

Council discusses how to trim annual cost of $17 million. Unfunded service for Summerfest an issue.

Senator Johnson continues to lobby for vaping industry – at the expense of Wisconsin’s children and young people

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy November 14, 2019

The Brewery Celebrates Its Completion

New gateway tops off transformation from abandoned brewery to real neighborhood.

Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget

Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.

Summerfest CEO Awarded $2.33 Million

Don Smiley’s 2017 pay package includes $1.3 million deferred from prior years. City officials “shocked.”

Proposal Uses Lead Abatement Funds for Marketing

Ald. Lewis proposes using lateral replacement funds for council's "community outreach."

Summerfest Blows Off City Meeting

No festival official attends scheduled meeting. Partnership with city “broken”, Ald. Murphy says.

Street Safety Funding Passes Committee

DPW would get $1.2 million in new, dedicated funding for complete streets.

Proposal Would Fund Emergency Housing

City-owned properties would house displaced families, human trafficking victims. Plus: committee cuts Bublr funding.

Proposal Gives Residents a Basic Income

Lewis, Kovac back "Universal Basic Income" for 50 poorer families of $500 per month.

Preliminary report to be released by Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force

News Release from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

Committee Approves City BRT Agreement

City DPW would be reimbursed by Milwaukee County for design and infrastructure costs.

Council approves hiring outside counsel to recover opioid epidemic costs

News release from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

Hawley Road’s Diet

New protected bike lane, traffic calming accomplished with paint and plastic.

Should Smoking Be Banned in Front of Public Buildings?

Murphy and Donovan square off over smoking in front of City Hall.

$75,000 Donated to Maintain City Hall Sculpture

Anonymous donor chips in $75,000 to support "Mixed Feelings."

Council Approves Ikon Hotel Deal Despite Objections

Plus: Council unanimously endorses host of other development projects.

African American Affairs Office Planned for W. Fond du Lac Ave.

City will set up clearinghouse for city, community resources at 48th and Fond du Lac.

$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched

Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.

Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?

Some alderman seem in favor. It's one of the few single-use plastics the city could ban.

City Recycled More in 2018

Residents recycled 25,451 tons in 2018, but don't throw plastic bags in the bins.

County’s Overdose Deaths Up in 2019

At current rate, county would hit highest total of drug fatalities in a decade.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Urges Residents to Stop Using Vaping Products

Severe pulmonary disease has been discovered among teens and adults who reported vaping

There’s Only One Liquid Johnny’s

Classic Milwaukee. Same name since 1981. Wear your cat shirt and get free draft beer.

Study to evaluate redevelopment on West Burleigh Street

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey said the study will focus on renovating existing properties, establishing new businesses and creating a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

MKE Plays receives $500K from Burke Foundation

This is the second large donation to MKE Plays by The Burke Foundation

FPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty

Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.

City May Sue Opioid Manufacturers

Murphy wants city attorney to consider suit for damages from opioid epidemic.

Journal Sentinel Making Historic Move

Newspaper selling its home of 95 years, moving to leased space in 330 Kilbourn complex.

Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short

$40 million state funding to replace lead laterals cut from budget by Republicans.

‘No Singles/No Loosies’ campaign looks to reduce smoking in teens, young adults

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy July 23, 2019

Take It EZ, Donovan Urges

New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.

Aldermen Blast City’s Call Center

Should you call 286-City to report a pothole? Don't bother, some aldermen say.

Committee Okays City Pedestrian Plan

98 pages with 100 actions suggested. But will any of it be funded?

Couple Plans Center Street Rehab Project

Will buy building from city near N. 51st St. and restore it to "enhance" the community.

Council Passes New Tow Truck Rules

Private operators must must file forms regarding any "drops". Next could be report cards.

Effort Improves City’s Recreation Areas

MPS has invested $12 million in rebuilding, renovating outdoor athletic and play facilities.

Is the City Ready for Scooters?

Council debates pilot program allowing scooters. "We're all scared to death," Borkowski says.

Bill Allows Red Light Cameras in City

Legislation would give Milwaukee Police another tool to combat speeding, reckless driving.

Resolution to adopt a Green Infrastructure Plan for the City of Milwaukee advances to the Common Council

“The Green Infrastructure Plan will reduce the amount of rainwater that flows into the sewerage system following a wet-weather event.”

City Is Repaving More Streets

But is focus on streets just creating a backlog of alleys and sidewalks needing work?

City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar

Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.

Council approves resolution supporting creation of federal Green New Deal legislation

News release by Alderman Nik Kovac and Cavalier Johnson

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

Council debates what to do with bags that clog up recycling process.

Too Much Historic Preservation?

City now has 180 designated sites. Often this has nothing to do with preservation.

City a Leader in Complete Streets Policy

Milwaukee's Complete Streets policy ranks third nationally in report, but yet to be tested.

Council Says Marcus Center Not Historic

Votes down designation and compromise to save Kiley grove with a friends group.

Council Okays Subsidy for One MKE Plaza

Comptroller calls the deal a "significant risk" but council votes 12-3 in favor.

Mayor Barrett: Secure Our Neighborhoods, Fix Our Streets, and Enough with Your Damned Streetcar

Aldermen urge citizens to voice their opposition to the streetcar by saying “Enough is Enough!’ Joint statement from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski May 6, 2019

Gov. Evers Announces Staff Appointments for Governor’s Office in Milwaukee

Dr. Shandowlyon Hendricks-Williams will serve as the Milwaukee Director, Edwin Huertas will serve as the Milwaukee Deputy Director, and Revelle Williams will serve as the Milwaukee Constituent Services Manager.

City May Expand Residency Incentives

Proposal would extend incentives to police and fire fighters.

Milwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving

Crashes up 51% since 2009. Is cell phone use by drivers helping drive numbers?

The Cold War With We Energies

Bauman, other aldermen believe city is charging too little for utility's use of city land.

Who Wants to Design A New City Flag?

Common Council starting process intended to end flag debate.

Council unanimously passes resolution to study feasibility and costs of an environmentally friendly purchasing program

News release from Alderman Cavalier Johnson

A House Divided: Comments from State Rep Show the Current Chasm in Wisconsin

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy April 10, 2019

Council Wants Better Pothole Response

Public Works officials say Milwaukee bests other cities. Not good enough, aldermen say.

FLAC, Get the Lead Out Fight City Over Lead Posioning

Groups have a showdown with city officials over claims surrounding city's failure on lead poisoning, infant mortality.

Commission Deems Journal Sentinel Complex Historic

Two council members push for designation in advance of paper's possible relocation.

City Approves DNC Contract

City expects $50 million from federal government to pay for security.

Donovan Won’t Run for Re-Election

Fightin' Bob is walking away. Zamarripa and Bielinski likely to run for council seat.

Who Will (Finally) Clear The Snow?

"Why did you stop sending out front-end loaders to finish the job?" irate alderman asks.

Journal Complex Historic for Now

Historic Preservation Commission grants temporary designation for complex.

Littering Will Now Cost $500

Council raises minimum fine from $25 to $500. "Our streets are dirty," says Ald. Stamper.

Council Will Now Make Flag Decision

Will city ever have new flag? Council punted issue to arts board and board punted it back.

City Struggles to Keep Up Snow Plowing

Problems include aging equipment, staff shortages and inexperienced operators.

Joint statement on the death of a Department of Public Works worker

From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Robert Donovan, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez, Alderman Terry L. Witkowski, Alderman Tony Zielinski, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Joint statement on fallen Milwaukee Police Officer

From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez, Alderman Robert Donovan, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Terry L. Witkowski, Alderman Cavalier Johnson and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

So is the Journal Building Historic?

Historic Preservation Commission goes from one preservation battle to another.

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.

Bradley Center To Go Boom

A series of "shaped charges" will detonate and lower the roof on January 13th.

Prime mixed-use development opportunity for Capitol Library

"With the new library being a catalytic community economic development project, this is an exciting opportunity for a developer to help shape the future of this neighborhood."

Drug Task Force Seeks Community Input

City-County Heroin, Opioid and Cocaine Task Force seeks solutions to drug epidemic.

Council Okays Largest Urban Manufacturing Deal in U.S.

West Milwaukee company will move to city, but will it create any new jobs?

Walker Rewards Restaurant Association?

They gave him $38,000, his board bans city’s food safety ratings of restaurants.

Opioid Task Force Issues Recommendations

Next step is to implement the city-county task force’s findings, says Ald. Murphy.

Final report released by Heroin, Opioid and Cocaine Task Force

News release and report from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

State Ruling Threatens City Health?

Killing city’s restaurant rating system could increase food-borne illness in Milwaukee.

Food grading system decision ignores wishes of Milwaukee consumers, business owners

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - November 29, 2018

Council Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes

Legislative body rejects all five vetoes by Mayor Tom Barrett.

City’s Restaurant Grading System Threatened

State board votes to prohibit system grading restaurants for food safety.

Disconnect Your Downspouts, Get $100

City program affecting 54,000 homes part of plan to prevent Deep Tunnel overflows.

10 Curious Details in City’s 2019 Budget

A city store? No more alley repairs? Cutting tree trimming? The $1.5 billion budget has it all.

Arts Board Wants New City Flag Search

Process to select popular People's Flag not inclusive enough, board decides, so start over.

Council Adopts 2019 City Budget

Average homeowner will see $51.88 increase, no change in total fire and police officers.

Doctors “Pumping Pills on the Streets”?

The City-County heroin and opioid task force should be investigating the role of physicians.

Businesses and officials: Keep Milwaukee’s popular food grading system

State board poised to eliminate popular grading system for food establishments; news conference set for Monday

Pay Hike for City Politicians Is On Hold

Ald. Chantia Lewis delays vote on 13.6% raise she and some other colleagues want. Mayor threatens veto.

Streetcar Opens to Public

"This is your assignment: ride the streetcar," says Mayor Barrett.

Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy

Mayor, city officials and activists gather to celebrate new legislation.

Council Passes Complete Streets Policy

Streets for all, not just cars, is now the law of the land.

How Long Will Flag Debate Last?

Arts Board might not have decision on the city flag by the end of 2018.

Committee Okays Complete Streets Policy

Proposal on street design places pedestrians and cyclists on same level as motorists

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $72