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 8
The Only Saloon in Piggsville
And the Valley Inn is a dandy, with a nicely-restored 1898 building and all those photos (and stories!) of floods.
May 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
City loses a dedicated public servant in Alderman Joe Dudzik
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy May 22, 2015
May 22nd, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Project to Improve Inner City Playgrounds Unveiled
Common Council President Michael Murphy leading effort to spend up to $1.9 million to upgrade 12 playgrounds.
May 17th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Milwaukee Arts Board awards $213,500 to 33 organizations
Steve VandeZande and Lori Bauman named Friends of the Arts
May 15th, 2015 by City of Milwaukee Arts Board
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
Youth Council to discuss MKE Peace Project role
Youth are being asked to submit written entries to be considered for the project, and an array prizes are also being offered for the top entries.
May 13th, 2015 by City of Milwaukee Youth Council
Alderman Witkowski schedules report on MPD records failure
News release from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski
May 12th, 2015 by Ald. Terry Witkowski
Where Will Sex Offenders Live?
Only a small percent are repeat offenders. Will local restrictions on residency force state to create uniform law?
May 2nd, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Volunteers needed for Center Street business district
Center Street Marketplace BID 39’s purpose is to improve the negative perceptions of crime and safety between the boundaries of 34th and 58th Streets on W. Center St.
Apr 21st, 2015 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Continuing the search for solutions to tragic, senseless violence
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy April 16, 2015
Apr 16th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed
Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.
Apr 7th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Common Ground to Wesley Edens: $30 Million for Our City
Mayor Tom Barrett and President Michael Murphy Meet with Nationstar Mortgage to Discuss Second Wave of Foreclosure Crisis
Apr 1st, 2015 by Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin
City Plan Will Rescue The Worst Playgrounds
City and foundation money will be spent to upgrade the 12 most deteriorated playgrounds in Milwaukee.
Mar 25th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Alderman Murphy to welcome Irish delegation today
Milwaukee Common Council President Michael J. Murphy will welcome a visiting delegation from Ireland on Monday, the day before St. Patrick’s Day, as they tour the City of Milwaukee on a mission to connect Irish Americans with their homeland and promote business, trade and tourism.
Mar 16th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City of Milwaukee Career Fair is Thursday
“City service encompasses a vast array of jobs and careers, and this event provides a prime chance to discuss opportunities with representatives from several city departments.”
Mar 11th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
St. Patrick’s parade is Saturday, March 14; event dates to 1843
The 140 units in the Irish celebration step off at noon on Wisconsin Ave. at Old World Third Street
Mar 9th, 2015 by Press Release
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 State of the City Address
Monday, March 9th, 2015 - Alverno College
Mar 9th, 2015 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Joe Davis Announces Plan for NBA Arena
Actually, it wasn't really a plan. But it was a press conference.
Mar 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Streetcar vote a first step down the path to Milwaukee’s future
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy February 10, 2015
Feb 10th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Members of the Common Council Respond to Ald. Dudzik’s Remarks
Joint Statement from members of the Common Council
Jan 23rd, 2015 by Milwaukee Common Council
Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support
Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Truth lies in the middle of Milwaukee Streetcar debate
Statement from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy January 21, 2015
Jan 21st, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Ribbon cutting, reception to mark opening of Center Street Park ice rink
Waterstone Bank Ice Rink at Center Street Park is open and free for the public to enjoy, nearly 25 years after the rink was closed because of budget cuts in the 1980s.
Jan 15th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Clarke Square
On just one block of W. Mineral St., the homes lost 43 percent of their value. Overcoming the foreclosure problem is a slow process.
Jan 9th, 2015 by Ben Greene, Courtney Perry and Patrick Leary
Layton Boulevard West
South side neighborhood battles problem of 48 foreclosed homes.
Jan 8th, 2015 by Matt Barbato and Aaron Maybin
Five Neighborhoods With Foreclosure Problems
First in a series on five city neighborhoods that still have many foreclosed and abandoned homes.
Jan 7th, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy December 22, 2014
"It’s important, in the wake of the district attorney’s decision today, that we recognize first and foremost the pain that continues for the family of Dontre Hamilton."
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council approves Milwaukee Promise funding to help city neighborhoods
News release and maps document from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Dec 16th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Bizarre Politics of Ald. Tony Zielinski
Once a hard core conservative, he’s now a Bay View liberal. Except when opposing things like the streetcar.
Dec 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Huge Turnout for East Library Opening
It was a truly an East Side event, and a crowd with tons of notables celebrated history in the making.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Amendments double funding for STRONG Homes Loan program
News release from Alds. Michael J. Murphy and Robert Bauman
Nov 19th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar
If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Heroin and Opiates 101 – A Neighborhood & Community Meeting
President Murphy hosting key meeting next week targeting parents, loved ones
Nov 12th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Common Council finds opportunities for efficiencies in 2015 approved budget
News release from Alds. Michael J. Murphy and Nik Kovac
Nov 10th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee Bans Financial Inducements by Charter Schools
City of Milwaukee charter schools are now prohibited from giving money or gifts as incentives to enroll new students.
Oct 29th, 2014 by Schools and Communities United
Financial Planning Day offers free financial counseling & workshops
Milwaukee Financial Planning Day on Saturday, October 25.
Oct 23rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Job fair offers employment, experience working on new NWM tower
Job fair offers employment, experience working on new NWM tower
Oct 17th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
RICH program, selling city-owned foreclosed homes for $1, receives unanimous Council support
ews release from Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 14th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
New location for Saz’s Catering opening in Walker’s Point
Saz’s Catering has announced that they will move their operations to 201 W. Walker St.
Oct 9th, 2014 by Common Council President Jose Perez
News Conference: Ald. Coggs, President Murphy invite residents to foreclosure prevention session
News release from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Sep 30th, 2014 by Ald. Milele Coggs
University Club renovation the first to make use of PACE energy efficiency funding
An iconic building in downtown Milwaukee with more than 85 years of history will soon be brought up-to-date with cost-saving, energy-efficient utilities
Sep 25th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Nonprofits can buy city-owned foreclosures for $1, additional marketing to continue
Qualifying nonprofit organizations will be allowed to purchase certain cityowned, tax-foreclosed properties for one dollar.
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council members target enrollment incentives offered by charter schools
News release from Alds. Nik Kovac and Michael J. Murphy
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Hamilton family and community deserve answers soon
Statement from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy September 15, 2014
Sep 15th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort
With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’
Sep 9th, 2014 by Michael Horne
MIAD Opens New Residence Hall, Celebrates 40 Years
Half-birthday bash, half-ribbon cutting, the ceremony unveiled MIAD's new six-story, Third Ward building.
Aug 27th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
New business continues “green” trend at 51st and Blue Mound
Story Hill BKC, a wine bar and spirits shop serving an array of food and drink options, is opening fully today.
Aug 14th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Work coming next week for stretch of heavily-traveled west side roadway
The stretch of N. Hawley Rd./N. 55th St. from W. Vliet St. to W. Lisbon Ave. will be closed to all traffic during high-impact paving work that will begin on Monday, July 28.
Jul 24th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council approves minimum hourly wage ordinance
Joint news release and file from Alderman Hamilton, Alderman Kovac and Alderwoman Coggs
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Uber and Lyft Legalized in Milwaukee
Taxis for anyone who wants to drive one. Uber and Lyft are legal. And someone will probably sue the city to stop this.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
UWM Alumni Association Announces 2014 Alumni Award Recipients
Alumni and University friends recognized for their achievements and commitment to UWM
Jul 18th, 2014 by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Public Library Hires Sam McGovern-Rowen to Manage Library Development Project
Sam McGovern-Rowen will oversee the $21.5 million library branch redevelopment program.
Jun 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday
Southeast Wisconsin Regional Heroin/Opiates Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 4.
Jun 3rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
A less than adequate response on oversaturation of sex offenders in Milwaukee
Statement from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy May 27, 2014
May 27th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council President Murphy and Alderman Stamper issue statements on girl’s shooting
The jointly issued statements below from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Russell W. Stamper II address the Clarke Street Elementary School playground shooting Wednesday
May 22nd, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
Four Plans to Save the Bucks
But can any of the plans create the new NBA arena they need?
May 15th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Proposal would abolish taxi cab cap, allow mobile “rideshare” services
The new legislation will be introduced at the meeting of the Public Transportation Review Board that is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, May 9, in room 301-B of City Hall.
May 8th, 2014 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Time for Milwaukee to stop leaving money on the table
At news conference, city leaders and IRS to tout importance of claiming Earned Income Tax Credit
Apr 3rd, 2014 by City of Milwaukee
We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!
Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
New Champion of the City
New council president Michael Murphy is bluntly honest about state politicians in an interview.
Mar 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Arts Projects Coming to Wisconsin Avenue
Greater Milwaukee Committee bringing two major art installations to Downtown and the Beer Line Bicycle Trail.
Mar 14th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Vliet Street Business Association Announces Winners of First Annual Business Awards
The Vliet Street Business Association recently announced the winners their first annual Business Awards at a happy hour sponsored by LISC Milwaukee and hosted by Meritage (5921 W. Vliet) on March 10.
Mar 13th, 2014 by Vliet Street Business Association
SB324 approval wrong for Milwaukee, wrong for voters
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy
Mar 12th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Wisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?
Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Walker Delays On Three Tough Issues
No decision before election on new Bucks arena, proposed Kenosha casino and how to fund new highway construction.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Surveillance camera grant program will target businesses, commercial corridors
Launch news conference set for Friday on city’s near south side
Mar 4th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Under new configuration, Finance and Personnel Committee will continue precedent of fiscal responsibility
I would like to thank Common Council President Michael Murphy for entrusting me with the responsibility of chairing the City of Milwaukee’s Finance and Personnel Committee.
Feb 14th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Common Council President Murphy announces election for 15th District
The start date for circulating nomination papers was February 11.
Feb 13th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Murphy Announces New Committee Assignments
The changes aren't radical but big winner is Ald. Kovac, who becomes chair of Finance and vice-chair of Steering and Rules.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Strengths, experience reflected in changes in Common Council Committee Appointments
President Murphy has appointed Alderman Nik Kovac to succeed him as the new chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Statement from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy
I deeply appreciate and am greatly humbled by the trust and confidence entrusted in me by my colleagues.
Feb 11th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Alderman Murphy on announcement by Council President Willie Hines
Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy January 31, 2014
Jan 31st, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City of Milwaukee Artist of the Year
Evelyn Patricia Terry, an artist, educator, and curator, and Barbara Leigh, co-founder of what has become the Milwaukee Public Theatre, were named Artists of the Year, the Milwaukee Arts Board announced today.
Jan 27th, 2014 by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
City’s pension fund outperforms state, Milwaukee County funds in 2013
The City of Milwaukee Employes’ Retirement System (CMERS) pension fund’s preliminary year-end results show the fund earned a return of 19.6%, gross of fees.
Jan 17th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Mayor Barrett Announces Stolen Thumb Drive Recovered
Jump drive with confidential city employee information found by Milwaukee police
Jan 9th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Spotlight on pension crises in other cities provides perspective
Significant pension crises in Chicago and Detroit provide an opportunity for the City of Milwaukee to reflect on how it has managed to achieve the top-rated public fund (Pew Charitable Trusts report, dated January 2013) in the U.S., according to Alderman Michael J. Murphy.
Dec 6th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Bike-sharing program moves forward with committee approval
A public bike-sharing system for the City of Milwaukee picked up the endorsement of a key Common Council committee on Wednesday.
Dec 5th, 2013 by Ald. Bob Bauman
City leaders are right to crack down on duty disability retirement abuse
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. December 2, 2013
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Common Council approves Housing Trust Fund grant award projects
Housing Trust Fund grants totaling $406,000 for affordable and supportive housing projects
Nov 26th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee’s Common Council Allows 100 More Taxis on City Streets
City responds to drivers’ court victory, but keeps unconstitutional cap on cabs. Lottery will determine who gets to go into business.
Nov 26th, 2013 by Institute for Justice
Priorities and services maintained in Council-approved 2014 budget
The 2014 amended city budget approved today by the Milwaukee Common Council addresses key priorities and maintains quality city services at current levels.
Nov 1st, 2013 by Willie Hines
Milwaukee budget for 2014 gets high marks in Public Policy Forum report
The non-partisan Public Policy Forum is giving the City of Milwaukee positive marks for the proposed 2014 city budget.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
News conference will highlight options available at Foreclosure Prevention Event
The City of Milwaukee joins Take Root Milwaukee to invite people area residents who are facing foreclosure to a special event this week.
Oct 8th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Republican Dog & Pony Show
Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
New 4-Story Apartment Complex for Brewers’ Hill
A 53-unit apartment building is proposed at a controversial site on Holton Street.
Jul 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
PACE energy efficiency initiative for buildings moves forward
Building on the success of the Me2 program, the City of Milwaukee is developing new financial resources to help building owners finance energy efficiency improvements on their properties and improvements that save energy dollars, create better buildings, create local jobs and improve the environment.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City of Milwaukee to Defend State Constitution
Joint statement of Mayor Tom Barrett, Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. and Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Jul 2nd, 2013 by City of Milwaukee
Legislators think they know what’s best for Milwaukee neighborhoods
Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 20, 2013
Jun 20th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee Recognized as ‘Playful City USA’ Community
Sign unveiling event Monday will feature Alderman Murphy, Mayor Barrett and MPS representative
Jun 14th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
