Nik Kovac is the City of Milwaukee budget director. He was an alderman on the Milwaukee Common Council until 2022. First elected in 2008, Kovac represented the city’s East Side, Riverwest, and a portion of downtown.
Official Council Biography
Nik Kovac was born and raised on Milwaukee’s East Side. He proudly attended Milwaukee Public Schools—from McDowell Montessori School to Golda Meir Elementary School, and Jackie Robinson Middle School through Riverside High School. While at Riverside, he earned more than 20 college credits from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Attending Harvard University and graduating cum laude with a degree in mathematics, Alderman Kovac worked to become a beat reporter and then a newspaper editor in New York City. He returned to Milwaukee to work for the Shepherd Express and Riverwest Currents. He continues to write pieces for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Since April 2008, he has been the Alderman for Milwaukee’s 3rd District, which includes the Brady Street neighborhood and the East Side, home to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Campus and Riverwest neighborhoods. The district also includes many of the city’s artists and art institutions.
At City Hall he serves as the Chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, Vice-Chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee and as an influential member of the Licenses Committee. Alderman Kovac’s work extends outside City Hall and throughout his district as Chair of the East Side Architectural Review Board and as a member of the Milwaukee Arts Board, the Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees, the Milwaukee County Federated Library Board, the Park East Advisory Committee and the Riverside University High School Foundation Board of Directors. As a proud stockholder for the Green Bay Packers football club and a resident of Riverwest, Alderman Kovac hosts a weekly radio show, Packerverse, on Riverwest’s Community Radio Station.
These rich experiences in the district have taught him the positive influence that active, engaged artists and citizens can have on the local economy, a sense of community, neighborhood beautification, and the city’s social memory.
Content referencing Nik Kovac - Page 3
New City HR Director Impresses Alders
Makda Fessahaye's appointment as employee relations director wins unanimous committee approval.
Jan 13th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Seeks Data for Vision Zero Push
Consultant would identify dangerous interactions, develop predictive model.
Jan 8th, 2021 by Jeramey JanneneVote No on COPS Grant
We don't want the grant today, tomorrow or next month.
Dec 18th, 2020 by Markasa TuckerCouncil, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant
Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneForest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved
Council clears way to demolish old library, build new Children's Hospital southside clinic.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs
Seeking changes to state law to give city's elected officials control.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant
Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays on Federal COPS Grant
Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.
Nov 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneRiverwest Apartment Complex Planned
Affordable housing project with 91 apartments and food accelerator on E. North Ave.
Nov 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneRide the Riverwest Bike Boulevards
After three years, Riverwest's bike boulevards on Wright and Fratney streets are ready.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Graham KilmerBudget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”
Proposal start of an effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget
Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneThe “Molotov Cocktail” That Wasn’t
MPD admits the 6th and McKinley weapon was just a plastic water bottle.
Oct 23rd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMPD Assistant Chief Gets Denver Suburb’s Top Job
Terrence Gordon will be Thornton, CO police chief as MPD turnover continues.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Could Lose 30 More Police Officers
Federal grant rules could mean cutting 30 more than proposed cut of 120 cops.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Backs New Handling of 911 Calls
Wants MPD and FPC to develop approach where unarmed professionals handle non-violent social issues.
Oct 14th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneAbout That Proposed Street Lighting Fee
Average homeowner fee is $45 per year so city could replace 100-year-old circuitry
Oct 13th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity-County Climate Equity Goals Are Big
Preliminary report calls for comprehensive plan, 45% cut in emissions by 2030, 100% by 2050.
Oct 13th, 2020 by Graham KilmerSouth Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman
Immigration attorney, neighborhood leader lost to senseless killing.
Sep 26th, 2020 by Edgar MendezMilwaukee’s Bond Rating Cut Two Levels
Change in rating by S&P Global will raise cost to borrow money, add to city's budget woes.
Sep 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Made $8.6 Million Debt Mistake
Past Comptroller blamed. Mistake equivalent to all the salaries of health department staff.
Sep 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene‘Complete Streets’ Projects Focus on Health and Safety
In 2019, majority of projects were completed in areas with economic disparities.
Sep 11th, 2020 by Matt Martinez120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning
The Milwaukee Police Department will have fewer officers in 2021, but the question is how many?
Sep 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Ends Compost Program
As recently as February the city was planning to greatly expand it.
Aug 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneAssessment Commissioner Keeps His Job
Once expected to face a close vote, Steve Miner gets council approval on 13-2 vote.
Jul 28th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil’s Police Reform Wish List Grows
Council wants still more changes, but can only request Fire & Police Commission to enact them.
Jul 28th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner
Assessment Commissioner finds little support from Judiciary & Legislation Committee.
Jul 21st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneFood Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed
Business owners upset that trucks have loud generators, take up parking spaces.
Jul 20th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments
Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.
Jul 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?
Common Council has a growing wish list. Will Fire & Police Commission act?
Jul 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMask Mandate Passes Committee
Proposal would require masks indoors and outdoors, but with limited enforcement.
Jul 9th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMarches, Celebrations, Calls For Justice
Independence Day doesn't distract marchers.
Jul 4th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees
Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.
Jul 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCrump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD
New commissioner would serve in one of most visible, influential administration roles.
Jun 30th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneFire & Police Commission Director Wins Committee Support For Reappointment
Griselda Aldrete gets committee support, but needs to pick up five votes from the full council to keep her job.
Jun 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases
Would require approval for all purchases.
Jun 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?
Cops using Stingrays to intercept marchers’ cell phones? Ald. Kovac says city should “investigate the investigators.”
Jun 23rd, 2020 by Isiah HolmesCouncil Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers
Seeks change in state law so city can stop paying suspended cops charged with felonies.
Jun 17th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut
Requires city budget office to model what cut would look like, in time for fall budget debate.
Jun 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut
11 council members back $30 million cut and investing in other programs.
Jun 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JannenePolice Blame Mayor, Council For Murder Rate
Department uses official account to say budget cuts driving murder rate higher. Data doesn't prove link.
Jun 12th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Holds Emergency Council Meeting To Approve Voting Sites, Why?
Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.
Jun 11th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneChief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council
13 members sign letter urging Morales: stop chiding protesters and listen to their message.
Jun 8th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Officials Grill Police on Tactics
Still more questions on 6th and McKinley, as council, mayor disagree with police tactics.
Jun 6th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneState, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform
Activists, Alders, lawmakers and the governor are calling for policy changes.
Jun 5th, 2020 by Isiah HolmesNitty Leads Peaceful March While Protecting Against Assassination
Seventh-day is a charm as two large marches take place without incident
Jun 5th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMany Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests
Community leaders, politicians release statements, Common Council calls for Milwaukee Police reforms.
Jun 2nd, 2020 by Isiah HolmesKovac Pushing Ascension To Improve East Side Parking
Alderman calls garage design an abomination, wants better signage to let public know of free parking above Whole Foods.
May 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneSuburbs’ Policies Ignore Science, Kowalik Charges
Suburban elected officials overruling health officers on COVID-19, city official charges.
May 20th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneAssessment Appeal Deadline Extended
City board gives three week extension, to June 8, for homeowners appealing new assessments.
May 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJoin Our Happy Hour Q&A with Nik Kovac
Get discounted Gathering Place beers and join our first online happy hour, with an exclusive interview of Ald. Kovac.
May 13th, 2020 by Maddy DayCouncil Debates Assessment Process
Alders unhappy. Assessor gets grilled about home value hikes in certain neighborhoods.
May 12th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJoin Urban Milwaukee’s Happy Hour Q&A
Get discounted Gathering Place beers and join our first online happy hour. With exclusive interview of Ald. Nik Kovac.
May 11th, 2020 by Maddy DayCity To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees
Revenue down $27 million in pandemic and city forced to make cuts.
May 6th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJohnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs
Not every supporter rewarded. New council president says picks reflect experience, not politics.
Apr 28th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?
Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.
Apr 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneJohnson Elected Council President
Second-term Ald. Cavalier Johnson defeats Ashanti Hamilton and Milele Coggs.
Apr 21st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Would Mail Milwaukee Voters Absentee Request Forms
Proposal from incoming Dimitrijevic would make it easier for people to vote in November election.
Apr 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JannenePlastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?
As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Approves Wisconsin Center Deal
Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene2020 Spring Election Results
Live City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County results for the April 7th Spring Election.
Apr 13th, 2020 by Urban MilwaukeeInvestor Buys Signature Downer Ave Properties
Seattle firm acquires much of East Side commercial corridor, including Downer Theatre building.
Apr 5th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommon Council Candidates
Ten contested races could reshape 15-member council.
Apr 4th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneShould City Workers Get COVID Bonus?
Public Works employees can't work from home, face more risk of COVID-19.
Apr 1st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Overrides Mayor’s Veto
Should Friends of Housing contract be terminated? Did mayor violate attorney-client privilege or council violate city charter?
Mar 25th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays Convention Expansion?
9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.
Mar 24th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Selling “Prime” E. North Ave Site
Seeks developer for Riverwest site that could host affordable housing.
Mar 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest
Revised special events permit could charge festival full price of police security.
Feb 24th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate
Ald. Bob Bauman's amendments attempt to set baseline, grow value of deal.
Feb 20th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneStreetcar Kiosks Could Bring In $500,000 Annually
System of 35 interactive kiosks could be online as early as May.
Feb 20th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video
More than the video was leaked. Police Department avoids comment. City Attorney helping FPC investigation.
Feb 18th, 2020 by Bruce MurphyNeighbors React to New East Side Apartment Building
Meeting attendees offer feedback on renderings, ask who secret developers are.
Feb 13th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Okays Convention Center Expansion
Cost of $300 to $375 million. Murphy questions whether it will fill more hotel rooms.
Feb 11th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneEast Side Home Design Approved
After 18 months of debate, two new East Side homes in historic district okayed.
Feb 11th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDesign of Brady Street Building Approved
Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's proposed building sails through historic commission.
Feb 10th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneTracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals
Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.
Feb 9th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene90-Unit Apartment Complex for East Side
Proposal would raze four buildings for seven-story complex across from Columbia St. Mary's Hospital.
Feb 5th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneBucks Player to Buy City Lot for $105,000
Mixed-use building on Brady Street will be Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's second Milwaukee project.
Feb 4th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneIs Tire Disposal Fee Causing Illegal Dumping?
Council wants data, raises concerns.
Jan 31st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneBarrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video
Chief Morales says he didn’t leak it; mayor, council leader want investigation, find out who did.
Jan 29th, 2020 by Bruce MurphyThe Riverwest Filling Station is a Gas
A Riverwest gem with a long and storied past.
Jan 24th, 2020 by Michael HornePlan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array
City, We Energies partner on eight-acre solar farm, enough electricity to power 400 homes.
Jan 23rd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneClimate Task Force Readying Report
Officials discuss joint city-county report on environmental strategies due in March.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Inches Toward Universal Basic Income
Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.
Jan 21st, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDid Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?
Common Council concerned. “Borderline frightening” use of police power, Bauman charges.
Jan 21st, 2020 by Bruce MurphyLakefront Tower Loses A Few Floors
Plus: Northridge Mall trial starts, Foxconn bailing on project could cause up to $120 million state bailout.
Jan 19th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneSecond New East Side Home Revealed
Designs submitted for second new home in North Point Historic District.
Jan 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil, Aldrete Again Spar Over FPC
Shouting, an open letter, highly-sensitive leak. The mess at Fire & Police Commission continues.
Jan 16th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneMeet the Candidates for City Offices
Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.
Jan 15th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneCity Deconstruction Delayed Through 2020
Officials hope to build contractor capacity in program focused on jobs and environment.
Jan 14th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneOfficials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan
Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.
Jan 9th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneIs There A Plan To Prevent New Tent City?
City officials worry. If no plan, should state build a campground under highway?
Jan 8th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneDelivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney
But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?
Jan 8th, 2020 by Jeramey JanneneOfficer Ray Confirmed Without Debate
Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.
Dec 17th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneStunned Council Grills FPC Director
"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Bans Most Plastic Straws
Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Overrides Every Barrett Veto
Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneBarrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes
Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.
Nov 19th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneTwo Efforts Target Climate Change
State and county task forces are separate but overlapping efforts responding to crisis.
Nov 19th, 2019 by Isiah HolmesProposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws
Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene



















































































