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.

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Content referencing Nik Kovac - Page 3

City Hall: New City HR Director Impresses Alders
City Hall

New City HR Director Impresses Alders

Makda Fessahaye's appointment as employee relations director wins unanimous committee approval.

Transportation: Milwaukee Seeks Data for Vision Zero Push
Transportation

Milwaukee Seeks Data for Vision Zero Push

Consultant would identify dangerous interactions, develop predictive model.

Op Ed: Vote No on COPS Grant
Op Ed

Vote No on COPS Grant

We don't want the grant today, tomorrow or next month.

City Hall: Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant
City Hall

Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant

Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Forest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Forest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved

Council clears way to demolish old library, build new Children's Hospital southside clinic.

City Hall: Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs
City Hall

Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs

Seeking changes to state law to give city's elected officials control.

City Hall: Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant
City Hall

Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant

Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.

City Hall: Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant
City Hall

Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant

Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Riverwest Apartment Complex Planned
Eyes on Milwaukee

Riverwest Apartment Complex Planned

Affordable housing project with 91 apartments and food accelerator on E. North Ave.

Transportation: Ride the Riverwest Bike Boulevards
Transportation

Ride the Riverwest Bike Boulevards

After three years, Riverwest's bike boulevards on Wright and Fratney streets are ready.

Transportation: Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”
Transportation

Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”

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

City Hall: Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget
City Hall

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

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

The “Molotov Cocktail” That Wasn’t

The “Molotov Cocktail” That Wasn’t

MPD admits the 6th and McKinley weapon was just a plastic water bottle.

City Hall: MPD Assistant Chief Gets Denver Suburb’s Top Job
City Hall

MPD Assistant Chief Gets Denver Suburb’s Top Job

Terrence Gordon will be Thornton, CO police chief as MPD turnover continues.

City Hall: City Could Lose 30 More Police Officers
City Hall

City Could Lose 30 More Police Officers

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

City Hall: Council Backs New Handling of 911 Calls
City Hall

Council Backs New Handling of 911 Calls

Wants MPD and FPC to develop approach where unarmed professionals handle non-violent social issues.

City Hall: About That Proposed Street Lighting Fee
City Hall

About That Proposed Street Lighting Fee

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

City-County Climate Equity Goals Are Big

City-County Climate Equity Goals Are Big

Preliminary report calls for comprehensive plan, 45% cut in emissions by 2030, 100% by 2050.

South Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman

South Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman

Immigration attorney, neighborhood leader lost to senseless killing.

City Hall: Milwaukee’s Bond Rating Cut Two Levels
City Hall

Milwaukee’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.

City Hall: City Made $8.6 Million Debt Mistake
City Hall

City Made $8.6 Million Debt Mistake

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

‘Complete Streets’ Projects Focus on Health and Safety

‘Complete Streets’ Projects Focus on Health and Safety

In 2019, majority of projects were completed in areas with economic disparities.

City Hall: 120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning
City Hall

120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning

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

City Hall: Milwaukee Ends Compost Program
City Hall

Milwaukee Ends Compost Program

As recently as February the city was planning to greatly expand it.

City Hall: Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job
City Hall

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

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

City Hall: Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows
City Hall

Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows

Council wants still more changes, but can only request Fire & Police Commission to enact them.

City Hall: Council Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner
City Hall

Council Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner

Assessment Commissioner finds little support from Judiciary & Legislation Committee.

City Hall: Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed
City Hall

Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed

Business owners upset that trucks have loud generators, take up parking spaces.

City Hall: Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments
City Hall

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

City Hall: Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?
City Hall

Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?

Common Council has a growing wish list. Will Fire & Police Commission act?

City Hall: Mask Mandate Passes Committee
City Hall

Mask Mandate Passes Committee

Proposal would require masks indoors and outdoors, but with limited enforcement.

Protest Day 37: Marches, Celebrations, Calls For Justice
Protest Day 37

Marches, Celebrations, Calls For Justice

Independence Day doesn't distract marchers.

City Hall: Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees
City Hall

Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees

Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD
Eyes on Milwaukee

Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD

New commissioner would serve in one of most visible, influential administration roles.

City Hall: Fire & Police Commission Director Wins Committee Support For Reappointment
City Hall

Fire & 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.

City Hall: Council Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases
City Hall

Council Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases

Would require approval for all purchases.

City’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?

City’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?

Cops using Stingrays to intercept marchers’ cell phones? Ald. Kovac says city should “investigate the investigators.”

City Hall: Council Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers
City Hall

Council Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers

Seeks change in state law so city can stop paying suspended cops charged with felonies.

City Hall: Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut
City Hall

Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut

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

City Hall: Council Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut
City Hall

Council Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut

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

City Hall: Police Blame Mayor, Council For Murder Rate
City Hall

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?

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

Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.

Chief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council

Chief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council

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

City Officials Grill Police on Tactics

City Officials Grill Police on Tactics

Still more questions on 6th and McKinley, as council, mayor disagree with police tactics.

State, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform

State, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform

Activists, Alders, lawmakers and the governor are calling for policy changes.

Nitty Leads Peaceful March While Protecting Against Assassination

Nitty Leads Peaceful March While Protecting Against Assassination

Seventh-day is a charm as two large marches take place without incident

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

Community leaders, politicians release statements, Common Council calls for Milwaukee Police reforms.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Kovac Pushing Ascension To Improve East Side Parking
Eyes on Milwaukee

Kovac 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.

Suburbs’ Policies Ignore Science, Kowalik Charges

Suburbs’ Policies Ignore Science, Kowalik Charges

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Assessment Appeal Deadline Extended
Eyes on Milwaukee

Assessment Appeal Deadline Extended

City board gives three week extension, to June 8, for homeowners appealing new assessments.

For Members Only: Join Our Happy Hour Q&A with Nik Kovac
For Members Only

Join 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.

City Hall: Council Debates Assessment Process
City Hall

Council Debates Assessment Process

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

For Members Only: Join Urban Milwaukee’s Happy Hour Q&A
For Members Only

Join 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.

City Hall: City To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees
City Hall

City To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees

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

City Hall: Johnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs
City Hall

Johnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs

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

City Hall: 7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?
City Hall

7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?

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

City Hall: Johnson Elected Council President
City Hall

Johnson Elected Council President

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

City Hall: Proposal Would Mail Milwaukee Voters Absentee Request Forms
City Hall

Proposal Would Mail Milwaukee Voters Absentee Request Forms

Proposal from incoming Dimitrijevic would make it easier for people to vote in November election.

City Hall: Plastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?
City Hall

Plastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?

As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal

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

2020 Spring Election Results

2020 Spring Election Results

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

Plats and Parcels: Investor Buys Signature Downer Ave Properties
Plats and Parcels

Investor Buys Signature Downer Ave Properties

Seattle firm acquires much of East Side commercial corridor, including Downer Theatre building.

Vote Absentee: Common Council Candidates
Vote Absentee

Common Council Candidates

Ten contested races could reshape 15-member council.

City Hall: Should City Workers Get COVID Bonus?
City Hall

Should City Workers Get COVID Bonus?

Public Works employees can't work from home, face more risk of COVID-19.

City Hall: Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto
City Hall

Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Delays Convention Expansion?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Selling “Prime” E. North Ave Site
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Selling “Prime” E. North Ave Site

Seeks developer for Riverwest site that could host affordable housing.

City Hall: City’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest
City Hall

City’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest

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

City Hall: Committee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate
City Hall

Committee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate

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

Transportation: Streetcar Kiosks Could Bring In $500,000 Annually
Transportation

Streetcar Kiosks Could Bring In $500,000 Annually

System of 35 interactive kiosks could be online as early as May.

Murphy’s Law: Mystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video
Murphy’s Law

Mystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video

More than the video was leaked. Police Department avoids comment. City Attorney helping FPC investigation.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Neighbors React to New East Side Apartment Building
Eyes on Milwaukee

Neighbors React to New East Side Apartment Building

Meeting attendees offer feedback on renderings, ask who secret developers are.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Okays Convention Center Expansion
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Okays Convention Center Expansion

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: East Side Home Design Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

East Side Home Design Approved

After 18 months of debate, two new East Side homes in historic district okayed.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Design of Brady Street Building Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Design of Brady Street Building Approved

Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's proposed building sails through historic commission.

Plats and Parcels: Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals
Plats and Parcels

Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals

Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 90-Unit Apartment Complex for East Side
Eyes on Milwaukee

90-Unit Apartment Complex for East Side

Proposal would raze four buildings for seven-story complex across from Columbia St. Mary's Hospital.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Bucks Player to Buy City Lot for $105,000
Eyes on Milwaukee

Bucks Player to Buy City Lot for $105,000

Mixed-use building on Brady Street will be Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's second Milwaukee project.

City Hall: Is Tire Disposal Fee Causing Illegal Dumping?
City Hall

Is Tire Disposal Fee Causing Illegal Dumping?

Council wants data, raises concerns.

Back in the News: Barrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video
Back in the News

Barrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video

Chief Morales says he didn’t leak it; mayor, council leader want investigation, find out who did.

Bar Exam: The Riverwest Filling Station is a Gas
Bar Exam

The Riverwest Filling Station is a Gas

A Riverwest gem with a long and storied past.

City Hall: Plan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array
City Hall

Plan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array

City, We Energies partner on eight-acre solar farm, enough electricity to power 400 homes.

City Hall: Climate Task Force Readying Report
City Hall

Climate Task Force Readying Report

Officials discuss joint city-county report on environmental strategies due in March.

City Hall: Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income
City Hall

Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income

Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.

Murphy’s Law: Did Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?
Murphy’s Law

Did Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?

Common Council concerned. “Borderline frightening” use of police power, Bauman charges.

Plats and Parcels: Lakefront Tower Loses A Few Floors
Plats and Parcels

Lakefront Tower Loses A Few Floors

Plus: Northridge Mall trial starts, Foxconn bailing on project could cause up to $120 million state bailout.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Second New East Side Home Revealed
Eyes on Milwaukee

Second New East Side Home Revealed

Designs submitted for second new home in North Point Historic District.

City Hall: Council, Aldrete Again Spar Over FPC
City Hall

Council, Aldrete Again Spar Over FPC

Shouting, an open letter, highly-sensitive leak. The mess at Fire & Police Commission continues.

City Hall: Meet the Candidates for City Offices
City Hall

Meet the Candidates for City Offices

Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Deconstruction Delayed Through 2020
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Deconstruction Delayed Through 2020

Officials hope to build contractor capacity in program focused on jobs and environment.

City Hall: Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan
City Hall

Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan

Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Is There A Plan To Prevent New Tent City?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Is There A Plan To Prevent New Tent City?

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

Transportation: Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney
Transportation

Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney

But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?

City Hall: Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate
City Hall

Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate

Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.

City Hall: Stunned Council Grills FPC Director
City Hall

Stunned Council Grills FPC Director

"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.

City Hall: Council Bans Most Plastic Straws
City Hall

Council Bans Most Plastic Straws

Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.

City Hall: Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto
City Hall

Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto

Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget

City Hall: Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes
City Hall

Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes

Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.

Two Efforts Target Climate Change

Two Efforts Target Climate Change

State and county task forces are separate but overlapping efforts responding to crisis.

City Hall: Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws
City Hall

Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws

Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.

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