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 4

City Hall: Aldermen Push Gender Neutral Bathrooms
City Hall

Aldermen Push Gender Neutral Bathrooms

Council members working with Equal Rights Commission to advance inclusive policy.

City Hall: Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget
City Hall

Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget

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

Transportation: Street Safety Funding Passes Committee
Transportation

Street Safety Funding Passes Committee

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Okays St. Augustine’s $30 Million Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Okays St. Augustine’s $30 Million Plan

One of city's fastest-growing schools plans substantial expansion.

Residents Rally for Clean Drinking Water

Residents Rally for Clean Drinking Water

Coalition On Lead Emergency pushes for action, some city officials pledge to help.

City Hall: Proposal Gives Residents a Basic Income
City Hall

Proposal Gives Residents a Basic Income

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

City Hall: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday
City Hall

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday

Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.

Transportation: Committee Approves City BRT Agreement
Transportation

Committee Approves City BRT Agreement

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

City Hall: Council Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
City Hall

Council Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be forced to defend the Catholic Church," Donovan thundered.

Plats and Parcels: NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments
Plats and Parcels

NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments

Big week in real estate with Couture taxes, Strauss, Marchese, Airbnb, Scott Lurie and more making headlines.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Deconstruction Program Expected to Restart Next Week
Eyes on Milwaukee

Deconstruction Program Expected to Restart Next Week

Contractor will start after months of delays.

City Hall: Is The City Ready to Plow Snow?
City Hall

Is The City Ready to Plow Snow?

City has 28,405 tons of salt and 414 pieces of equipment ready to clear 1,472 miles of city streets.

Transportation: Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020
Transportation

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

"We look like complete fools," says Bauman as Marcoux expresses confidence in project.

Friday Photos: The East Sider Awaits
Friday Photos

The East Sider Awaits

New apartment building near UWM is nearly finished.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Brady Street Building Being Rehabbed, Expanded
Eyes on Milwaukee

Brady Street Building Being Rehabbed, Expanded

Former home of Waterford Wine could become retail store, cafe or restaurant.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Master Lock Plan Closes City Streets
Eyes on Milwaukee

Master Lock Plan Closes City Streets

Company seeks city approval to close portions of two streets on its Center St. campus.

City Hall: Should City Pay a Tire Bounty?
City Hall

Should City Pay a Tire Bounty?

Aldermen advocate for city to pay "scrappers" to collect discarded tires. DPW staff resist.

City Hall: Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?
City Hall

Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?

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

City Hall: City Recycled More in 2018
City Hall

City Recycled More in 2018

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

What’s It Worth?: Clock Tower Building Worth $3.5 Million
What’s It Worth?

Clock Tower Building Worth $3.5 Million

A 1920s east side classic. Will it be worth more when that clock is fixed?

What’s It Worth?: What Is An 1886 Firehouse Worth?
What’s It Worth?

What Is An 1886 Firehouse Worth?

Colectivo owner Lincoln Fowler and his wife Lilith paid $450,000, will make it their home.

City Hall: Council Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs
City Hall

Council Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs

Would urge downtown businesses, developers to increase wages, worker protections.

City Hall: Aldermen Blast City’s Call Center
City Hall

Aldermen Blast City’s Call Center

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

Transportation: Committee Okays City Pedestrian Plan
Transportation

Committee Okays City Pedestrian Plan

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Komatsu Unveils Harbor District Designs
Eyes on Milwaukee

Komatsu Unveils Harbor District Designs

See what the "largest urban manufacturing proposal in the United States" will look like.

Eyes on Milwaukee: HPC Board Puts Modern Homes on Hold
Eyes on Milwaukee

HPC Board Puts Modern Homes on Hold

New homes proposed for East Side historic district don't meet "any of the guidelines."

City Hall: Council Passes New Tow Truck Rules
City Hall

Council Passes New Tow Truck Rules

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: ZND Panel Okays “Condo Canyon” Project
Eyes on Milwaukee

ZND Panel Okays “Condo Canyon” Project

Apartment complex with "fingers" design approved for site near Water Street canyon.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Approves 32-Story Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

Committee Approves 32-Story Tower

But first, council members give tower its most thorough public vetting to date.

Transportation: City Advancing Riverwest Bike Boulevards
Transportation

City Advancing Riverwest Bike Boulevards

Open house in Riverwest to discuss proposal planned for July 11th.

Transportation: Is the City Ready for Scooters?
Transportation

Is the City Ready for Scooters?

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

Bar Exam: Von Trier Revisited
Bar Exam

Von Trier Revisited

East Side bar under new ownership, but maintains classic appeal.

City Hall: City to Study More Recycling Pickups
City Hall

City to Study More Recycling Pickups

Pickups could increase from every three to every two weeks; other changes discussed.

Bar Exam: Hacienda Beer Company A Radical Redo
Bar Exam

Hacienda Beer Company A Radical Redo

East Side changing: G-Daddy's BBC college bar now upscale taproom with craft beers, chic food.

Friday Photos: Meet The East Sider
Friday Photos

Meet The East Sider

Distinctive shape of new apartment building near UWM emerges.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Commission Okays Water St. Apartment Project
Eyes on Milwaukee

Commission Okays Water St. Apartment Project

Proposed 76-unit building, clad in terracotta, gets its first approval.

City Hall: City Will Raise Its Water Rates
City Hall

City Will Raise Its Water Rates

Average customers in city and suburbs served directly will see their bills rise $7 per year.

City Hall: City Is Repaving More Streets
City Hall

City Is Repaving More Streets

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

Transportation: Mayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week
Transportation

Mayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week

Elected officials lead rides to Downtown to tout city's improving cycling infrastructure.

City Hall: Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee
City Hall

Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee

Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.

City Hall: Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags
City Hall

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee
Eyes on Milwaukee

A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee

City proposes Vel R. Phillips Plaza along W. Wisconsin Ave. with cafe and streetcar stop.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Ogden Files for Lower East Side Zoning Change
Eyes on Milwaukee

Ogden Files for Lower East Side Zoning Change

Company advancing with terracotta-clad, 76-unit apartment complex on N. Water St.

Transportation: City a Leader in Complete Streets Policy
Transportation

City a Leader in Complete Streets Policy

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

Transportation: 11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions
Transportation

11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions

Love the idea? Hate it? Either way we have all the details.

Transportation: Mayor Wants Three Streetcar Extensions
Transportation

Mayor Wants Three Streetcar Extensions

Will request engineering study of extensions to Bronzeville and Walker's Point

State Behind The Times on Pot Laws?

State Behind The Times on Pot Laws?

Most states have less severe penalties. And black state residents more likely to be arrested.

Transportation: Milwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving
Transportation

Milwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving

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

City Hall: The Cold War With We Energies
City Hall

The Cold War With We Energies

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

City Hall: Meet the City’s Pothole Patrol
City Hall

Meet the City’s Pothole Patrol

Turns out those frequently maligned parking checkers do more than issue tickets.

City Hall: Who Wants to Design A New City Flag?
City Hall

Who Wants to Design A New City Flag?

Common Council starting process intended to end flag debate.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Neighbors Okay Water St. Project Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee

Neighbors Okay Water St. Project Plan

Odgen's six-floor, 76 unit apartment complex along Jackson gets support.

Trump Backer Running for Donovan’s Seat

Trump Backer Running for Donovan’s Seat

Pentecostal church pastor Eduardo Loera latest to run for south side district where Ald. Donovan retiring.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 76-Unit Apartment Complex for Jackson at Water
Eyes on Milwaukee

76-Unit Apartment Complex for Jackson at Water

Ogden Multifamily Partners hopes to build five-story building at north end of Water Street.

Eyes on Milwaukee: More Parking, Traffic Flow for East Side
Eyes on Milwaukee

More Parking, Traffic Flow for East Side

Arlington Place will become two-way street between Brady and Warren.

What’s It Worth?: Nomad World Pub Worth $1.75 Million
What’s It Worth?

Nomad World Pub Worth $1.75 Million

The sales price is $1 million more than its assessed value.

City Hall: City Approves DNC Contract
City Hall

City Approves DNC Contract

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Any City Progress on Affordable Housing?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Any City Progress on Affordable Housing?

Has Barrett's 10,000 homes initiative had an impact? Council members give mixed grades

Back in the News: 1870s Office Building Now a Mansion
Back in the News

1870s Office Building Now a Mansion

The revival of a unique, 5-story, 1876 mansion on Prospect by architect James Douglas.

City Hall: Food Trucks Banned on W. National Ave.
City Hall

Food Trucks Banned on W. National Ave.

Council approves resolution to ban food trucks from S. Layton Blvd. west to city limits.

City Hall: Council Will Now Make Flag Decision
City Hall

Council Will Now Make Flag Decision

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

City Hall: City Struggles to Keep Up Snow Plowing
City Hall

City Struggles to Keep Up Snow Plowing

Problems include aging equipment, staff shortages and inexperienced operators.

City Hall: Three City Libraries Will Get Solar
City Hall

Three City Libraries Will Get Solar

But city wants to install five times more solar power and faces We Energies opposition.

City and We Energies In Solar Standoff

City and We Energies In Solar Standoff

Utility won’t allow city to work with third party solar provider, aldermen blast We Energies.

City Hall: Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works
City Hall

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

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

Friday Photos: 2900 Apartments Starts to Rise
Friday Photos

2900 Apartments Starts to Rise

New 55-unit apartment building at Oakland and Locust will be five floors high.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 7 Modern Townhomes Off Brady Planned
Eyes on Milwaukee

7 Modern Townhomes Off Brady Planned

Developer Jason Pietsch plans pretty pricey condos along Pulaski Park.

Bar Exam: The Tracks Has Always Been a Tavern
Bar Exam

The Tracks Has Always Been a Tavern

Since building erected in 1906. With same owner since 1970, With volleyball for decades.

Plats and Parcels: New Downtown Apartment Building
Plats and Parcels

New Downtown Apartment Building

Is the second time the charm for a long vacant downtown site?

Eyes on Milwaukee: Construction Moving Along at St. Rita Square
Eyes on Milwaukee

Construction Moving Along at St. Rita Square

Did DCD and alderman save the project from being value engineered?

Friday Photos: The Easton Rises
Friday Photos

The Easton Rises

Apartment building being constructed on site between Ogden and Brady.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Okays Largest Urban Manufacturing Deal in U.S.
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Okays Largest Urban Manufacturing Deal in U.S.

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

Bar Exam: Izzy Hops Is Long on Beer, History
Bar Exam

Izzy Hops Is Long on Beer, History

Former Rascals, Murray Tap, in 121-year old building, embraces new East Side.

Bar Exam: Henry’s Is Anything But a Bistro
Bar Exam

Henry’s Is Anything But a Bistro

More low-down bar than East Side chic, but in a century-old building.

City Beat: Episode 001
City Beat

Episode 001

Guests Bruce Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac join Jeramey Jannene to talk city issues.

City Hall: Council Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes
City Hall

Council Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes

Legislative body rejects all five vetoes by Mayor Tom Barrett.

City Hall: 10 Curious Details in City’s 2019 Budget
City Hall

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.

City Hall: Arts Board Wants New City Flag Search
City Hall

Arts Board Wants New City Flag Search

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

City Hall: Council Adopts 2019 City Budget
City Hall

Council Adopts 2019 City Budget

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

Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Opens to Public
Eyes on Milwaukee

Streetcar Opens to Public

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

City Hall: Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy
City Hall

Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy

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

New Bar and Restaurant for East Side

New Bar and Restaurant for East Side

Merge, a new establishment focusing on lighter snack items, plans November opening.

City Hall: Council Passes Complete Streets Policy
City Hall

Council Passes Complete Streets Policy

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

City Hall: How Long Will Flag Debate Last?
City Hall

How Long Will Flag Debate Last?

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

City Hall: Committee Okays Complete Streets Policy
City Hall

Committee Okays Complete Streets Policy

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

Friday Photos: Hammes HQ Nears Completion
Friday Photos

Hammes HQ Nears Completion

Brookfield firm will move Downtown before the end of the year.

Dining: East Side Food Hall Opening in November
Dining

East Side Food Hall Opening in November

October opening for "unique" food hall in former Rosati's on Farwell Ave. moved back.

City Hall: Council Okays Market-Based Parking Fees
City Hall

Council Okays Market-Based Parking Fees

But Tony Zielinski adamantly opposes it, joined by four other council members.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Three New “Historic” Homes For East Side
Eyes on Milwaukee

Three New “Historic” Homes For East Side

City committee designates vacant land as historic, allows three new homes near Water Tower.

Bar Exam: Up-Down Milwaukee Is Arcade Heaven
Bar Exam

Up-Down Milwaukee Is Arcade Heaven

Brady St. bar has 60 vintage arcade games, 59 beers on tap, great views and loud vibe.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Work Starts on 2900 Apartments
Eyes on Milwaukee

Work Starts on 2900 Apartments

Building with Cousins on Oakland and Locust goes down; five story complex going up.

House Confidential: Developer Blair Williams’ Federal-Style Manse
House Confidential

Developer Blair Williams’ Federal-Style Manse

Lovely $583,000 East Side home built by architect Armand Koch in 1915 for Ogden family.

Plats and Parcels: Brady Street Project Cancelled
Plats and Parcels

Brady Street Project Cancelled

City marketing vacant lot on Lower East Side main street for $105,000.

Bring On the Dockless Bicycles!

Bring On the Dockless Bicycles!

City officials announce they will accept proposals for dockless bikeshare.

Plenty of Horne: Meeting Addresses Swing Park Homicides
Plenty of Horne

Meeting Addresses Swing Park Homicides

Mayor, police, city officials, residents have a solution-oriented meeting short on anger.

Bar Exam: Riverwest’s Club 99 Has 116-Year History
Bar Exam

Riverwest’s Club 99 Has 116-Year History

Old Miller tied house has had many different owners, now on Riverwest 24 course.

Eyes on Milwaukee: MillerCoors Razes Historic Gettelman Building
Eyes on Milwaukee

MillerCoors Razes Historic Gettelman Building

Brewery's demolition part of compromise to add parking, preserve Gettleman house.

House Confidential: A Home Built for Entertaining
House Confidential

A Home Built for Entertaining

Owners of this riverfront home hold their share of Democratic fundraisers.

Bar Exam: Nomad’s Worldly Beer Garden
Bar Exam

Nomad’s Worldly Beer Garden

The Nomad is a Brady Street fixture and its patio has become a destination in its own right.

Friday Photos: New Lower East Side Apartments
Friday Photos

New Lower East Side Apartments

Klein Development developing 96-unit building south of E. Brady St.

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