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 4
Aldermen Push Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Council members working with Equal Rights Commission to advance inclusive policy.
Nov 13th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget
Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.
Nov 8th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneStreet Safety Funding Passes Committee
DPW would get $1.2 million in new, dedicated funding for complete streets.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Okays St. Augustine’s $30 Million Plan
One of city's fastest-growing schools plans substantial expansion.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneResidents Rally for Clean Drinking Water
Coalition On Lead Emergency pushes for action, some city officials pledge to help.
Nov 1st, 2019 by PrincessSafiya ByersProposal Gives Residents a Basic Income
Lewis, Kovac back "Universal Basic Income" for 50 poorer families of $500 per month.
Oct 31st, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneIndigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday
Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Approves City BRT Agreement
City DPW would be reimbursed by Milwaukee County for design and infrastructure costs.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be forced to defend the Catholic Church," Donovan thundered.
Oct 15th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneNBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments
Big week in real estate with Couture taxes, Strauss, Marchese, Airbnb, Scott Lurie and more making headlines.
Oct 13th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneDeconstruction Program Expected to Restart Next Week
Contractor will start after months of delays.
Oct 8th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneIs 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.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020
"We look like complete fools," says Bauman as Marcoux expresses confidence in project.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThe East Sider Awaits
New apartment building near UWM is nearly finished.
Sep 27th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneBrady Street Building Being Rehabbed, Expanded
Former home of Waterford Wine could become retail store, cafe or restaurant.
Sep 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMaster Lock Plan Closes City Streets
Company seeks city approval to close portions of two streets on its Center St. campus.
Sep 13th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneShould City Pay a Tire Bounty?
Aldermen advocate for city to pay "scrappers" to collect discarded tires. DPW staff resist.
Sep 12th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneShould Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?
Some alderman seem in favor. It's one of the few single-use plastics the city could ban.
Sep 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity Recycled More in 2018
Residents recycled 25,451 tons in 2018, but don't throw plastic bags in the bins.
Sep 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneClock Tower Building Worth $3.5 Million
A 1920s east side classic. Will it be worth more when that clock is fixed?
Sep 5th, 2019 by Michael HorneWhat Is An 1886 Firehouse Worth?
Colectivo owner Lincoln Fowler and his wife Lilith paid $450,000, will make it their home.
Aug 28th, 2019 by Michael HorneCouncil Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs
Would urge downtown businesses, developers to increase wages, worker protections.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneAldermen Blast City’s Call Center
Should you call 286-City to report a pothole? Don't bother, some aldermen say.
Jul 18th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Okays City Pedestrian Plan
98 pages with 100 actions suggested. But will any of it be funded?
Jul 17th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneKomatsu Unveils Harbor District Designs
See what the "largest urban manufacturing proposal in the United States" will look like.
Jul 10th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneHPC Board Puts Modern Homes on Hold
New homes proposed for East Side historic district don't meet "any of the guidelines."
Jul 9th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Passes New Tow Truck Rules
Private operators must must file forms regarding any "drops". Next could be report cards.
Jul 9th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneZND Panel Okays “Condo Canyon” Project
Apartment complex with "fingers" design approved for site near Water Street canyon.
Jul 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Approves 32-Story Tower
But first, council members give tower its most thorough public vetting to date.
Jul 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity Advancing Riverwest Bike Boulevards
Open house in Riverwest to discuss proposal planned for July 11th.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneIs the City Ready for Scooters?
Council debates pilot program allowing scooters. "We're all scared to death," Borkowski says.
Jun 26th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneVon Trier Revisited
East Side bar under new ownership, but maintains classic appeal.
Jun 21st, 2019 by Michael HorneCity to Study More Recycling Pickups
Pickups could increase from every three to every two weeks; other changes discussed.
Jun 19th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneHacienda Beer Company A Radical Redo
East Side changing: G-Daddy's BBC college bar now upscale taproom with craft beers, chic food.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Michael HorneMeet The East Sider
Distinctive shape of new apartment building near UWM emerges.
Jun 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCommission Okays Water St. Apartment Project
Proposed 76-unit building, clad in terracotta, gets its first approval.
Jun 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity Will Raise Its Water Rates
Average customers in city and suburbs served directly will see their bills rise $7 per year.
Jun 5th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity Is Repaving More Streets
But is focus on streets just creating a backlog of alleys and sidewalks needing work?
Jun 5th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week
Elected officials lead rides to Downtown to tout city's improving cycling infrastructure.
Jun 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee
Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneOh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags
Council debates what to do with bags that clog up recycling process.
May 15th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneA Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee
City proposes Vel R. Phillips Plaza along W. Wisconsin Ave. with cafe and streetcar stop.
May 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneOgden Files for Lower East Side Zoning Change
Company advancing with terracotta-clad, 76-unit apartment complex on N. Water St.
May 9th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity a Leader in Complete Streets Policy
Milwaukee's Complete Streets policy ranks third nationally in report, but yet to be tested.
May 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions
Love the idea? Hate it? Either way we have all the details.
May 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Wants Three Streetcar Extensions
Will request engineering study of extensions to Bronzeville and Walker's Point
May 1st, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneState Behind The Times on Pot Laws?
Most states have less severe penalties. And black state residents more likely to be arrested.
Apr 30th, 2019 by Analise PruniMilwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving
Crashes up 51% since 2009. Is cell phone use by drivers helping drive numbers?
Apr 25th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThe Cold War With We Energies
Bauman, other aldermen believe city is charging too little for utility's use of city land.
Apr 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMeet the City’s Pothole Patrol
Turns out those frequently maligned parking checkers do more than issue tickets.
Apr 24th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneWho Wants to Design A New City Flag?
Common Council starting process intended to end flag debate.
Apr 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneNeighbors Okay Water St. Project Plan
Odgen's six-floor, 76 unit apartment complex along Jackson gets support.
Apr 10th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneTrump Backer Running for Donovan’s Seat
Pentecostal church pastor Eduardo Loera latest to run for south side district where Ald. Donovan retiring.
Apr 10th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez76-Unit Apartment Complex for Jackson at Water
Ogden Multifamily Partners hopes to build five-story building at north end of Water Street.
Apr 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneMore Parking, Traffic Flow for East Side
Arlington Place will become two-way street between Brady and Warren.
Apr 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneNomad World Pub Worth $1.75 Million
The sales price is $1 million more than its assessed value.
Apr 1st, 2019 by Michael HorneCity Approves DNC Contract
City expects $50 million from federal government to pay for security.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneAny City Progress on Affordable Housing?
Has Barrett's 10,000 homes initiative had an impact? Council members give mixed grades
Mar 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene1870s Office Building Now a Mansion
The revival of a unique, 5-story, 1876 mansion on Prospect by architect James Douglas.
Mar 8th, 2019 by Michael HorneFood Trucks Banned on W. National Ave.
Council approves resolution to ban food trucks from S. Layton Blvd. west to city limits.
Feb 26th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Will Now Make Flag Decision
Will city ever have new flag? Council punted issue to arts board and board punted it back.
Feb 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity Struggles to Keep Up Snow Plowing
Problems include aging equipment, staff shortages and inexperienced operators.
Feb 14th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThree City Libraries Will Get Solar
But city wants to install five times more solar power and faces We Energies opposition.
Feb 13th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneCity and We Energies In Solar Standoff
Utility won’t allow city to work with third party solar provider, aldermen blast We Energies.
Jan 25th, 2019 by Kari LydersenKaren Dettmer Will Lead Water Works
Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.
Jan 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene2900 Apartments Starts to Rise
New 55-unit apartment building at Oakland and Locust will be five floors high.
Jan 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene7 Modern Townhomes Off Brady Planned
Developer Jason Pietsch plans pretty pricey condos along Pulaski Park.
Jan 17th, 2019 by Jeramey JanneneThe Tracks Has Always Been a Tavern
Since building erected in 1906. With same owner since 1970, With volleyball for decades.
Jan 15th, 2019 by Michael HorneNew Downtown Apartment Building
Is the second time the charm for a long vacant downtown site?
Jan 13th, 2019 by Graham KilmerConstruction Moving Along at St. Rita Square
Did DCD and alderman save the project from being value engineered?
Dec 31st, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneThe Easton Rises
Apartment building being constructed on site between Ogden and Brady.
Dec 21st, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Okays Largest Urban Manufacturing Deal in U.S.
West Milwaukee company will move to city, but will it create any new jobs?
Dec 18th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneIzzy Hops Is Long on Beer, History
Former Rascals, Murray Tap, in 121-year old building, embraces new East Side.
Dec 10th, 2018 by Michael HorneHenry’s Is Anything But a Bistro
More low-down bar than East Side chic, but in a century-old building.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Michael HorneEpisode 001
Guests Bruce Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac join Jeramey Jannene to talk city issues.
Nov 29th, 2018 by Urban MilwaukeeCouncil Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes
Legislative body rejects all five vetoes by Mayor Tom Barrett.
Nov 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene10 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.
Nov 14th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneArts Board Wants New City Flag Search
Process to select popular People's Flag not inclusive enough, board decides, so start over.
Nov 14th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Adopts 2019 City Budget
Average homeowner will see $51.88 increase, no change in total fire and police officers.
Nov 13th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneStreetcar Opens to Public
"This is your assignment: ride the streetcar," says Mayor Barrett.
Nov 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneBarrett Signs Complete Streets Policy
Mayor, city officials and activists gather to celebrate new legislation.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneNew Bar and Restaurant for East Side
Merge, a new establishment focusing on lighter snack items, plans November opening.
Oct 19th, 2018 by Jennifer RickCouncil Passes Complete Streets Policy
Streets for all, not just cars, is now the law of the land.
Oct 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneHow Long Will Flag Debate Last?
Arts Board might not have decision on the city flag by the end of 2018.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Okays Complete Streets Policy
Proposal on street design places pedestrians and cyclists on same level as motorists
Oct 3rd, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneHammes HQ Nears Completion
Brookfield firm will move Downtown before the end of the year.
Sep 28th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneEast Side Food Hall Opening in November
October opening for "unique" food hall in former Rosati's on Farwell Ave. moved back.
Sep 28th, 2018 by Jennifer RickCouncil Okays Market-Based Parking Fees
But Tony Zielinski adamantly opposes it, joined by four other council members.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneThree New “Historic” Homes For East Side
City committee designates vacant land as historic, allows three new homes near Water Tower.
Sep 18th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneUp-Down Milwaukee Is Arcade Heaven
Brady St. bar has 60 vintage arcade games, 59 beers on tap, great views and loud vibe.
Sep 6th, 2018 by Michael HorneWork Starts on 2900 Apartments
Building with Cousins on Oakland and Locust goes down; five story complex going up.
Aug 31st, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneDeveloper Blair Williams’ Federal-Style Manse
Lovely $583,000 East Side home built by architect Armand Koch in 1915 for Ogden family.
Aug 28th, 2018 by Michael HorneBrady Street Project Cancelled
City marketing vacant lot on Lower East Side main street for $105,000.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Graham KilmerBring On the Dockless Bicycles!
City officials announce they will accept proposals for dockless bikeshare.
Aug 24th, 2018 by Graham KilmerMeeting Addresses Swing Park Homicides
Mayor, police, city officials, residents have a solution-oriented meeting short on anger.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Michael HorneRiverwest’s Club 99 Has 116-Year History
Old Miller tied house has had many different owners, now on Riverwest 24 course.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Michael HorneMillerCoors Razes Historic Gettelman Building
Brewery's demolition part of compromise to add parking, preserve Gettleman house.
Aug 16th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneA Home Built for Entertaining
Owners of this riverfront home hold their share of Democratic fundraisers.
Aug 10th, 2018 by Michael HorneNomad’s Worldly Beer Garden
The Nomad is a Brady Street fixture and its patio has become a destination in its own right.
Aug 7th, 2018 by Michael HorneNew Lower East Side Apartments
Klein Development developing 96-unit building south of E. Brady St.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
































































































