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 8
700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval
Proposed high-rise would add up to 275 "ultra luxury" apartments to downtown Milwaukee -- with no public financing.
Oct 7th, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneThe Gig is Good for Cheap Micro-Brews
Tucked away in Riverwest since 1904, it offers micro-brews in a micro-neighborhood
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Michael HorneInside the Standard at East Library
Our photos capture the interior of a one-bedroom apartment, its great views, and the rooftop deck.
Sep 30th, 2014 by Dave ReidCity 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 HorneMilwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneAmbulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele
Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?
Aug 1st, 2014 by Michael Horne“Controversy” Over Swing Park?
Architect blasts city for altering her design. Are her complaints valid?
Jul 25th, 2014 by Bruce MurphyThe Swings are Back — and Better than Before
Guerrilla urbanism triumphs, as “magical” swings re-installed under Holton Avenue Bridge.
Jul 23rd, 2014 by Dave ReidUber 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 JanneneThe Standard at East Library
Our photos take you inside the new library and apartment building on North Ave.
Jul 17th, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneCould Milwaukee Support a Pro Soccer Team?
How I came to embrace soccer and what it could mean for America and Milwaukee.
Jul 16th, 2014 by Joey GrihalvaSoccer Crowd Shuts Down Brady Street
As many as 15,000 people pack Brady Street and surround Nomad Bar, while celebrating USA v Portugal game.
Jun 23rd, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneMSOE Renames Soccer Field
Kovac wonders why MSOE would name it after its current president. And why an engineering school couldn't dig a deep enough hole for its soccer field.
Jun 17th, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneFinally, a New Park East Plan
Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?
Jun 10th, 2014 by Jeramey JanneneCity Commission Says Yes to Adventure Rock
Zoning change approved for planned 4-story, 46-unit apartment complex and indoor climbing wall in Riverwest.
May 20th, 2014 by Mac WrittWe 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 ReidThe House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael HorneOwner of Strad Violin Tips Her Identity
The violin's owner was at the scene of the crime and signed her first name to a message published by Frank Almond.
Feb 6th, 2014 by Michael HorneBetting 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 JanneneHuge 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 HorneDan Adams’ Assembly Fundraiser
He's got Abele's backing for the Milwaukee legislative seat, while Barrett backs Dimitrijevic.
Jan 24th, 2014 by Michael HorneDoes Downer Avenue Need a Tax Subsidy?
Developer Joel Lee claims the buzzing retail strip needs help from the city.
Jan 9th, 2014 by Bruce MurphyGoodbye Faye McBeath Foundation
The foundation created by a Milwaukee Journal heir gave untold millions to local causes since 1960s, but will spend its final assets this year.
Jan 8th, 2014 by Michael HorneCampaign Season Kicks Off
Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Michael HorneThe Other Mandela
The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.
Dec 8th, 2013 by Michael HorneAmtrak to Chicago Will Go Wireless
Finally, the line will get Wi-Fi (we hope), but Milwaukee's Amtrak station still lacks it.
Nov 29th, 2013 by Michael HorneStrip Club Coming to Downtown?
City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Dave ReidCommission Approves 6-Story East Side Apartments
City Plan Commission unanimously approves proposed, 100-unit apartment complex.
Oct 29th, 2013 by Dave ReidThey Like It, They Really Like It
East Side Architectural Review Board unanimously approves design for 6-story, 100-unit Greenwich Park Apartments
Oct 16th, 2013 by Dave ReidThe Hotel Shepard
The historic east side mansion charges $499 a night for two-day rentals and sleeps up to 20 people. Neighbors for some reason are irate.
Sep 6th, 2013 by Michael HorneOakland & North Project Stalled Yet Again
Review board says the design of proposed mixed-use building is still not good enough for such an important site.
Sep 5th, 2013 by Dave ReidMurray Ave Parklet Takes It to the Street
Parking spots on Milwaukee's East Side converted into a dining area.
Aug 24th, 2013 by Michael HorneCity Wants Changes for Old Pizza Man Site
Proposed building is "too boxy" and "monolithic," Ald. Kovac and others on review board say.
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Michael HorneThe Greening of Shorewood
The suburb’s embrace of green roofs, rain barrels and rain gardens is a model for others, including Milwaukee.
Aug 21st, 2013 by Joe KellyCan Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?
A city task force hopes to revive the street but the obstacles are many.
Aug 8th, 2013 by Bruce MurphyA Very Pleasant Opening
Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.
Aug 3rd, 2013 by Michael HorneEast Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey JanneneSt Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt
Seventh bridge reconstructed on Barrett's watch will include streetcar tracks.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Michael HorneThe $1 Million Art Project
Steve Marcus’ plan to bring world class sculpture to Milwaukee is expensive. Is it a good idea?
Jul 18th, 2013 by Bruce MurphyWhere the Buffalo Roam
A new art project honoring Native American history will be constructed on the new Downtown to Bay View Bikeway
Jul 17th, 2013 by Joe KellyKing Drive Owner Under Fire, Taxpayers Could Lose $212,000
Ald. Coggs assails company for promising local grocery and leasing to Dollar Tree instead.
Jul 3rd, 2013 by Shakara Robinson“Wait, Wait, Wait”
The city’s new audio crosswalk alerts are annoying -- and potentially dangerous.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Tom BambergerTemporary East Library Opens
It's just a block and a half away from the old library, and as Mayor Barrett demonstrated at its opening, you can still check out books.
Jul 1st, 2013 by Jeramey JanneneResidents Reject Freshwater Name
Contest to rename Pittsburgh Ave. to honor water institute didn't convince street's residents, who nixed Freshwater Way.
Jun 20th, 2013 by Michael Horne$350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors
GMC lands grant from ArtPlace America to create artistic corridors in Riverwest and Harambee and on West Wisconsin Ave.
May 20th, 2013 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Barrett Bikes to Work!
Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.
May 13th, 2013 by Dave ReidMayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”
Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.
Apr 17th, 2013 by Michael HornePolitics & Poetry II
Aldermen join seasoned poets to tout today's election and celebrate the memory of poet Anita Brooks.
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Grace FuhrMystery Behind the MU Law School Poll
MU's pollster calls Ald. Kovac's radio show. Is she from the "East Coast," as MU says, or India?
Mar 20th, 2013 by Michael HorneRocky’s Throne of Stone
Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?
Mar 15th, 2013 by Michael HorneJim Wiechmann’s Gothic Mansion
The real estate tycoon and owner of Stevens Point Brewery has one of the grandest mansions in town.
Mar 8th, 2013 by Michael HorneBrady Street BID Expands Boundaries?
And Milwaukee's corporations asleep on gay marriage issue?
Mar 6th, 2013 by Michael HorneA Historic Milwaukee Celebration
Plus: A national green award for The Brewery; and bringing fruit trees to Walker's Point.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee31 Townhomes Coming to Riverwest
All are apartments with lots of amenities but do they maximize their proximity to the river?
Feb 22nd, 2013 by Dave ReidFacing the Foreclosure Crisis
A packed crowd at City Hall listened to experts discuss the problem of foreclosed homes and possible solutions.
Feb 8th, 2013 by Grace FuhrNeighbors Boiling Over Boylston Plan
Too much congestion, they complain. Ald. Kovac is feeling the heat.
Jan 23rd, 2013 by Michael HornePizza and the Park East
Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.
Dec 11th, 2012 by Urban MilwaukeeMayor Backs Flynn, Slams Newspaper
Journal Sentinel’s series on data errors “takes crime fighting officers off the street,” Barrett charges.
Dec 6th, 2012 by Bruce MurphyThe Dead Zones
Two new apartment buildings for Downtown's fringes, and two new coffee houses. All spell progress.
Nov 29th, 2012 by Urban MilwaukeePower Play
A city committee resists heavy lobbying and forestalls a special taxing district for Juneau Park and Cathedral Square.
Oct 14th, 2012 by Dave ReidFour More Years
The Common Council approves the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux for another term.
Sep 25th, 2012 by Dave ReidThe Saga Continues
Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.
Sep 19th, 2012 by Dave ReidThis is the End, Beautiful Friend
Some thoughts on the bitter end of Sydney Hih.
Jul 28th, 2012 by Dave ReidA Really Rocky Road
Opponents succeed in delaying the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, sending a message to Marcoux and Mayor Barrett.
Jul 25th, 2012 by Dave ReidNot Too Rocky a Road. So Far.
DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux's reappointment won committee approval, but what will the full council do?
Jul 18th, 2012 by Dave ReidNew Bike Transit System?
A city committee votes to support a system of bike-sharing kiosks. Other cities have cut auto traffic this way.
Jul 13th, 2012 by Dave ReidPlan Commission Recommends Approval of Five-story Apartment Building
Green features garner support for apartment project from Alderman and neighborhood.
Jul 10th, 2012 by Dave ReidOne More Chance for the Sydney HIH
Parliamentary procedure buys the Sydney HIH a few more days.
Jul 6th, 2012 by Dave ReidRocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce MurphyThe War Against Chief Flynn
Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?
Jun 18th, 2012 by Bruce MurphyNew Zoning Would Allow Taller East Side Buildings
In one of its "shortest meetings ever," the City Plan Commission recommended letting North Avenue rise higher.
May 30th, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneBiking Takes Spotlight this Summer
Highlights include 76 miles of new or improved bike lanes, and a raised bike lane for Bay View.
May 30th, 2012 by Dave ReidEast Library Gains Zoning Approval, Rest of District Held
Residents are still a little restive about it, but the East Side's buildings are likely to get a little higher, to judge by the results of today's City Plan Commission meeting.
May 21st, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneFuture of Transit Discussion at the top of the US Bank Center
If you care about transit in Milwaukee, or if you simply want the best view of the city available, come to the 40th floor of the US Bank Center next Monday night, April 16th from 5:30 until 8:00 for a cocktail hour and discussion on the future of transit in Milwaukee and how we move through the city.
Apr 11th, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneJackson St. Apartment Proposal Approved at Zoning Committee
Back for a second time, Dermond Property Investments' request for a change in zoning for the properties 1601 N. Jackson and 522 E. Pleasant, the former Joey's Restaurant location, from Local Business (LB2) to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD) was once again in front of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Apr 5th, 2012 by Dave ReidHines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics
Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.
Apr 4th, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneTalgos being Mothballed, Bike Corrals Return, YP Week, and More
Welcome to the fifth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at mothballing the new Talgo trainsets for the Amtrak Hiawatha line, the return of the bike corrals, Young Professional Week, free music from the Milwaukee Public Library, and more.
Mar 21st, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneCity Plan Commission Recommends Revised Jackson St. Apartment Building for Approval
Dermond Property Investments' request for a change in zoning for the properties 1601 N. Jackson and 522 E. Pleasant, the former Joey's Restaurant location, from Local Business (LB2) to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD) was once again before the City Plan Commission. The proposal was required to go back before the City Plan Commission, because the number of rental units in the proposal had changed.
Mar 19th, 2012 by Dave ReidZoning Committee Votes for Approval of MSOE Parking Garage
MSOE's $28 million, 750 stall parking garage proposal received approval at the February 22nd, 2012 meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting.
Feb 23rd, 2012 by Dave ReidThe North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.
Feb 16th, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneEast Library Redevelopment Update and Estimated Schedule
A public meeting was held at Milwaukee Public Library's East Library last night to present updates and answer questions on East Library redevelopment proposal.
Feb 9th, 2012 by Jeramey JanneneRiverwest private dorm recommended for denial by City Plan Commission
Trinitas Ventures' request for a change in zoning, from Industrial Light 2 to Detail Plan Development, was recommended for denial by the City Plan Commission at the February 6th, 2012 meeting.
Feb 7th, 2012 by Dave ReidJackson Street Apartment Proposal Held at Committee
Dermond Property Investments' request for a change in zoning for the properties 1601 N. Jackson and 522 E. Pleasant St. from Local Business (LB2) to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD) was held at today's Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Jan 10th, 2012 by Dave ReidHSI/WiRED Properties Proposal Picked for East Library
The Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustee’s Building and Development Committee met at the East Library on Wednesday night to hear final proposals from the three respondents to the East Library Redevelopment RFP. Following a closed session for deliberations, the Building and Development Committee voted to move the proposal from HSI Properties forward to the full Library Board.
Nov 10th, 2011 by Jeramey JanneneHMI Doors Open 2011 Recommendations
Imagine this for a moment -- you’re a kid in a candy store, and as things go, this candy store is opening for the first time ever and only for one weekend. Oh gosh. You’ve dreamed of this cornucopia of confections so many times before, you know every name and shiny wrapper in the store... but your eyes are bigger than your stomach. How can you pick just a choice few, knowing your slight allowance won’t let you have all that you want? It’s the best and worst kind of agony.
Sep 21st, 2011 by Adam CarrMixed-Use East Library Proposals Meet the Neighbors
Wednesday night, Alderman Nik Kovac held a public meeting to allow feedback to be voiced regarding the three proposed alternatives for the redevelopment of the one-story East Library into a mixed-use facility. The meeting was a follow-up to a meeting last November discussing the potential of issuing a request-for-proposal (RFP) for the redevelopment of the East Library site. Attendees at the meeting were provided with an update on the process and allowed to ask questions about the process and proposals. The predictable East Side public meeting questions were aired, but which, if any, of the proposals will be selected?
Sep 15th, 2011 by Jeramey JanneneMSOE Parking Garage Proposal Needs Work
Talks between M&I, MSOE, and Milwaukee County regarding MSOE's proposed parking garage in the Park East have dragged on for months, and it is likely because of a new detail that makes a marginal project into a bad project.
Jun 14th, 2011 by Dave ReidJohn Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism
One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.
Jun 1st, 2011 by Jeramey JanneneMarriott Approved. Greenwich Park Apartments Approved
Two controversial development projects received key approvals at the January 19th, 2011 meeting of the Common Council.
Jan 20th, 2011 by Dave ReidGreenwich Park Apartments Zoning Change Approved by Committee
Mercy Housing Lakefront's $8.5 million Greenwich Park Apartments project received approval at the January 11th, 2011 meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Jan 12th, 2011 by Dave ReidMercy Housing’s East Side Proposal is Recommended for Approval by City Plan Commission
Mercy Housing Lakefront's Greenwich Park Apartments proposal was recommended for approval at the December 6th, 2010 meeting of the City Plan Commission.
Dec 6th, 2010 by Dave ReidMercy Housing Lakefront Presents Updated Design to East Side Residents (Renderings)
At last night's East Side town hall meeting Mercy Housing Lakefront presented a further refined design for an $8.5 million apartment building to be constructed at the corner of N. Farwell Ave. and Thomas St. on Milwaukee's East Side.
Nov 17th, 2010 by Dave ReidA Mixed-Use Library to Replace the East Library?
Alderman Nik Kovac, whose district includes the East Library on 1910 E. North Avenue, held a public meeting on November 11th to solicit feedback on the proposal of converting the one-story, single-use library into a mixed-use building.The meeting, which was held at the East Library meeting room, attracted a standing-room only crowd, and included representatives from the Library Board (of which Kovac is a member), the Department of City Development, and the Mayor's office
Nov 14th, 2010 by Jeramey JanneneGroup Unveils Temporary Public Art on Capitol Drive
To fill the gap between the site's multi-year transformation from brownfield to productive industrial space, the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation and Business Improvement District #37 invited IN:SITE to create art installations that generate interest in the area.
Oct 21st, 2010 by Jeramey JannenePublic Safety Committee Approves New Milwaukee Bike Plan
The Bicycle Master Plan was presented to the Public Safety Committee at the September 16th, 2010 meeting.
Sep 17th, 2010 by Dave ReidMilwaukee to Contract Nationally Recognized Transit Expert
At the May 4th, 2010 meeting of the Common Council, Alderman Bauman brought forward an item that would allow the City of Milwaukee to enter into a contract with an expert consultant, Jeffery Boothe, for the purpose of facilitating the next steps of the Milwaukee Streetcar project.
May 5th, 2010 by Dave ReidMilwaukee River Greenway Overlay Zone Approved by City Plan Commission
At the May 3rd, 2010 City Plan Commission meeting the proposed Milwaukee River Greenway Overlay District was brought for the commission for approval. This overlay district would impact 370 properties, these are properties that property lines are within approximately 50 feet of the river bluff, of which 70 to 80% is existing parkland.
May 4th, 2010 by Dave ReidThe Moderne Gains Common Council Approval for City Loans
The Moderne development received approval for $9.3 millions in loans from the City of Milwaukee that led developer Rick Barrett had been seeking.
Nov 3rd, 2009 by Dave ReidRecall? I don’t think so.
It seems every month there is another recall proposed.
Nov 3rd, 2009 by Dave ReidCommon Council Creates Streetcar Committee
The proposed snow and ice fee increase, the furloughs, the possible use of eminent domain for economic development, and the formation of a streetcar committee were topics of interest at this Common Council meeting.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Dave Reid

















































