Nik Kovac

Perez Shakes Up Committee Assignments

Musical chairs game has new leaders at the helm of city's most powerful committees.

Vliet Street Reconstruction Gets Federal Funding

Plus: Humboldt reconstruction nearly 50% over budget and the future of Highway 175.

Special Election Called For Northside Aldermanic Seat

Winner will replace newly-elected Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Statement on the election of Alderman José Pérez as Common Council President

By Common Council members: Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II April 19, 2022

Rep. Brostoff Will Run For Aldermanic Seat

Jonathan Brostoff will seek seat being vacated by Nik Kovac and won't run for re-election to State Assembly.

Perez Elected Common Council President

Ald. Jose Perez is first Latino to lead council. Fills vacancy created by Johnson's election as mayor.

Mayor Selects Alderman Nik Kovac to Serve as Budget Director

Ald. Kovac Named Budget Director, Will Resign Council Seat

Kovac has represented the East Side and Riverwest since 2008.

The Curious Story of the ‘LIFE’ Building

1927 building built with tavern earnings now home to Community Roofing & Restoration.

The Fight Over Columbia Hospital

Council poised to give building historic protection; UWM could sue.

New Assessments Hike Residential Values By 17.7%

Property values surging across the entire city, but won't necessary mean a tax increase.

Traffic Calming Efforts Advancing On Two Downtown Arteries

Water and Van Buren streets would be rebuilt with a focus on safety.

Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.

Former Hospital Designated Historic

HPC decision made despite UWM's objections. But alderman thinks real fight yet to come.

Four-Story Riverwest Apartments Okayed By Plan Commission

Development team hopes to open 91-unit building, food accelerator in summer 2023.

UWM Plan To Raze Columbia Hospital Stalled

Historic Preservation Commission grants building temporary historic designation.

Van Buren Could Receive Protected Bike Lane

City of Milwaukee considering three options.

Huge River House Expansion Advancing

Council committee supports subsidy to extend riverwalk segment for addition of two-building apartment complex.

City Poised To Use $8.5 Million From TIFs to Combat Reckless Driving

Projects located near Midtown Center, Burnham Park and East Town.

Council Suspends Mangos Cafe For 30 Days

Issues outside of bar draw ire of neighbors

Dimitrijevic’s Parental Leave Policy Passed

Council votes 10-2 in favor, but measure reduced from 12 to six weeks paid leave.

Statement on the passing of Dr. Lester Carter

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II.

Anti-Harassment Policy Expanded After City Attorney Case

Effort took more than a year, from investigation to enactment.

City Moving Toward Cash Vaccination Incentives, Free Rapid Tests

But first the city must figure out how it can purchase the tests.

Milwaukee Arts Board Announces 2022 Application Cycle for Public Art Conservation Fund

Thank you, Governor Tony Evers

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Nik Kovac, and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

County Pension Bonds Saved Up To $269 Million

Could the city use this financial mechanism to lower costs?

Council Suspends Downtown’s ELMNT Lounge For 60 Days

Action taken after police and others argue over how a homicide near bar was handled.

Bucks Player’s Brady St. Building A Neat Fit

Second Milwaukee project by Pat Connaughton's company blends into historic street.

New Vegan Restaurant For East Side

Plus: indoor dining returns to Uncle Wolfies. West Allis cafe gets new name. And a downtown bar gets suspended.

Milwaukee Releases Draft Plan For New Council Districts

Every aldermanic district would change under proposed plan.

State bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Zoning Committee Okays Factory-to-Housing Conversions

Former dairy plant and one-time Perlick factory could both become housing.

Milwaukee Adopts New Ward Map For City

New districts coming next week. Riverwest further split between two council districts.

Duke’s on Water, Scooter’s Pub Suspended

Two bars will be closed Nov. 26 through Dec. 15 due to issues in police report.

Milwaukee Adopts ‘Calm Before The Storm’ 2022 Budget

No fee increases and small tax increase as city bolsters pension reserve fund in anticipation of fiscal cliff.

Van Buren Will Become Two Lane Street

New bike lanes and parallel parking added, as four lanes for cars reduced to two.

Mandela Barnes Earns Over 100 Endorsements from Wisconsin Elected Officials in Race for U.S. Senate

Barnes Has Built an Unparalleled Statewide Coalition to Defeat Ron Johnson

Committee Recommends Few Budget Amendments

No fee increases and few changes as council braces for next year's fiscal cliff.

Housing Authority employee target of attempted carjacking

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W Stamper, II

School Will Be Redeveloped, But Into What?

Committee endorses zoning change for former Catholic school on East Side.

Common Council approves of ARPA funding for MLK Library development

Dairy-Centric Apartment Building Wins Plan Commission Approval

Kendall Breunig plans to convert former plant to 17 apartments.

Council Strikes Deal On How To Spend $179 Million ARPA Allocation

Housing, lead abatement, child care, police recruits, violence prevention, a new MLK library and more.

Committee recommends approval of ARPA omnibus proposal

Includes funding for public safety and crime prevention, housing, lead abatement, continued COVID response and more

Common Council Has 7 Times The Ideas As It Has Funding

82 ideas for how to spend $394.2 million federal grant. What will council choose?

Council looks to maximize positive benefits with ARPA-funded housing rehab and construction work

Homicides, Shootings, Auto Thefts All At Record Highs

MPD Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman presents vision of community-centered approach to solving issues.

Work Nears Completion on New Brady Street Building

Two-story building replaces vacant lot.

12 Options to Solve Milwaukee’s Fiscal Crisis

Nine are bad says alderman. Without solution Milwaukee would need to cut one-fourth of workforce.

Plan Commission Okays East Side Project

But with conditions. Former Saints Peter and Paul building could be redeveloped in many ways.

Prospect Ave. Building Built By Lumber Baron

Now owned by PR man Carl Mueller, selling converted mansion for $1.5 million.

Catholic School Could Become Apartments, Hotel or Arts Collective

Or maybe something else. Neighbors hear proposal for former St. Peter St. Paul School on East Side.

Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office

Resignation forms cite ethical violations, poor treatment of women & more by Tearman Spencer.

East Side Historic District Could Expand

Move to designate two Summit Ave. homes spurs proposal to expand North Point South Historic District.

Census Data Shows Changing Milwaukee Demographics

Fewer white residents citywide, but shrinking population totals in many majority-Black neighborhoods.

Committee OK’s ARPA Funding for Ambulances, Reckless Driving and Eviction Prevention

Finance & Personnel Committee recommends spending $14 million of city's $394 million ARPA allocation.

Beerline Shuffle community walk takes place this Saturday

The walk will begin and end at the Beerline Plaza located at 3350 N. Holton Street, and the route will feature a scavenger hunt, live music and multiple community art projects.

Congratulations Colectivo workers

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Scott Spiker

City Creating Zoning Code For EV Chargers

City anticipates surge in electric vehicles and could get federal money for charging stations.

Eighteen Milwaukee Local Elected Officials Endorse Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for U.S. Senate

Summit Houses Historic, For Now

The two houses are part of proposed apartment building site. Are they being demolished out of spite?

Proposal Requires Vaccinations for City Employees

More than 6,000 city workers would need to get vaccinated or face weekly testing.

Historic Designation Could Block East Side Apartments

A seven-story 90 unit apartment complex versus two modest 1899 homes.

Arlington Place Now A Two-Way Street

It's now a little bit easier to get around the East Side.

Six Council Members Want Tougher Pandemic Rules

Push mayor for indoor mask mandate and mandatory vaccinations for city employees.

The 1500s on Jefferson Street Okayed

City committee approves, but not before opponent sings six-verse rap as public testimony.

East Side Apartment Complex Gets Key Approval

"Overwhelming" opposition doesn't stop approval of new affordable housing complex.

Plan Commission Approves East Side Affordable Housing Design

79-unit apartment complex on Water Street approved despite neighbors concerns.

City Task Force Considers Unarmed First Responders

Unarmed responders would field calls for non-violent crimes.

Council approves resolution related to ARPA fund distribution and tracking

New Apartments for N. Water St. Draw Opposition

Brandon Rule seeks to build workforce housing development along Milwaukee River.

Plan Commission Okays East Side Project

But driveways to four townhomes take away street parking on Jefferson, which concerns some.

Council Closes Gare-Bear’s On N. 27th St.

The tavern's liquor license renewal was denied after the owner determined to be indifferent to neighborhood concerns.

Unarmed First Responders Task Force now underway

Reckless driving behavior continues to be a detriment to our community

Joint statement from members of the Common Council – Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Mark Borkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez

Derogatory comments aimed at Milwaukee miss the mark

Trees, Transit Thwart Riverwest Bike Lanes Plan

Humboldt Boulevard won't get protected bike lane because it would kill too many trees.

Mayor Creates Pension Crisis Task Force

City needs to find an additional $77 million annually starting in 2023.

City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000

Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.

Council Approves Federal Drug Trafficking Grants

Activist asks what success fighting War on Drugs looks like? MPD lists arrests, seizures.

Council approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act file

Brady Street Development Underway

Two-story building will replace vacant lot.

Stimulus Funds Won’t Cancel Streetlighting Fee

Sorry taxpayers, money from fee can't be replaced by pandemic aid, federal rules say.

East Side Condo Plan Still a Parking Lot

Eight-story project on Prospect delayed. Developer requests 5 more years for a parking lot.

Meet The 1500s

Office building and four townhomes planned for Jefferson Street.

Milwaukee Tool deal is important to our city on multiple levels

Joint statement from Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

Council Closes Junior’s Cocktail Lounge

After 22 police calls, $26,500 in COVID-19 fines and many neighbor complaints, council votes to shut down bar.

Council approves transparency file for receipt and distribution of ARPA funds

2021 Arbor Day Marks Start of New Beer Tradition

City's annual holiday tree is now funding tree planting.

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

New City Attorney is quite public with his frustrations with those he is tasked with representing.

Pension Costs Will Cause Huge Worker Layoffs

One-sixth of city workforce projected for cuts by 2026, with added cuts in future years.

City Must Decide How To Spend $405 Million

Latest federal COVID-19 stimulus plan creates pleasant challenge for mayor, council.

Meet the District 5 School Board Candidates

Alex Brower and Jilly Gokalgandhi compete to replace outgoing school board director Larry Miller.

Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee

But property owners will need to pay at least once.

City Rejects Hawley Rd. Flood Settlement

Residents left soaked with costs after settlement agreement falls apart. Their attorney thinks it might cost even more to sue.

Council Wants Ann Wilson Off Fire & Police Commission

9-6 vote against her reappointment. But they lack the authority to remove her.

North and Summit Apartment Proposal Revised

Seven-story building drew substantial opposition when introduced last year.

Proposal Ends Fines for Pot Possession

No fines for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for a first-time offense.

New East Side Homes

Two new houses rising in North Point historic district.

Contribution to David Crowley of $30