Nik Kovac

Collaborative, community focused approach needed for stimulus fund allocation

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, 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 Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Common Council honors Dr. Joan Prince for decades of service to Milwaukee

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

City Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks

Council members and mayor urge Oshkosh Corporation to consider Milwaukee location.

Sales Tax Proposal Would Increase Revenue Diversification, Support Local Communities

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Jose G. Perez, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II and Alderman Nik Kovac

Council members to join ministers, legal experts and renters to urge funding remedy amid COVID housing crisis

Continuing King Drive is continuing the work of Dr. King

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 22, 2021

On the passing of Henry “Hank” Aaron

From all members of the Common Council -- Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, 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

What Can City Do About Pension Crisis?

Milwaukee must find at least $90 million annually starting in 2023. All options are on the table.

Another Step in a 1,000-mile Journey

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Mark Borkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez

Joint Statement on the Passing of Ms. Maria Monreal-Cameron

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

Council Overrides Mayoral Veto, Wants Power To Fire Police Chief

Council wants Legislature to give it firing power. Mayor's veto of this fails.

Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…

Police department agrees to certain conditions for grant intended to reform operations.

Municipal Court Firing Debt Collector

Duncan Solutions being dropped less than a year after deal started.

New City HR Director Impresses Alders

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

Milwaukee Seeks Data for Vision Zero Push

Consultant would identify dangerous interactions, develop predictive model.

Flames of insurrection and victimhood lead to siege of the People’s House

From Alderwoman Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Joint Statement on Charging Decision in Jacob Blake Case

From members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

We All Know What “ZIP Code” is Code For

From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II,

Vote No on COPS Grant

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

Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant

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

Forest Home Library Not Historic, Clinic Approved

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

It’s Not Just About 30 Police Officers

The debate about the federal COPS grant is really about long-term commitments and generational change

Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs

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

Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant

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

Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant

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

Recount seeks to delegitimize our votes in a failed attempt to steal an election

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton

Riverwest Apartment Complex Planned

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

Ride the Riverwest Bike Boulevards

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

Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”

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

Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget

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

Committee recommends approval of omnibus budget amendment

Amendment provides funding for healthy food access, lead abatement, CART teams and Community Collaborative Commission, among other initiatives

SafeHomes initiative expands lead abatement efforts for a lead-free Milwaukee

The “Molotov Cocktail” That Wasn’t

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

MPD Assistant Chief Gets Denver Suburb’s Top Job

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

City Could Lose 30 More Police Officers

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

Communication file on social justice issues going before Steering and Rules Committee

Council Backs New Handling of 911 Calls

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

Council approves creating unarmed first responder program

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

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

Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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

Communication file introduced to source community input on social justice issues

Committee passes motion relating to protective services vacancies

Would require MPD to explore possibility of filling openings by non-sworn employees

Wisconsin municipalities should be able to count mail-in ballots early

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

South Side Mourns Death of Jason Cleereman

Immigration attorney, neighborhood leader lost to senseless killing.

Council approves resolution directing creation of zero-tolerance racism and sexism policy

FPC to discuss policy at tonight’s meeting

Milwaukee loses a strong community advocate to senseless shooting

Joint statement from Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

We have your back, Colectivo workers

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

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 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

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

120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning

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

Milwaukee athletes take a stand in support of racial justice

Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Scott Spiker

Lamar refuses billboard ads with Black Lives Matter content

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman José G. Pérez 

Milwaukee Ends Compost Program

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

Assessment Commissioner Keeps His Job

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

Council’s Police Reform Wish List Grows

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

Council approves resolution seeking to provide greater broadband access throughout Milwaukee

Council Might Fire Assessor Steve Miner

Assessment Commissioner finds little support from Judiciary & Legislation Committee.

Too many failures: We have no confidence in Chief Morales

Joint statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Russell W. Stamper and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey July 20, 2020

Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed

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

Remembering John Lewis

Joint statement from Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey July 20, 2020

Public comment sought again for next set of cabinet-level appointees

Leadership for Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Review, Assessor’s Office, Department of Administration and Department of Employee Relations set for next week

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

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

Resolutions urging Fire and Police Commission to adopt new reform policies recommended for approval

Public comment wanted for next set of cabinet-level appointees

Leadership for Public Works, Water Works, Port, Health Department and Emergency Management & Communications Director set for this week

Council Seeks Police Reform, But Will It Happen?

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

Selection of next executive director of the Fire and Police Commission must involve community and must be transparent

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Caviler Johnson

Mask Mandate Passes Committee

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

Council approves ‘weapon drawn’ legislation for FPC to review

Council effort to create lead-safe program moves forward

Resolution requiring Council approval for purchasing of crowd control and militaristic equipment approved today

Marches, Celebrations, Calls For Justice

Independence Day doesn't distract marchers.

Council Grilling, But Advancing Mayoral Appointees

Most being confirmed unanimously after long meetings.

Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD

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

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.

Council Committee Debates Oversight For Police Military-Grade Purchases

Would require approval for all purchases.

Protests throughout Wisconsin must remain peaceful

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council - Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker

Register of Deeds Israel Ramón Announces Early List of Endorsements

Elected officials from across Milwaukee County, state, support Ramón

City’s Protesters Under Police Surveillance?

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

Lower Speed Limits & Active Streets Coming to the East Side

East Side businesses are open and ready to serve you!

Council Wants No Pay for Suspended Officers

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

Council passes resolution seeking Juneteenth Day become a federal holiday

Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut

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

Community deserves to hear from department leaders on plans for change

Joint statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, and Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

Council passes resolution seeking greater accountability for officers involved in homicides

Council Proposes 10% Police Budget Cut

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

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?

Move expands early voting access from three to 16 sites.

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

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

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

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

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

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

County Board Unanimously Supports Including Transitional Jobs Program in COVID-19 Relief

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

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

Assessment Appeal Deadline Extended

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

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.

Council Debates Assessment Process

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

Contribution to David Crowley of $30