Nik Kovac

Join Urban Milwaukee’s Happy Hour Q&A

Get discounted Gathering Place beers and join our first online happy hour. With exclusive interview of Ald. Nik Kovac.

Joint statement on free COVID-19 testing for Milwaukee’s communities of color

From Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

City To Furlough, Cut Hours For 750 Employees

Revenue down $27 million in pandemic and city forced to make cuts.

Johnson Chooses Powerful Committee Chairs

Not every supporter rewarded. New council president says picks reflect experience, not politics.

Common Council President Cavalier Johnson announces 2020-2024 committee assignments

7 COVID-19 Cases From In-Person Voting?

Likely to rise as Health Department reviews all data. Council pushes for absentee voting.

Johnson Elected Council President

Second-term Ald. Cavalier Johnson defeats Ashanti Hamilton and Milele Coggs.

Proposal Would Mail Milwaukee Voters Absentee Request Forms

Proposal from incoming Dimitrijevic would make it easier for people to vote in November election.

Plastic Straw Ban Went Into Effect, Did Anyone Notice?

As of yesterday, city restaurants and bars must obey. Which is the least of their concerns.

City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal

Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.

2020 Spring Election Results

Live City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County results for the April 7th Spring Election.

Investor Buys Signature Downer Ave Properties

Seattle firm acquires much of East Side commercial corridor, including Downer Theatre building.

Common Council Candidates

Ten contested races could reshape 15-member council.

Should City Workers Get COVID Bonus?

Public Works employees can't work from home, face more risk of COVID-19.

Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto

Should Friends of Housing contract be terminated? Did mayor violate attorney-client privilege or council violate city charter?

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.

City Selling “Prime” E. North Ave Site

Seeks developer for Riverwest site that could host affordable housing.

City’s Permit Could Charge Summerfest

Revised special events permit could charge festival full price of police security.

Committee Approves Large Solar Deal After Contentious Debate

Ald. Bob Bauman's amendments attempt to set baseline, grow value of deal.

Streetcar Kiosks Could Bring In $500,000 Annually

System of 35 interactive kiosks could be online as early as May.

Mystery Deepens on Leaked Police Video

More than the video was leaked. Police Department avoids comment. City Attorney helping FPC investigation.

Neighbors React to New East Side Apartment Building

Meeting attendees offer feedback on renderings, ask who secret developers are.

City Okays Convention Center Expansion

Cost of $300 to $375 million. Murphy questions whether it will fill more hotel rooms.

East Side Home Design Approved

After 18 months of debate, two new East Side homes in historic district okayed.

Design of Brady Street Building Approved

Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's proposed building sails through historic commission.

Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals

Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.

90-Unit Apartment Complex for East Side

Proposal would raze four buildings for seven-story complex across from Columbia St. Mary's Hospital.

Bucks Player to Buy City Lot for $105,000

Mixed-use building on Brady Street will be Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's second Milwaukee project.

Is Tire Disposal Fee Causing Illegal Dumping?

Council wants data, raises concerns.

Barrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video

Chief Morales says he didn’t leak it; mayor, council leader want investigation, find out who did.

The Riverwest Filling Station is a Gas

A Riverwest gem with a long and storied past.

Plan Will Build City’s Largest Solar Array

City, We Energies partner on eight-acre solar farm, enough electricity to power 400 homes.

Climate Task Force Readying Report

Officials discuss joint city-county report on environmental strategies due in March.

Council Inches Toward Universal Basic Income

Proposal will create a framework, needs philanthropic support.

Did Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?

Common Council concerned. “Borderline frightening” use of police power, Bauman charges.

Lakefront Tower Loses A Few Floors

Plus: Northridge Mall trial starts, Foxconn bailing on project could cause up to $120 million state bailout.

Second New East Side Home Revealed

Designs submitted for second new home in North Point Historic District.

Council, Aldrete Again Spar Over FPC

Shouting, an open letter, highly-sensitive leak. The mess at Fire & Police Commission continues.

Meet the Candidates for City Offices

Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.

City Deconstruction Delayed Through 2020

Officials hope to build contractor capacity in program focused on jobs and environment.

Officials Advance $500/Month Basic Income Plan

Are you low-income and want $500 per month? The city has a pilot plan, almost.

Is There A Plan To Prevent New Tent City?

City officials worry. If no plan, should state build a campground under highway?

Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney

But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?

Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate

Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.

Stunned Council Grills FPC Director

"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.

Council Bans Most Plastic Straws

Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.

Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto

Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget

Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes

Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.

Two Efforts Target Climate Change

State and county task forces are separate but overlapping efforts responding to crisis.

Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws

Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.

Aldermen Push Gender Neutral Bathrooms

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

Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget

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

Climate and Economic Equity Taskforce Co-chairs Announce Members

News Release from Alderman Nik Kovac

Climate and Economic Equity Taskforce Co-chairs Announce Members, Set First Meeting for Nov. 11

"I'm confident that my colleagues on the taskforce share my sense of enthusiasm and urgency, and I know we're all eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work."

Street Safety Funding Passes Committee

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

Council Okays St. Augustine’s $30 Million Plan

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

Residents Rally for Clean Drinking Water

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

Proposal Gives Residents a Basic Income

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

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday

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

Committee Approves City BRT Agreement

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

Council Debates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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

NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments

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

Deconstruction Program Expected to Restart Next Week

Contractor will start after months of delays.

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.

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

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

The East Sider Awaits

New apartment building near UWM is nearly finished.

Brady Street Building Being Rehabbed, Expanded

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

Master Lock Plan Closes City Streets

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

Should City Pay a Tire Bounty?

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

Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?

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

City Recycled More in 2018

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

Clock Tower Building Worth $3.5 Million

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

What Is An 1886 Firehouse Worth?

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

Council Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs

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

Aldermen Blast City’s Call Center

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

Committee Okays City Pedestrian Plan

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

Komatsu Unveils Harbor District Designs

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

HPC Board Puts Modern Homes on Hold

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

Council Passes New Tow Truck Rules

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

ZND Panel Okays “Condo Canyon” Project

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

Committee Approves 32-Story Tower

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

City Advancing Riverwest Bike Boulevards

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

Is the City Ready for Scooters?

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

Von Trier Revisited

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

City to Study More Recycling Pickups

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

Hacienda Beer Company A Radical Redo

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

Meet The East Sider

Distinctive shape of new apartment building near UWM emerges.

Commission Okays Water St. Apartment Project

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

City Will Raise Its Water Rates

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

Resolution to adopt a Green Infrastructure Plan for the City of Milwaukee advances to the Common Council

“The Green Infrastructure Plan will reduce the amount of rainwater that flows into the sewerage system following a wet-weather event.”

City Is Repaving More Streets

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

Mayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week

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

Council approves resolution supporting creation of federal Green New Deal legislation

News release by Alderman Nik Kovac and Cavalier Johnson

Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee

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

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

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

A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee

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

Ogden Files for Lower East Side Zoning Change

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

City a Leader in Complete Streets Policy

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

Mayor Barrett: Secure Our Neighborhoods, Fix Our Streets, and Enough with Your Damned Streetcar

Aldermen urge citizens to voice their opposition to the streetcar by saying “Enough is Enough!’ Joint statement from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski May 6, 2019

11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions

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

Contribution to David Crowley of $30