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 5
Mayor Wants Three Streetcar Extensions
Will request engineering study of extensions to Bronzeville and Walker's Point
May 1st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
State 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 Pruni
Milwaukeeans Getting Worse at Driving
Crashes up 51% since 2009. Is cell phone use by drivers helping drive numbers?
Apr 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The 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 Jannene
Meet the City’s Pothole Patrol
Turns out those frequently maligned parking checkers do more than issue tickets.
Apr 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Wants to Design A New City Flag?
Common Council starting process intended to end flag debate.
Apr 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Neighbors Okay Water St. Project Plan
Odgen's six-floor, 76 unit apartment complex along Jackson gets support.
Apr 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Trump 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 Mendez
Milwaukee Alders rally behind JoCasta Zamarripa in race to be next 8th District Alderwoman
"I’m honored to have the support of so many strong leaders in the City of Milwaukee."
Apr 3rd, 2019 by Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa
76-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 Jannene
More Parking, Traffic Flow for East Side
Arlington Place will become two-way street between Brady and Warren.
Apr 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Nomad World Pub Worth $1.75 Million
The sales price is $1 million more than its assessed value.
Apr 1st, 2019 by Michael Horne
City Approves DNC Contract
City expects $50 million from federal government to pay for security.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Any 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 Jannene
1870s 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 Horne
Food 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 Jannene
Council 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 Jannene
City Struggles to Keep Up Snow Plowing
Problems include aging equipment, staff shortages and inexperienced operators.
Feb 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Three 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 Jannene
Joint statement on the death of a Department of Public Works worker
From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Robert Donovan, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez, Alderman Terry L. Witkowski, Alderman Tony Zielinski, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Feb 8th, 2019 by Milwaukee Common Council
Joint statement on fallen Milwaukee Police Officer
From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez, Alderman Robert Donovan, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Terry L. Witkowski, Alderman Cavalier Johnson and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski
Feb 6th, 2019 by Milwaukee Common Council
City 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 Lydersen
Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works
Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.
Jan 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
2900 Apartments Starts to Rise
New 55-unit apartment building at Oakland and Locust will be five floors high.
Jan 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
7 Modern Townhomes Off Brady Planned
Developer Jason Pietsch plans pretty pricey condos along Pulaski Park.
Jan 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The 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 Horne
New Downtown Apartment Building
Is the second time the charm for a long vacant downtown site?
Jan 13th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
City-wide School Board Candidate Bob Peterson announces endorsement from 23 elected officials
The full list of elected officials to have endorsed Bob Peterson for MPS school board represents a broad span of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.
Jan 9th, 2019 by Bob Peterson
Construction Moving Along at St. Rita Square
Did DCD and alderman save the project from being value engineered?
Dec 31st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Easton Rises
Apartment building being constructed on site between Ogden and Brady.
Dec 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council 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 Jannene
Izzy Hops Is Long on Beer, History
Former Rascals, Murray Tap, in 121-year old building, embraces new East Side.
Dec 10th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Henry’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 Horne
Episode 001
Guests Bruce Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac join Jeramey Jannene to talk city issues.
Nov 29th, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Council Slaps Down Mayor’s Vetoes
Legislative body rejects all five vetoes by Mayor Tom Barrett.
Nov 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
10 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 Jannene
Arts 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 Jannene
Council Adopts 2019 City Budget
Average homeowner will see $51.88 increase, no change in total fire and police officers.
Nov 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Opens to Public
"This is your assignment: ride the streetcar," says Mayor Barrett.
Nov 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy
Mayor, city officials and activists gather to celebrate new legislation.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
New Bar and Restaurant for East Side
Merge, a new establishment focusing on lighter snack items, plans November opening.
Oct 19th, 2018 by Jennifer Rick
Council Passes Complete Streets Policy
Streets for all, not just cars, is now the law of the land.
Oct 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
How 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 Jannene
Committee Okays Complete Streets Policy
Proposal on street design places pedestrians and cyclists on same level as motorists
Oct 3rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Hammes HQ Nears Completion
Brookfield firm will move Downtown before the end of the year.
Sep 28th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
East 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 Rick
Council Okays Market-Based Parking Fees
But Tony Zielinski adamantly opposes it, joined by four other council members.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Three 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 Jannene
Up-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 Horne
Work Starts on 2900 Apartments
Building with Cousins on Oakland and Locust goes down; five story complex going up.
Aug 31st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Developer 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 Horne
Brady Street Project Cancelled
City marketing vacant lot on Lower East Side main street for $105,000.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Bring On the Dockless Bicycles!
City officials announce they will accept proposals for dockless bikeshare.
Aug 24th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Meeting Addresses Swing Park Homicides
Mayor, police, city officials, residents have a solution-oriented meeting short on anger.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Michael Horne
Riverwest’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 Horne
MillerCoors Razes Historic Gettelman Building
Brewery's demolition part of compromise to add parking, preserve Gettleman house.
Aug 16th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
A Home Built for Entertaining
Owners of this riverfront home hold their share of Democratic fundraisers.
Aug 10th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Nomad’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 Horne
New Lower East Side Apartments
Klein Development developing 96-unit building south of E. Brady St.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Joint Statement on the death of Officer Michael Michalski
From Alderman Terry Witkowski, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez, Alderman Nicholas Kovac, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Tony Zielinski, Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, and Alderman Robert Bauman
Jul 26th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Mandel’s $130 Million Harbor Development
Plus: more manufacturing in West Allis.
Jul 22nd, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
The House of Spider George
He's the entertainment director of Festa Italiana, and married to a Mafia don's daughter.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Council Delays Flag Decision
Delegates Milwaukee Arts Board to decide if new flag needed and how to proceed.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
New Homes Planned for East Side
Sticky details delay developer's plan for three homes near Columbia St. Mary's.
Jul 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Zielinski Ramps Up Mayoral Campaign
"I want to run against Barrett," alderman says, laying out issues he will use against mayor.
Jul 10th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Problems with Deconstruction
New city program is promising, but also faces obstacles.
Jul 5th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
First Buildings Deconstructed Under New Law
But Ald. Bauman fears high bids from companies may make law impractical.
Jun 29th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
The House of City Insiders
Former city tax assessor Julie Penman and streetcar consultant Jeff Bentoff live here.
Jun 28th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Downer Classic bike races set for Saturday, June 30
Important notification from Alderman Nik Kovac
Jun 28th, 2018 by Nik Kovac
Milwaukee’s First Protected Bike Lanes
Two bridges receive special infrastructure for bicyclists.
Jun 22nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Veggas Pub Is a Riverwest Survivor
Most taverns in area long gone; this 19th century-era bar is still unique.
Jun 22nd, 2018 by Michael Horne
Zielinski Out as Licenses Committee Chair
Did he lose the powerful post because he's running for mayor?
Jun 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Urban Milwaukee Celebrates 10th Birthday
Crowd packs Pabst Brewery & Taproom for publication's 10th anniversary.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Adam Schlicht Confirmed as Port Director
New director envisions growing the port through international marketing, diversification.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
What Would Jane Jacobs Do?
10 takeaways from a visiting expert on the legendary urbanist.
Jun 19th, 2018 by Virginia Small
Rebuilding a Vibrant Bronzeville
Actor Danny Glover and many local notables celebrate new development anchored by Black Holocaust Museum.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Copper Dome Emerges Downtown
Hammes HQ sports Jeffersonian-style design.
Jun 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Moves to Confirm New Port Director
Adam Schlicht has dreams of growing the port through international marketing.
Jun 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Celebrates Bike to Work Week
Complete Streets policy set to be introduced.
Jun 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Breast Cancer Showhouse for a Cure 2018
This East Side classic was designed by one of Milwaukee's most popular early architects of grand homes.
Jun 4th, 2018 by Michael Horne
The Contour on Prospect Ave.
Lower East Side apartment project is changing Prospect Avenue.
Jun 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Bike Week June 2nd-9th
Celebrate Wisconsin Biking and Have FUN on Your Bike
Jun 1st, 2018 by Wisconsin Bike Fed
Bucks Beat Hiring Goals on Arena
Arena project has created at least 800 jobs for under-employed city residents.
May 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Is Bucks Live Block Good Urbanism?
Council committee debates merits of new building for Old World Third St., gateway to arena.
May 22nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Classic Terrace Ave. Home on NARI Tour
And in the basement: Authentic Irish Pub with Poker Room and streetscape of Dublin Streets.
May 17th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Common Council approves full lead hazard review for city-owned properties
News release from Alderman Jose G. Perez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
May 8th, 2018 by Common Council President Jose Perez
City Creates Vel Phillips Ave., Plans Statue
N. 4th St. to become Vel R. Phillips Ave.; where will statue go?
May 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Urbanite Rises
Farwell Ave. high rise adds 153 residences to Lower East Side.
May 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Alderman Kovac invites 3rd District residents to Milwaukee Fire Department Community Relations Open House
The free event will take place Saturday, May 5th.
May 4th, 2018 by Nik Kovac
Riverwest Octagon House Cuts Corners
Who built it, when and where? Many mysteries surrounding rare home built in 1850s.
May 2nd, 2018 by Michael Horne
Committee Okays Symphony Plan for Grand Theatre
Musical chairs-style land swap will clear way for movie theater's expansion for MSO.
May 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
V. Marchese Adding 50 to 100 Jobs
City committee's land sale approval facilitates company's expansion in Walker's Point.
May 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Bridges Cause Mounting Traffic
Bridge openings stop traffic for nearly 4.5 hours on busy days. City mulls policy changes.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.
Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Unique New Place for Craft Beers
Eagle Park Brewing Co. is now in the century-old former space of The Hamilton. It is solid.
Apr 20th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Ascension announces pause to service downsizing at St. Joseph
Press release from Alders Khalif J. Rainey, Michael Murphy and Bob Donovan
Apr 18th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
The Remarkable Life of Vel Phillips
"A giant in our state" dies at 94; city to honor political pioneer with annual award.
Apr 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council approves Ascension service retention measure
"Citizens across our city rely on Ascension facilities for care..."
Apr 17th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
More Bay View Pizza, Tosa Sushi
Plus: Stone Creek on Downer, vegan restaurant on Farwell, Blue's Egg in Shorewood.
Apr 11th, 2018 by Jennifer Rick
Riverwest Bike Boulevard Gets Thumbs Up
Most attending public meeting support slowing traffic on N. Fratney and E. Wright streets.
Mar 30th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
