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 7
Kids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.
Jul 9th, 2017 by Jessica WinebergAn 18th Century Building Made of Steel
Hammes' new downtown HQ is Jeffersonian-throwback with modern materials.
Jul 7th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneHi-Hat’s History Dates to 1870s
Building moved three times; a veritable history of Polish community.
Jul 1st, 2017 by Michael HorneLincoln Fowler’s Century-Old Home
Colectivo co-owner has 4.5 bathrooms, 3 fireplaces, and lots of coffee.
Jun 23rd, 2017 by Michael HorneSummer Soulstice Music Festival set for Saturday, June 24
East Side Summer Soulstice Music Festival - information from Alderman Nik Kovac
Jun 23rd, 2017 by Nik KovacThe House of Buried Cars
Riverwest home, with three cars buried in yard, also a geo-cache site.
Jun 21st, 2017 by Michael HorneCommon Council to take up Paris Climate Accord measure
News release from Alderman Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac
Jun 19th, 2017 by Ald. Michael MurphyHigh Dive’s Equitable Atmosphere
For decades a mom-and-pop tavern; now a hip hangout.
Jun 16th, 2017 by Michael HorneForeclosed Homes to Become Artist Havens
City aims to cultivate artistic community instead of demolishing homes.
Jun 14th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneArena Apartments Receive Design Approval
Building with green bays gets approval to be built near Milwaukee Bucks arena.
Jun 14th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneSheriff Candidate Lives In Style
Earnell Lucas, head of MLB security has lovely, $621,000 East Side home.
Jun 8th, 2017 by Michael HorneKeystone on Brady Nears Completion
Developer of Brady Street apartment building is already planning another.
Jun 2nd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneSparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneTour a 1902 Eschweiler Mansion
Breast Cancer 2017 Showcase on Terrace Ave. built by industrialist Clarence Falk.
May 30th, 2017 by Michael HorneMore Berries, Brunch and Beer
New Bay View brunch spot, Walker's Point smoothies bar, Lowlands beers.
May 26th, 2017 by Alexandra MucksMarquette Updating Inflatable Dome
City panel approves design changes, despite snarking about Minnesota Vikings.
May 25th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneMayor’s Design Awards All Over Map
Big, little, new or renovated, award winners in 13 of 15 aldermanic districts.
May 19th, 2017 by Michael HorneEthanol Shipping Fuels Worries
U.S. Oil could also ship crude oil across local waters.
May 18th, 2017 by Graham KilmerDowntown Strip Club Approved
Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.
May 9th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneFinally, Greenwich Park Apartments Opens
The six-story apartment building has a mix of affordable and market rate units.
May 4th, 2017 by Graham KilmerHow to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.
May 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneNew Apartment Building For East Side
City committee approves "adventuresome," five-story, 96-unit building.
May 2nd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneSt. Rita Church to be Razed, Replaced
Plan includes $20 million senior living complex on Lower East Side.
Apr 24th, 2017 by Michael HorneMark Mone’s French Provincial Manse
UWM chancellor's nearly $1 million home boasts a bar and wine cellar.
Apr 12th, 2017 by Michael HorneWangard Still Can’t Meet City Rules
Subsidized Freshwater Plaza project flunks Residents Preference Program.
Apr 11th, 2017 by Graham KilmerLong Empty Store Off Brady Street Sold
1894 building was grocery for decades. Plus: remembering bar owner Bill Lennon.
Apr 11th, 2017 by Michael HorneBosco’s Is a Baseball Tavern
Riverwest bar once was next to gas station owned by Bob Uecker's father.
Apr 7th, 2017 by Michael HorneOfficials Celebrate Garfield Development
Groundbreaking for $17 million development and reopened Black Holocaust Museum.
Apr 5th, 2017 by Graham KilmerFood Trucks Banned On Brady Street
Council okays ban request by business improvement district. Mayor must approve.
Mar 28th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCity Proposal Protects Students
Protections target for-profit colleges that leave students with huge debts.
Mar 27th, 2017 by Graham KilmerA Brady Street Trio
Qdoba, Glorioso's and an apartment building reshape East Side main street.
Mar 24th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneA Millionaire’s Neoclassical Mansion
$1.7 million East Side mansion where Fred Miller grew up is architectural gem.
Mar 3rd, 2017 by Michael HorneCouncil Approves Arena, Hammes Design Changes
Full speed ahead on arena, office building, more downtown changes.
Mar 1st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneFelons Can Now Buy City Homes
Council agrees: pay debt to society and you can buy city-owned homes.
Mar 1st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneEat Ramen In a Parklet? Yes!
East Side Ramen restaurant will create parklet, extends ambience to the street.
Mar 1st, 2017 by Graham KilmerHammes HQ Starts Construction
Brookfield firm moves downtown next year into classical-styled building.
Mar 1st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneBucks Select Apartment Developer
Up-and-coming development firm will build 90-unit building
Feb 24th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Okays Two Downtown Designs
Plus: What will the Bucks big announcement on Friday be?
Feb 22nd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCity Could Sell Homes to Felons
Committee overturns current ban on sales but proposal needs full council approval.
Feb 22nd, 2017 by Graham KilmerDesign By Committee
Or how Ald. Kovac and the Historic Preservation Commission bedevil architects.
Feb 21st, 2017 by Tom BambergerHammes Revises Controversial Design
City panel approves a shorter, stouter building. Will that stop the complaints?
Feb 13th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneOverwhelming support for our fellow citizens and for our ideals
Milwaukee could be the first city in the U.S. to officially declare its opposition to the travel ban.
Feb 7th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose PerezClarke Square Apartments Advance
Unique apartment project, high-growth internet company and grocery move forward.
Jan 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneBader Rutter’s Riverside Digs
New building, dubbed 1433 Water, will be anchored by marketing firm.
Jan 27th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneJazz Estate’s South Side Chic
Bought by Bryant's owner, who added some of its plush, padded style.
Jan 26th, 2017 by Michael HorneJournal Sentinel Shrinks Further
Plummeting circulation, shrinking news coverage, closing government pressrooms.
Jan 26th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyCouncil legislation would ban coal tar sealants in Milwaukee
The proposed ordinance is expected to be heard by the full Common Council at its Feb. 7 regular meeting at City Hall.
Jan 25th, 2017 by Ald. Jim BohlNew Development For Villard Avenue
City zoning change will allow four-story, 33-unit apartment complex on 37th and Villard.
Jan 11th, 2017 by Graham KilmerThe Top 10 Stories of 2016
Readers' favorites? Stories about mansions, rich people, sports stars, politicians.
Jan 4th, 2017 by Michael HorneBremen Cafe’s Roots Go Back to 1895
Building began as bar in 1895 and much is still original in popular Riverwest bar.
Jan 3rd, 2017 by Michael HorneMuni Court Data Withheld From Public?
Judge says data from Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday won’t be publicly released.
Dec 21st, 2016 by Gretchen SchuldtMuni Court “Warrant Withdrawal” Draws Thousands
Special one-day clemency program a success, but treatment of indigent questioned.
Dec 20th, 2016 by Edgar MendezThree Plans for New City Library
MLK library the latest to have private development that includes a new library.
Dec 19th, 2016 by Graham KilmerNomad World Pub’s Expansion Approved
East Side soccer bar will get one heck of a beer garden under a major expansion plan.
Dec 13th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneA Brady Street Two-Fer
Two projects are rising from the ground, but will they upset the street's character?
Dec 9th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneRestaurant Owners Have Lots of Land
Modest Astor St. homes of Scott Johnson and Leslie Montemurro sit on one-third acre.
Dec 9th, 2016 by Michael HorneShaker’s Cigar Bar is Smoking
City's only cigar bar has fine dining and retro-cocktails, classic architectural artifacts.
Dec 9th, 2016 by Michael HorneTiny Squirrel Cage Hard to Find
Peculiar old Riverwest tavern has 500 square feet, no tap beers, squirrelly atmosphere.
Nov 25th, 2016 by Michael HorneHammes Building An Obvious Mistake
But is it worth fighting to stop it? Nah. Here’s why.
Nov 21st, 2016 by Tom BambergerMalone’s Bar Has a Bay View Style
But it's on Brady St. Which shows how much the two neighborhoods have in common.
Nov 18th, 2016 by Michael HorneDavid Stearns’ Must-See Victorian Home!
Did the Brewers heady GM crunch the numbers before buying the $600,000 home?
Nov 15th, 2016 by Michael HorneEastsider, Scene of the Crime?
Tiny historic tavern is where police officer drank with patron he allegedly later raped.
Nov 8th, 2016 by Michael HorneMuni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.
Nov 7th, 2016 by Gretchen SchuldtMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Thanks Common Council for Their Support to Remove Estabrook Dam
MMSD will be responsible for removing the Dam once it obtains the necessary DNR permits.
Nov 1st, 2016 by County Executive Chris AbeleCity of Milwaukee Votes to Rezone Estabrook Dam Land
The vote is an important step in the effort to ultimately remove the Estabrook Dam.
Nov 1st, 2016 by Milwaukee RiverkeeperKane Place Cottage Celebrates the Seasons
This well-preserved Polish Flat was built in 1900.
Oct 30th, 2016 by Michael HorneJoint letter to DA John Chisholm
Joint letter from members of the Common Council to District Attorney Chisholm
Oct 28th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common CouncilHow Bad (or Good) is Hammes HQ Design?
Is it urban or suburban, Jeffersonian or Reaganesque? The debate has already begun.
Oct 24th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneHammes Moving Downtown in 2018
Another company moving from suburbs to Downtown and with unusual architectural style.
Oct 21st, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneUnion Activist’s Brady Street Beauty
The assessor loved the 1909 home's stained glass and bevelled leaded glass windows.
Oct 20th, 2016 by Michael HorneEast Side Deconstruction
Building at 1840 N. Farwell Ave. coming down for 13-floor apartment building.
Oct 14th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene10-Story Apartment Building Planned for East Side
140-unit, $35 million apartment project proposed for former Boy's Club site, neighbors react
Sep 27th, 2016 by Michael HorneMayor Barrett’s 2017 Executive Budget Address
As Delivered
Sep 26th, 2016 by Mayor Tom BarrettThe Whitnall House
One of handful of Pre-Civil War homes in City, was birthplace of the "Father of Milwaukee Parks System."
Sep 21st, 2016 by Michael HorneBlack Cat Mural Alley Opens
Sometimes the best public art is hidden from view.
Sep 19th, 2016 by Michael HorneCity of Milwaukee Announces An Organics Collection Pilot Program
Residents in selected Milwaukee neighborhoods encouraged to participate
Sep 19th, 2016 by Ald. Tony ZielinskiSage on Prospect Opens
Nearly all 34 units leased in the first month. Building on track for LEED Platinum designation.
Sep 16th, 2016 by Michael HorneThe Contour is Coming to Prospect
Construction will start in next 60 days on East Side apartment building.
Sep 12th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneAn “Extraordinary” Frank Lloyd Wright
Terrace Ave. home cost Manpower exec Robert Elsner $37,000 in 1955, now worth $750,000.
Aug 31st, 2016 by Michael HorneBrady Street’s Keystone Apartments
Work is underway on new, four-floor, 22-unit complex that will the anchor the busy street.
Aug 19th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneThe Fabulous Gustave Pabst Mansion
Built in 1907 and later divided into four units, one of its renters is custard king Karl Kopp.
Aug 17th, 2016 by Michael HorneClub Brady Has 130-Year History
There's been a tavern in odd trapezoidal building since 1885. Blame it on the lake.
Aug 10th, 2016 by Michael HorneEdgar Lin Endorsed by Two Leading Milwaukee Newspapers
Leading Challenger in 16th AD Race Continue to Rack up Endorsements
Aug 8th, 2016 by Edgar LinBlack Husky Brewing Opens
See inside the new Riverwest brewery.
Aug 4th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneMandela Barnes Announces Key Community Endorsements
Key Community Leaders and More Progressive Organizations Endorse New Leadership They Can Count On
Aug 4th, 2016 by Lt. Gov. Mandela BarnesEdgar Lin Announces Major Endorsements
Local Unions, Community Organizations and Community Leaders Express Support for Leading Challenger in 16th AD Race
Jul 27th, 2016 by Edgar LinRocky Marcoux Keeps His Job
In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Kills Prospect Ave High Rise
Impressive 27-story, $55 million project is dead, due to opposition of neighbors.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Again Says Yes to Rocky
DCD head Rocky Marcoux once again endorsed at committee, but his fate is still uncertain.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneCity Committee Approves Prospect Tower
5-0 vote in favor, but project may face significant challenge before full council.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneOutrage at ambush of MPD officer & other police shootings
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jul 19th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common CouncilA New Tower for Prospect Ave
Will the council allow a 27 floor apartment tower on Prospect Ave?
Jul 18th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneWhy Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble
New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Bruce MurphyTWO Is For Couples, Get It?
Yep, the former Riverwest tailor shop is a tavern with intimate booths for TWOsomes.
Jul 14th, 2016 by Michael HorneCity Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit
BRT line linking Downtown and Tosa moves forward, though some decry "the rush."
Jul 13th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneGary Witt’s House of Rock
Actually, you'd never suspect the hip Pabst leader owns this old-style, Prospect Hill home.
Jul 11th, 2016 by Michael HorneRocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy
Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneKick-Off for Brady St. Apartment Complex
Gold sledgehammers celebrate groundbreaking for new 22-unit building.
Jun 30th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneRocky Marcoux Wins Committee Approval
DCD leader was thought to be in trouble, but city committee votes 4-0 to reconfirm.
Jun 28th, 2016 by Jeramey JanneneTaking “Home” out of Home Rule
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jun 24th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council