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 8
Rocky 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 Jannene
Taking “Home” out of Home Rule
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jun 24th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Busy East Side Saturday with the Downer Classic and Summer Soulstice
Alderman Nik Kovac said the events have become “part of the normal rhythm of summer on the East Side.”
Jun 23rd, 2016 by Nik Kovac
Atty Mark Thomsen’s Tudor Mansion
New appointee to state Elections Commission overhauled his East Side mansion.
Jun 17th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Inside Good City Brewing
Take a virtual tour of the city's newest brewery, the first on the Lower East Side.
Jun 16th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Fresh Thyme Opens Downtown
See inside Milwaukee's newest grocery store, with the "spirit of a farmer's market."
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Groundbreaking set for addition at MPS’ top-performing Maryland Avenue Montessori School
School rated 'Exceeds Expectations' on latest state report card
Jun 8th, 2016 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative
Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week with Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderpersons, the Wisconsin Bike Fed, and Bublr Bikes
Wisconsin Bike Week is June 6-12, 2016
Jun 3rd, 2016 by City of Milwaukee Deptartment of Public Works
Riverwest Tavern Is Very Dog-Friendly
There's been a neighborhood bar here for 100 years. The dogs are more recent.
Jun 1st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Mayor’s Design Awards
The 2016 Mayor's Design Awards recognized projects from every corner of the city.
May 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Architect Jim Shields’ Home Is… Okay
The city's best architect lives in a... solid East Side home. But those plaster cracks!
May 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Announces Grand Opening of Milwaukee Store
Midwest Specialty Retailer Expansion Efforts Continue with the Opening of First Wisconsin Store
May 26th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
Two New Playgrounds Opening
Park-like play areas for kids among 12 funded by $1.9 million raised by Ald. Murphy.
May 24th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Nick’s House to Meet Wrecking Ball
East Side tavern's building from 1880s has unique structure, virgin wood. Why destroy it?
May 19th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Bucks Arena Design Approved
There were few objections other than by Ald. Kovac. Arena on track for June 18th groundbreaking.
May 17th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Mural-makers to transform East Side alley into a work of art
Throughout the summer, artists will transform the alley that runs behind the Oriental Theatre and Colectivo Coffee into an outdoor collection of murals.
May 13th, 2016 by Nik Kovac
Roman Coin a Pub For Pooches
Pets are welcome at the historic, 1890 tavern. It's a classic hangout.
May 6th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Outdoor painting competition begins this weekend
The events benefit the museums of the Milwaukee Museum Mile.
May 5th, 2016 by Nik Kovac
The Mansion Where Nuns Lived
With connections to France, novelist Henry James and abolitionist Edward Holton.
Apr 29th, 2016 by Michael Horne
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council President Hamilton announces 2016-2020 committee assignments
News release from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Apr 26th, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
The Town’s Most Ship-Shape Home
The "Boat House" on Cambridge, built in 1920s, is internationally known.
Apr 21st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Angelo’s Piano Lounge Amps It Up
After $100,000 renovation, old bar dating to 1930s has dropped Sinatra for rock'n'roll.
Apr 20th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Full Magnificence of a 1916 Home
Bob Monnat's $475,000 Georgian Revival Colonial celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Apr 13th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Falcon Bowl, a Polish Milwaukee Treasure
An old-timey bar and hall and the sixth oldest bowling alley in America. Classic.
Apr 6th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Ready to Work
I am looking forward to serving the interests of district residents on Milwaukee's Common Council.
Apr 3rd, 2016 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Shannan Hayden’s Nifty Newberry Tudor
Hayden is running against Ald. Nik Kovac and has a much finer home.
Mar 28th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Two Homes of Rebecca Bradley
Judge has Tosa Colonial and a Lower East Side condo near all those gays she condemned.
Mar 9th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Mysterious $1 Million Lakeside Mansion
Why does real estate honcho James Barry III hide his home's ownership?
Mar 2nd, 2016 by Michael Horne
Coffeetails Is For Morning Drinkers
Cozy cafe and tavern, sister bar of Y-NOT II, is open daily 6 am to 11 am.
Feb 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Kenney Targets Ald. Borkowski
Should challenger win, would be only military veteran on Common Council.
Feb 24th, 2016 by Michael Horne
9 Election Takeaways
Tom Barrett might be in trouble, Chris Abele definitely is. So is Puente.
Feb 17th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Kovac Raises Money for Reelection
Politicians, city officials and other notables chow down on food from Glorioso's.
Feb 15th, 2016 by Michael Horne
26-Story Tower for Prospect Avenue
Here are all the details on proposed $55 million project: renderings, floor plans, diagrams.
Feb 11th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Mayor Tom Barrett
New High Rise for East Side
It's a 13-story, 153-unit apartment building and neighbors seem to love the idea!
Feb 5th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
City Birthday Party All About Dining
Politicians and candidate hopefuls mix with winners of dining awards.
Feb 1st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Ald. Kovac’s “Adult” Home Is Very Modest
The 1893 Riverwest home has just 1.5 stories and one bathroom with 10% ventilation.
Jan 22nd, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Lonely Journey of Mark Borkowski
New alderman’s crazed comments leave him only (and barely) the police union's support.
Jan 21st, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Klinger’s East Is a Time Warp
Still with same owner after 40 years, it's very old Milwaukee -- modest, cozy, quaint.
Jan 19th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Dr. Sheldon Wasserman’s Lesser Manse
The Democrat's $655,700 Lake Dr. home barely compares to his neighbors' mansions.
Jan 15th, 2016 by Michael Horne
What Has Mayor Barrett Accomplished?
After nearly 12 years in office, his impact can be seen -- if you look hard.
Jan 14th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Impact of New Development
Study of 7 new buildings shows big revenue, big return for local government.
Jan 11th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
History of the Up and Under
It dates back a century, was a Polish bar, "soft drink parlor" and a house of blues.
Jan 10th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Ten Predictions for 2016
A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.
Jan 2nd, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Von Trier Is a Teutonic Treasure
It abounds in such artifacts and boasts a huge selection of German tap beers.
Dec 18th, 2015 by Michael Horne
A Historic House Almost Destroyed
1880 home on Cambridge saved by historic preservation law that could be overthrown.
Dec 17th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Program Will Improve Riverwest Park Snails Crossing
It's one of 12 parks and playgrounds being upgraded by private-public MKE Plays Initiative.
Dec 6th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Hybrid Lounge, City’s Newest Gay Bar
In a building whose history goes back to 1890, it attracts a hybrid of gay and straight folks.
Nov 30th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Town Hall Meeting Invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
Alderman Nik Kovac invites you to attend a 3rd District town hall meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2nd at the East Library (2320 N Cramer Street).
Nov 30th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Budget Discussion with Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Abele
Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Chris Abele invite you to join them for a town hall discussion on both the city and county budgets
Nov 30th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Finally Comes Greenwich Park Apartments
The Farwell Ave. project was supposed to start construction more than four years ago.
Nov 27th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Brady Street’s Delicate Balancing Act
Residents strive to keep a healthy mix of uses in their densely populated neighborhood.
Nov 20th, 2015 by Virginia Small
Yet again, report shows Milwaukee tax burden ranks favorably among peers
News release from Alds. Nik Kovac and Terry L. Witkowski
Nov 18th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Important Meeting Reminder from Alderman Nik Kovac
Just a friendly reminder that you are invited to attend a community meeting at The Jazz Estate, 2423 N. Murray Avenue, TONIGHT (Wednesday, November 18) at 6 p.m.
Nov 18th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Council approves 2016 budget focused on public safety, libraries and jobs
News release from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Nik Kovac
Nov 3rd, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Ira Robins Makes Bid for Kovac Seat
Launches campaign by making shocking, though, unsupported allegations.
Nov 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant
City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Will Pizza Sports Bar Open on Farwell?
Rosati's pizza has 158 locations and wants to add one near Oriental Theatre, if residents will agree.
Oct 16th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
New Bucks Arena Approved
City completes final step of financing puzzle for new Bucks arena.
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Prospect Avenue Apartments Win Board OK
One-way traffic on N. Prospect Ave. slammed by developer
Sep 19th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Winchester, a Zombie Bar?
The Winchester replaces chain bar Two Bucks, which lost its franchise after allegations of racism
Sep 15th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Brady Street Won’t Get Camp Bar
Owner backs off from plan to put bar in old hardware store building. So what will take its place?
Sep 8th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Landmark Lanes’ Jazzy 88-Year History
Serving booze during prohibition and built by a billionaire jailbird whose son become an ambassador.
Sep 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
City Clerk’s Home Is His Castle
Jim Owczarski's home towers over the nearby ranch homes.
Aug 28th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Architectural Review Board for Bay View?
Ald. Zielinski has raised question and a KK Ave. BID member makes inquiries about starting ARB.
Aug 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Newly Opened ARTery Path Extends Beerline
Public and private sector leaders applaud the new .67 mile trail connecting Riverwest and Harambee.
Aug 25th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Jamo’s, a 1950s Time Warp
A quiet corner bar of long vintage with velvet paintings of misty-eyed beauties, it's not easy to find.
Aug 21st, 2015 by Michael Horne
Common Council will review arena plan in series of meetings beginning August 31
News release from Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Aug 12th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Brady Street Apartments Debated at Meeting
And Frank Alioto gives remarkable speech about Brady Street's potential.
Jul 30th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Common Council ready for substantive, public review of arena proposal
The downtown arena proposal is nearing a full review and deliberation by the Common Council.
Jul 28th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Harbor Area Will Be Redesigned
Calling all architects & planners: Brownfield with coal piles bordering harbor will be redeveloped.
Jul 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The House That Launched Riverwest 24
Jeramey Prach founded the 24-hour bike race and his modest, 19th century home, now greatly expanded, is the race's start and finish line.
Jul 20th, 2015 by Michael Horne
North and Farwell
It’s already quite vibrant, but changes like turning Prospect and Farwell into two-way streets could improve it.
Jul 13th, 2015 by Rachel Quednau
Council leaders call for removal of last-minute police and fire benefit mandate in state budget
News release from Alds. Michael J. Murphy and Nik Kovac
Jul 9th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
New Apartment Complex for Brady Street
Proposed three-floor structure would offer apartments aimed at millennials plus 2,400 square feel of retail space.
Jul 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
City Officials Act to Save Cambridge Ave. Home
Ald. Kovac sought temporary historic designation, contends too many period homes have been razed for apartment buildings.
Jul 8th, 2015 by Amanda Mickevicius
Paving Project Information from Alderman Nik Kovac
Although this may disrupt your travel and parking for a short time, I know we all will be pleased when Newberry Boulevard is smooth again—just in time for the 4th of July parade.
Jun 24th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Celebrating the Life of Paul Jakubovich
A host of notables gathered to salute Jakubovich and the fabulous historic architecture of Milwaukee he helped protect.
Jun 22nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
The City’s Real Costs for Bucks Arena
The exact total is unknown, but will be much higher than media has reported.
Jun 17th, 2015 by Pat Small
Impact of City Reduction in Marijuana Fine?
Local leaders offer different views on new city ordinance lowering maximum fine for pot possession to just $50.
Jun 11th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
City officials take on business leaders in basketball game to benefit Autism Speaks
A team of Milwaukee public officials will face off against business leaders from around the city in a basketball game and charity event to benefit Autism Speaks on Saturday, June 13 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Journey House.
Jun 9th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
342 More Apartments Approved
New projects approved for Water Street and East Side. Plus, a 120-unit complex coming to Walker's Point would increase total to 462 apartments.
Jun 9th, 2015 by Dave Reid
The City’s Illegal Entertainers
Until recently, Radio Milwaukee held live events with no city permit. Colectivo's live entertainment offerings at its Prospect Ave. location are still illegal.
Jun 3rd, 2015 by Michael Horne
City Considers Lowering Penalties for Marijuana
Study shows 86% of those convicted of pot possession are African American.
May 31st, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Will Historic Building in Third Ward Be Saved?
Third Ward review board defers decision on Historic Designation. And Milwaukee now has a Croatian sister city.
May 15th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Bay View’s Golden Age?
A proposal for five new apartment buildings in Bay View. And will At Random be razed?
May 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
Downer Avenue Stalled by Joel Lee?
City officials meet with neighbors about Downer Avenue, a thriving retail strip with one huge problem: Landlord Joel Lee's foreclosed properties.
May 1st, 2015 by Michael Horne
De Blasio Descends on Milwaukee
New York's mayor and crew of handlers and security came for his speech to state Democrats. Later he partied with local pols and local brews at Nick's House.
Apr 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
1800 E. North Ave. Arises From the Ashes
Five years after the Pizza Man fire, a mixed-use building with 39 apartments and 6,000 square feet for retail is nearly built. But what about those darn ventilation grills?
Apr 17th, 2015 by Dave Reid
