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 9
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 State of the City Address
Monday, March 9th, 2015 - Alverno College
Mar 9th, 2015 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Neighborhood Meeting regarding Library Club Replacement
I am hosting a neighborhood meeting regarding a NEW application for a Class B Tavern License and Public Entertainment Premise License for the old Library Club
Mar 6th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
Halliday’s Is Historic Oddity
An 1888 home designed by Alfred Clas became a funny little tavern on Farwell where a bar stool always seems available.
Feb 25th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Rebuilding A World of Cream City Brick
Huge "River House" development on the river will have 450 apartments, a substantial riverwalk and an updated Cream City design by architect Jim Shields.
Feb 12th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Neighborhood Meeting and Project Information for the Proposed River House Development, Milwaukee, WI
Atlantic Realty Partners and its design team will discuss the proposed redevelopment of the former Gallun Tannery site.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Atlantic Realty Partners
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Horrors, Look At Those Building Vents!
East Side Architectural Review Board shudders at unapproved venting on new building at Oakland and North. Is there a solution?
Feb 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Members of the Common Council Respond to Ald. Dudzik’s Remarks
Joint Statement from members of the Common Council
Jan 23rd, 2015 by Milwaukee Common Council
Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support
Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes
Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
The Legacy of Paul Jakubovich
The City’s Historic Preservation Officer had an unmatched knowledge of and commitment to the preservation of historic buildings.
Dec 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Why the Swing Park Failed
It became a comedy of errors, but raises serious questions about the city’s strategy for “creative placemaking.”
Dec 16th, 2014 by Tom Bamberger
Council approves Milwaukee Promise funding to help city neighborhoods
News release and maps document from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Dec 16th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Standard Has a Strange History
Just off Brady Street, it goes back to 1888, with a long list of owners and names.
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Huge Turnout for East Library Opening
It was a truly an East Side event, and a crowd with tons of notables celebrated history in the making.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Next Stops For The Streetcar
The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
New East Library is a Jewel
Wow, what an improvement. Our photos capture the technology-rich and architecturally impressive new library
Nov 21st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
A big league city needs big league public transit options
Statement of Alderman Nik Kovac November 19, 2014
Nov 19th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar
If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
City Unveils New Plan to Build on $2.6 Billion in Downtown Investment by Moving the Streetcar Project Forward, Adding Lakefront Line
Plan Covers Lakefront Line, Utility Costs Without Property Tax Dollars; Operations Slated to Begin by 2018
Nov 18th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Will Red Lion Roar on Water Street?
Proposed British pub would replace Brocach. Approval seems likely, despite some worries about noise from the patio.
Nov 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Common Council finds opportunities for efficiencies in 2015 approved budget
News release from Alds. Michael J. Murphy and Nik Kovac
Nov 10th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Last Remaining Single Family Riverfront Lot
“Build your dream home in an established community.” The lot can be yours for just $79,000.
Nov 7th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Finance Committee Creates All-Hands-On-Deck Approach to Public Safety
Additional Police Officers Will Be One Part of Comprehensive Strategy Throughout All City Departments
Nov 6th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
Milwaukee Bans Financial Inducements by Charter Schools
City of Milwaukee charter schools are now prohibited from giving money or gifts as incentives to enroll new students.
Oct 29th, 2014 by Schools and Communities United
RICH program, selling city-owned foreclosed homes for $1, receives unanimous Council support
ews release from Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 14th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval
Proposed high-rise would add up to 275 "ultra luxury" apartments to downtown Milwaukee -- with no public financing.
Oct 7th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Gig is Good for Cheap Micro-Brews
Tucked away in Riverwest since 1904, it offers micro-brews in a micro-neighborhood
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Inside the Standard at East Library
Our photos capture the interior of a one-bedroom apartment, its great views, and the rooftop deck.
Sep 30th, 2014 by Dave Reid
Housing stock, affordable housing get boost from Common Council
The Common Council has approved a new Housing Stock Improvement Program
Sep 24th, 2014 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Nonprofits can buy city-owned foreclosures for $1, additional marketing to continue
Qualifying nonprofit organizations will be allowed to purchase certain cityowned, tax-foreclosed properties for one dollar.
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council members target enrollment incentives offered by charter schools
News release from Alds. Nik Kovac and Michael J. Murphy
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Nik Kovac
City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort
With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’
Sep 9th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
City of Milwaukee Preliminary Budget Hearing
The City of Milwaukee will hold a 2015 Preliminary Budget Hearing to ensure the 2015 City of Milwaukee Budget addresses the needs of our community
Aug 14th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele
Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?
Aug 1st, 2014 by Michael Horne
If a Progressive will not fight for what is right, how can that Progressive claim to fight for the people?
A lie is an intentionally false statement.
Jul 28th, 2014 by Joseph Thomas Klein
Cyclists, city officials gearing up for seventh annual Riverwest 24
Riverwest 24 Starts tonight -- News release from Alds. Kovac and Coggs
Jul 25th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
“Controversy” Over Swing Park?
Architect blasts city for altering her design. Are her complaints valid?
Jul 25th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Swings are Back — and Better than Before
Guerrilla urbanism triumphs, as “magical” swings re-installed under Holton Avenue Bridge.
Jul 23rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
Council approves minimum hourly wage ordinance
Joint news release and file from Alderman Hamilton, Alderman Kovac and Alderwoman Coggs
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Uber and Lyft Legalized in Milwaukee
Taxis for anyone who wants to drive one. Uber and Lyft are legal. And someone will probably sue the city to stop this.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal to lift cap on taxicab permits, create legal path for network company vehicles gets second look Tuesday
“The Council is poised to adopt ground-breaking legislation that in my opinion will be looked at by other large cities and communities across the nation.”
Jul 18th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
The Standard at East Library
Our photos take you inside the new library and apartment building on North Ave.
Jul 17th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Could Milwaukee Support a Pro Soccer Team?
How I came to embrace soccer and what it could mean for America and Milwaukee.
Jul 16th, 2014 by Joey Grihalva
Soccer Crowd Shuts Down Brady Street
As many as 15,000 people pack Brady Street and surround Nomad Bar, while celebrating USA v Portugal game.
Jun 23rd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
MSOE Renames Soccer Field
Kovac wonders why MSOE would name it after its current president. And why an engineering school couldn't dig a deep enough hole for its soccer field.
Jun 17th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Finally, a New Park East Plan
Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?
Jun 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Brady Street BID#11 Teams up with NEWaukee for 3rd Annual Art Walk
The Brady Street Business Improvement District, BID#11, and NEWaukee will partner up to host the 3rd Annual Art Walk during Spring on Brady.
Jun 4th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
City Commission Says Yes to Adventure Rock
Zoning change approved for planned 4-story, 46-unit apartment complex and indoor climbing wall in Riverwest.
May 20th, 2014 by Mac Writt
Meeting invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
Join State Senator Chris Larson and Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 13
May 12th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Meeting invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
Join State Senator Chris Larson and Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at the Riverside University High School Auditorium, 1615 E. Locust Street, from 5pm to 6:30pm
May 12th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Important meeting information from Alderman Nik Kovac
Join us for a town hall meeting sponsored by Senator Chris Larson, Senator Nikiya Harris, Representative Leon Young, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs tomorrow (Tuesday, May 6) at theGordon Park Pavilion (SE corner of E. Locust and N. Humboldt) from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hear how legislation that passed during session this year will affect the community, and share your thoughts with your representatives.
May 5th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Meeting reminder from Alderman Nik Kovac
Alderman Nik Kovac invites you to attend a 3rd District town hall meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. TONIGHT, April 30 in the library at Riverside University High School.
Apr 30th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!
Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
Cesar Chavez city worker holiday proposal to be heard by Finance and Personnel Committee
City employees would have the option of taking off on March 31 annually as a holiday observing the birthday of American labor and civil rights champion Cesar E. Chavez.
Mar 25th, 2014 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
$10,000 Awarded to Community Artists for Performance Ideas in the ARTery, New Park in Harambee
Community members dreamed up 116 ideas in response, and after an open jury hosted at All People’s Church, beintween awarded a total of $10,000 to the top 20 winners.
Feb 27th, 2014 by Press Release
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Under new configuration, Finance and Personnel Committee will continue precedent of fiscal responsibility
I would like to thank Common Council President Michael Murphy for entrusting me with the responsibility of chairing the City of Milwaukee’s Finance and Personnel Committee.
Feb 14th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
Strengths, experience reflected in changes in Common Council Committee Appointments
President Murphy has appointed Alderman Nik Kovac to succeed him as the new chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Ray Chi Selected to Commission Public Art at East Library
Milwaukee Artist’s Concepts Will Activate Space on Cramer and North Avenue
Feb 7th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
Owner of Strad Violin Tips Her Identity
The violin's owner was at the scene of the crime and signed her first name to a message published by Frank Almond.
Feb 6th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Dan Adams’ Assembly Fundraiser
He's got Abele's backing for the Milwaukee legislative seat, while Barrett backs Dimitrijevic.
Jan 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Does Downer Avenue Need a Tax Subsidy?
Developer Joel Lee claims the buzzing retail strip needs help from the city.
Jan 9th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Goodbye Faye McBeath Foundation
The foundation created by a Milwaukee Journal heir gave untold millions to local causes since 1960s, but will spend its final assets this year.
Jan 8th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Finalists Chosen for East Branch Public Art Project
The Milwaukee Public Library Selects Four Local Artists To Present Plans for Third Public Art Installation
Dec 24th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Library
Campaign Season Kicks Off
Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Other Mandela
The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.
Dec 8th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Bike-sharing program moves forward with committee approval
A public bike-sharing system for the City of Milwaukee picked up the endorsement of a key Common Council committee on Wednesday.
Dec 5th, 2013 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Reminder: Neighborhood Town hall Set for Wednesday, December 11
The event will be held in the auditorium at Riverside University High School, 1615 E. Locust St. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Nik Kovac
Amtrak to Chicago Will Go Wireless
Finally, the line will get Wi-Fi (we hope), but Milwaukee's Amtrak station still lacks it.
Nov 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Wangard Breaks Ground on New Apartment Development in Park East Corridor
Avenir apartments expected to open September 2014
Nov 8th, 2013 by Wangard Partners, Inc.
Strip Club Coming to Downtown?
City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Commission Approves 6-Story East Side Apartments
City Plan Commission unanimously approves proposed, 100-unit apartment complex.
Oct 29th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Planning and a Pint Series Takes on Bradley Center Debate
Discussion at the Bradley Center will center around future of facility, and the possibility a new arena.
Oct 21st, 2013 by UWM Alumni Association
They Like It, They Really Like It
East Side Architectural Review Board unanimously approves design for 6-story, 100-unit Greenwich Park Apartments
Oct 16th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Riverside girls track team to cut ribbon on new track Saturday
Set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 at school; track had not been upgraded since 1977
Oct 11th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Artists Chosen for Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Public Art Project
Local Artists Awarded Two Commissions for Internal Public Art Works
Oct 9th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Library
Public Meeting in Riverwest Next Week
A joint public meeting with Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013.
Sep 17th, 2013 by Milwaukee Common Council
The Hotel Shepard
The historic east side mansion charges $499 a night for two-day rentals and sleeps up to 20 people. Neighbors for some reason are irate.
Sep 6th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Oakland & North Project Stalled Yet Again
Review board says the design of proposed mixed-use building is still not good enough for such an important site.
Sep 5th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Murray Ave Parklet Takes It to the Street
Parking spots on Milwaukee's East Side converted into a dining area.
Aug 24th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Gets Ready to Cut Ribbon on First Parklet in City
Public Invited to Grand Opening of ‘Curbside Dining Deck’ Today
Aug 23rd, 2013 by East Side BID
City Wants Changes for Old Pizza Man Site
Proposed building is "too boxy" and "monolithic," Ald. Kovac and others on review board say.
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Greening of Shorewood
The suburb’s embrace of green roofs, rain barrels and rain gardens is a model for others, including Milwaukee.
Aug 21st, 2013 by Joe Kelly
Milwaukee Gets Ready to Cut Ribbon on First Parklet in City
Public Invited to Grand Opening of ‘Curbside Dining Deck’ Aug. 23rd
Aug 19th, 2013 by East Side BID
Can Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?
A city task force hopes to revive the street but the obstacles are many.
Aug 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Event Invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
I am hosting a neighborhood meeting regarding Library Club.
Aug 6th, 2013 by Nik Kovac
A Very Pleasant Opening
Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.
Aug 3rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
East Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
St Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt
Seventh bridge reconstructed on Barrett's watch will include streetcar tracks.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
