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 10
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
The $1 Million Art Project
Steve Marcus’ plan to bring world class sculpture to Milwaukee is expensive. Is it a good idea?
Jul 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Where the Buffalo Roam
A new art project honoring Native American history will be constructed on the new Downtown to Bay View Bikeway
Jul 17th, 2013 by Joe Kelly
King Drive Owner Under Fire, Taxpayers Could Lose $212,000
Ald. Coggs assails company for promising local grocery and leasing to Dollar Tree instead.
Jul 3rd, 2013 by Shakara Robinson
PACE energy efficiency initiative for buildings moves forward
Building on the success of the Me2 program, the City of Milwaukee is developing new financial resources to help building owners finance energy efficiency improvements on their properties and improvements that save energy dollars, create better buildings, create local jobs and improve the environment.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
“Wait, Wait, Wait”
The city’s new audio crosswalk alerts are annoying -- and potentially dangerous.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Tom Bamberger
Temporary East Library Opens
It's just a block and a half away from the old library, and as Mayor Barrett demonstrated at its opening, you can still check out books.
Jul 1st, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Global Anti-Bigotry Campaign Makes U.S. Debut in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Jewish Federation collaborates with U.S. Department of State to launch Hours Against Hate
Jun 24th, 2013 by Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Landlord registration program could be eliminated
Statement from Alderman Nik Kovac June 20, 2013
Jun 20th, 2013 by Nik Kovac
Residents Reject Freshwater Name
Contest to rename Pittsburgh Ave. to honor water institute didn't convince street's residents, who nixed Freshwater Way.
Jun 20th, 2013 by Michael Horne
New legislation targets predatory schools, protects students
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs June 11, 2013
Jun 11th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
$350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors
GMC lands grant from ArtPlace America to create artistic corridors in Riverwest and Harambee and on West Wisconsin Ave.
May 20th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!
Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.
May 13th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Celebrate Bike to Work Week with Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderpersons, and The Wisconsin Bike Federation
Bike to Work Week is May 13-18, 2013
May 10th, 2013 by City of Milwaukee
City car sharing partnership brings Zipcar to the 3rd Aldermanic District
The City of Milwaukee has launched a new partnership with Zipcar, Inc. to offer a car sharing program in Milwaukee located in the 3rd District, Alderman Nik Kovac said.
May 2nd, 2013 by Nik Kovac
Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”
Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.
Apr 17th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Politics & Poetry II
Aldermen join seasoned poets to tout today's election and celebrate the memory of poet Anita Brooks.
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Grace Fuhr
Referendum on same-day registration a chance to make residents’ voices heard
Joint Statement from members of the Common Council
Apr 1st, 2013 by Milwaukee Common Council
Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac
The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Nik Kovac
Milwaukee Public Library’s East Library Will Relocate to Temporary Facility This Summer and Hold Public Meeting on Design in April
Library Will Use Temporary Site During Construction of East Branch
Mar 26th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Library
Mystery Behind the MU Law School Poll
MU's pollster calls Ald. Kovac's radio show. Is she from the "East Coast," as MU says, or India?
Mar 20th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Rocky’s Throne of Stone
Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?
Mar 15th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Jim Wiechmann’s Gothic Mansion
The real estate tycoon and owner of Stevens Point Brewery has one of the grandest mansions in town.
Mar 8th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Brady Street BID Expands Boundaries?
And Milwaukee's corporations asleep on gay marriage issue?
Mar 6th, 2013 by Michael Horne
A Historic Milwaukee Celebration
Plus: A national green award for The Brewery; and bringing fruit trees to Walker's Point.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address
Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building
Feb 25th, 2013 by Mayor Tom Barrett
31 Townhomes Coming to Riverwest
All are apartments with lots of amenities but do they maximize their proximity to the river?
Feb 22nd, 2013 by Dave Reid
Facing the Foreclosure Crisis
A packed crowd at City Hall listened to experts discuss the problem of foreclosed homes and possible solutions.
Feb 8th, 2013 by Grace Fuhr
Urban home ownership, maintaining neighborhood vitality to be discussed during City Hall event Friday
A City Hall event on Friday (February 1) entitled “Panel on Urban Home Ownership and Neighborhood Vitality during the Foreclosure Crisis,” will feature Alderman Nik Kovac.
Jan 31st, 2013 by Nik Kovac
Neighbors Boiling Over Boylston Plan
Too much congestion, they complain. Ald. Kovac is feeling the heat.
Jan 23rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
M. L. King Library is Open and Will Hold a Special Program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
All Other Milwaukee Public Libraries are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Jan 16th, 2013 by Press Release
Same-day voter registration advisory referendum goes to voters on April 2, 2013
Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 15, 2013
Jan 16th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Event Invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
Alderman Nik Kovac, along with State Senator Chris Larson and State Representative Jon Richards, invites residents to a Community Town Hall meeting:
Jan 11th, 2013 by Press Release
Council members applaud 911 cell phone shift vote by County Board
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors today approved a compromise plan that will allow Milwaukee Police Department dispatchers to begin handling all 911 cell phone calls that originate in the city – a cooperative move that will save taxpayer dollars.
Dec 20th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Milwaukee’s conservation efforts pay off with Bird City Wisconsin designation
Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac is pleased to announce that the City of Milwaukee is among six of the most recent municipalities to win recognition from Bird City Wisconsin.
Dec 14th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Public vetting process needed for Fire and Police Commission appointments
Joint Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, and Alderman José G. Pérez
Dec 12th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Pizza and the Park East
Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.
Dec 11th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
East Library Design Public Meeting
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) will hold a public meeting TOMORROW, December 11th on the new East Library design.
Dec 10th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Mayor Backs Flynn, Slams Newspaper
Journal Sentinel’s series on data errors “takes crime fighting officers off the street,” Barrett charges.
Dec 6th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Neighborhood Meeting Tonight
Meeting on the proposed location for a new Pizza Man restaurant.
Dec 5th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
East Library Design Meeting
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, December 11th on the new East Library design.
Dec 5th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Alderman Kovac invites residents to stuff Santa’s sleigh tomorrow
Phoenix is seeking nonperishable food, monetary and in-kind donations to the Hunger Task Force.
Dec 3rd, 2012 by Nik Kovac
The Dead Zones
Two new apartment buildings for Downtown's fringes, and two new coffee houses. All spell progress.
Nov 29th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
Neighborhood Meeting
Your input is important. I hope to see you there!
Nov 27th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Council votes to support County Board’s Medical Examiner legislation
County Board file establishes new policy for ME in cases involving death while in law enforcement custody
Oct 23rd, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Mayor’s Committee to Host United Nations Anniversary Commeroration
The City of Milwaukee will be celebrating the ideals and impact of the United Nations on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by hosting a presentation and reception in City Hall in honor of the 67th Anniversary of the United Nations Charter.
Oct 23rd, 2012 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Power Play
A city committee resists heavy lobbying and forestalls a special taxing district for Juneau Park and Cathedral Square.
Oct 14th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Pattern and practice of potential police misconduct warrants federal investigation
Joint Statement from members of the Common Council
Oct 10th, 2012 by Press Release
Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures
Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.
Oct 2nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Neighborhood Town Hall set for TONIGHT
Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac invites residents to share concerns and hear from local officials at a Neighborhood Town Hall meeting this evening (Tuesday, October 2).
Oct 2nd, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Citizens still waiting for answers about illegal strip searches
Other Council members and I have recently been directing our efforts toward learning more about the tragic death in police custody of Derek Williams, and seeking justice for him.
Oct 1st, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Joint statement from Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Today’s announcement that Pierce Elementary School and La Escuela Fratney have been chosen as GE Foundation Demonstration Schools is great news.
Oct 1st, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Statement from Mayor Tom Barrett Concerning the Public Service Commission Ruling on the Milwaukee Streetcar Project
We agree with comments made by two of the three Public Service Commission (PSC) members that the Streetcar project is an exercise of the City’s police power, and that it is a benefit to the public’s health, safety and welfare.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Mayor Tom Barrett
U.S. Attorney’s insight needed in Williams death investigation
We are respectfully requesting that the office of the U.S. Attorney conduct an investigation into the case of Derek Williams, who died last year while in the custody of Milwaukee police.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Four More Years
The Common Council approves the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux for another term.
Sep 25th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Neighborhood Town Hall set for Tuesday
Milwaukee Alderman Nik Kovac invites residents to share concerns and hear from local officials at a Neighborhood Town Hall meeting the evening of Tuesday, October 2nd 2012.
Sep 25th, 2012 by Nik Kovac
The Saga Continues
Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.
Sep 19th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Council members set for NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner
The theme of this year’s event is “Reform, Restore, Refocus: Your Power, Your Decision-VOTE.”
Sep 14th, 2012 by Press Release
Tragedy in Oak Creek
Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
Aug 6th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
This is the End, Beautiful Friend
Some thoughts on the bitter end of Sydney Hih.
Jul 28th, 2012 by Dave Reid
City health benefits now cover all families
The Common Council voted Tuesday to extend health and dental benefits eligibility to registered domestic partners of city retirees and to the children of all registered domestic partners.
Jul 25th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
A Really Rocky Road
Opponents succeed in delaying the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, sending a message to Marcoux and Mayor Barrett.
Jul 25th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Common Council approves Milwaukee Jobs Act initiative
The Common Council today approved creation of the Milwaukee Jobs Act -Transitional Jobs Program – a multifaceted effort to create employment opportunities for city young people and job seekers from areas of the city that have been particularly hard-hit economically.
Jul 24th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Not Too Rocky a Road. So Far.
DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux's reappointment won committee approval, but what will the full council do?
Jul 18th, 2012 by Dave Reid
New Bike Transit System?
A city committee votes to support a system of bike-sharing kiosks. Other cities have cut auto traffic this way.
Jul 13th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Plan Commission Recommends Approval of Five-story Apartment Building
Green features garner support for apartment project from Alderman and neighborhood.
Jul 10th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Bike-sharing program pedals to Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee will discuss a resolution Wednesday (July 11) to create a bicycle-sharing program in Milwaukee that if approved could start up in spring 2013.
Jul 9th, 2012 by Ald. Bob Bauman
One More Chance for the Sydney HIH
Parliamentary procedure buys the Sydney HIH a few more days.
Jul 6th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Neighborhood walk-through Thursday
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will be having a joint neighborhood walk-through to address neighborhood safety concerns with Alderman Nik Kovac on Thursday, July 5, starting at 2 p.m.
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Neighborhood walk-through Thursday
Alderman Nik Kovac will be having a joint neighborhood walk-through to address neighborhood safety concerns with Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs on Thursday, July 5, starting at 2 p.m. outside Club Timbuktu, 520 E. Center St.
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Gordon Park July 4th Independence Day Celebration
Make plans to attend tomorrow’s fun and festivities at Gordon Park at N. Humboldt Blvd. and E. Locust St.
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Festival & street closure information from Alderman Nik Kovac
The 12th Annual East Side Summer Soulstice Music Festival will take place Saturday, June 23 from noon to midnight(music ends at 11 p.m.).
Jun 22nd, 2012 by Nik Kovac
Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.
Jun 22nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
The War Against Chief Flynn
Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?
Jun 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
New Zoning Would Allow Taller East Side Buildings
In one of its "shortest meetings ever," the City Plan Commission recommended letting North Avenue rise higher.
May 30th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Biking Takes Spotlight this Summer
Highlights include 76 miles of new or improved bike lanes, and a raised bike lane for Bay View.
May 30th, 2012 by Dave Reid
East Library Gains Zoning Approval, Rest of District Held
Residents are still a little restive about it, but the East Side's buildings are likely to get a little higher, to judge by the results of today's City Plan Commission meeting.
May 21st, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Future of Transit Discussion at the top of the US Bank Center
If you care about transit in Milwaukee, or if you simply want the best view of the city available, come to the 40th floor of the US Bank Center next Monday night, April 16th from 5:30 until 8:00 for a cocktail hour and discussion on the future of transit in Milwaukee and how we move through the city.
Apr 11th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Jackson St. Apartment Proposal Approved at Zoning Committee
Back for a second time, Dermond Property Investments' request for a change in zoning for the properties 1601 N. Jackson and 522 E. Pleasant, the former Joey's Restaurant location, from Local Business (LB2) to a Detailed Planned Development (DPD) was once again in front of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Apr 5th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Hines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics
Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.
Apr 4th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
