Elected to four-year term on Milwaukee Common in 2024 in open race. Elected to two-year term on Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 2022.
2020 candidate for 11th aldermanic district on Milwaukee’s Southwest Side. Was ultimately defeated by incumbent Mark Borkowski.
Campaign Finance Reports
2020 - July Continuing - $2,546 - 4 contributions
2020 Pre-Election - $5,716 - 46 contributions
Photos
Content referencing Peter Burgelis
Chambers, Zamarripa Trade Profanity, Barbs Over Policy
Blowup results in Pérez shaking up committee assignments. Could a censure be next?
Feb 17th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Announces ‘ICE Out Milwaukee’ Plan
Seeking to use 'every single city resource' to oppose possible ICE surge in Milwaukee.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
City Copies County Budgeting Rule
Under proposal departments must warn Common Council of upcoming deficit.
Feb 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Finds Young Users For Abandoned Motorcycles
Youth program will use abandoned dirt bikes, motorcycles for training.
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Could Bill MPS Over Arcane State Law
City Attorney must provide legal services to MPS. Could it charge for this?
Jan 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Suspends Northwest Side Bar
Committee divided over shooting near bar; New Entertainers must close for 15 days.
Jan 21st, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
City Suspends Pink Agave
Bay View business accused of skirting health inspections.
Jan 20th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Police Urge Caution Following ‘Surge’ in Dating-App Robberies
Police say suspects have been using Grindr to commit robberies, decline to provide data.
Jan 15th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Southside Restaurant Saved From Closure
El Jalapeño will instead serve a 90-day suspension.
Dec 16th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Latest Effort to Adopt New Milwaukee Flag Going Nowhere
Bureaucracy and confusion create a slow-moving comedy of errors.
Dec 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Members Oppose Taking Tax Returns To Pay Private Ambulances
But opposition could cost the city 'ginormously' more money, warns a veteran.
Dec 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Deadly May Fire, Milwaukee Adds New Safety Requirements
More inspections, more data and changes that will impact landlords, tenants.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Entire Council Overrides Every Budget Veto by Mayor Johnson
Unanimous vote overrides all 7 vetoes, backs all alternations in mayor's budget.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Attanasio Has Never Developed Around Brewers Stadium
And why new report pushing an $800 million project could be irrelevant.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Marcus Center Problem Has Been 40 Years in the Making
City being asked to fund repairs to structure it doesn't own.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Miffed Mayor Issues 7 Budget Vetoes
Johnson unhappy with council amendments, calling one 'pointless and heartless.'
Nov 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
What’s In the 44 Footnotes Added to Milwaukee’s Budget?
Record number of footnotes reveal what council members are thinking. And who's the new prolific author?
Nov 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposed Ordinance Targets Unsanctioned Nightclubs
City leaders say legal loophole allows nightclubs in private event venues.
Nov 11th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Council Marks Up Mayor’s 2026 Budget, Adds Services, Pay Raises
Proposal now subject to Cavalier Johnson's veto pen.
Nov 7th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Unusual Partnership Leads To New Amenities in Jackson Park
Flood plain project yields new space for pickleball.
Nov 6th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Council Spends More Than Nine Hours Debating Budget Amendments
Testy meeting lines up more library hours, raises, fire truck funding.
Oct 31st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Alderman, State Allies Seek Federal Help to Kill the Streetcar
Ald. Spiker makes a federal case out of stopping The Hop.
Oct 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Extending Hours For Downtown Parking Meters
It could also add more areas with variable pricing.
Oct 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Moving to Enact Reckless Driving Towing Plan
But proposal could be delayed in Madison.
Oct 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Recommends Closing ELMNT Lounge
Milwaukee Common Council will take a final vote next month.
Oct 21st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
One Alderman’s Quest To Defund The Streetcar
Ald. Scott Spiker wants city to hop off The Hop.
Oct 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Cherry Street Bridge Reconstruction Is Millions Over Budget
But city says it is still saving money. How?
Oct 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Has a Fire Truck Problem
Milwaukee may soon need to dial 911 to replace its fire trucks.
Oct 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Takes Major Step To Delay Mayor’s Wheel Tax Increase
Finance committee members charge mayor created budget hole he is asking council to solve.
Oct 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Rainbow Crosswalks Mark Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ History
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project leads installation.
Oct 8th, 2025 by Michael Horne
Council Might Pump Brakes on Mayor’s Proposed Wheel Tax Increase
Finance chair says delaying vote gives city residents a voice.
Oct 6th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Revokes License of Southside Bar After Drug Discovery
Owner facing federal charges.
Sep 26th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Stolen Gun Leads City to Suspend Harambee Convenience Store
Safety concerns lead to unanimous council vote against Third Street Quick Mart.
Sep 24th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee, Police Union Battle Over Contract
Millions of dollars apart with charges and counter charges getting uglier.
Sep 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Will Provide Cash For Some Homeowners’ Flood Repairs
Proposal cobbles together funds to help low-income owners make repairs.
Sep 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Will Waive Permit Fees For Owner-Occupied Homes Flood Repair
Proposal aims to reduce costs of rebuilding after 1,000-year storm.
Sep 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Votes to Close Tavern After Brawl Involving Hundreds
Unanimous vote against renewing King Drive tavern license after 'huge blunder.'
Sep 11th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Supervisors Support Age Restriction For THC Derivatives
Sup. Eckblad's proposal pushes local suburbs to adopt Milwaukee rules.
Sep 7th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor Signs Housing Legislation, Praises Late Jonathan Brostoff
'Honey Badger' alderman was champion of affordable housing effort.
Jul 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Adopts Growing MKE Plan
Now known as 'Housing Element,' plan aims to fight off gentrification, create 'missing middle' housing.
Jul 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Lengthy Debate, Council Legalizes Carriage Homes
Did Milwaukee just eliminate single-family zoning?
Jul 15th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Could Implement Age Restriction For Hemp-Derived THC
Delta-8 and similar products do not currently have age restrictions.
Jul 11th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Housing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement
Revised 'Growing MKE' is not perfect, but council should still adopt it say sponsors.
Jul 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposed Food Truck Park Wins Key Approval
After a year in limbo, Pali Park is progressing. It's a big change for Water Street.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Meet Milwaukee’s Flag Task Force
Will the council agree with its rankings?
Jul 1st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Reopens Flag Debate. Again
Alders insist council can 'walk and chew gum' in taking on the flag issue.
Jun 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Jumps Off Trampoline Debate
A $500 fine for improper usage? 'This is a trampoline. It's not a fire.'
Jun 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
How Can Milwaukee Solve Its $820 Million Road Funding Backlog?
More than a quarter of city's streets are in 'poor' condition. The solution?
Jun 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Being Outsmarted, Council May Accept New Convention Center Deal
But the annual payment to city could be less than the salary for the center's CEO.
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Flag Debate Is Back
New task force would host design contest. Could People's Flag prevail?
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Waters Down Proposed ‘Granny Flat’ Plan
Result: The sponsors of proposal have now become the opponents.
Jun 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Could Regulate Where You Can Place Your Trampoline
"This is not an ordinance against fun," says sponsor.
Jun 12th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Reaches Mayor’s Protected Bike Lane Goal
Mayor Cavalier Johnson calls it a 'great start,' pledges to keep going.
Jun 5th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension
City cites 5 altercations and a Water Street 'melee' at longtime Brother's Bar.
Jun 4th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Moxy Hotel Passed by Divided Committee, Sets Up Council Showdown
Deer District project hit by proxy war over unionizing The Trade.
May 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire Chief Says Sprinklers Don’t Cost Much
Less than cost of new carpet? Chief Lipski calls for sprinklers in large buildings.
May 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Vents Frustration on City Response To Suspected Shooter Incident
'We owe our employees better,' says council president.
May 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights
Annual May Day march draws increased attention, attendance due to Trump administration actions.
May 1st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
See The Largest Cruise Ship on the Great Lakes in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's 2025 cruising season starts with massive 665-foot-long Octantis.
Apr 28th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Boosts Illegal Dumping Fine To $5,000
"The tire lady" is sick of bad actors trashing her aldermanic district. Her colleagues agree.
Apr 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Divided Over Nightclub’s Age Restriction
Council denies Allure's request to lower age limit, despite split vote.
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Delays Legalizing Carriage Houses
How the sponsors of accessory dwelling units sabotaged their own proposal.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Department Technology Purchases Raise Concerns
Will increase in cameras and video data invade privacy of citizens?
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police Creating a Drone Team
Purchasing 16 drones and training an airborne assessment team.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Overturns Plan Commission, Recommends ‘Missing Middle’ Housing
But coalition of community groups continues to strongly oppose proposal.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Committee Backs Return of Granny Flats
Legalizing accessory dwelling units could grow housing across entire city.
Apr 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Council Wants to Ban Hookah Sales to Those Under 21
Hookah bars expanding in city. Compliance with state law may be an issue.
Apr 14th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Milwaukee Seeks New Parking Czar
New manager will oversee major changes planned for meters, enforcement.
Apr 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Stickers Will Tell You When To Wheel Out Your Trash
To make it easier to check, smartphone-friendly idea championed by Ald. Burgelis.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Pérez Reshuffles Council Committees
Addition of new alder Alex Brower prompts changes, restores power to veteran council member.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Will Be Funded by Council’s Transformation Fund?
After 'fighting' and negotiations, council finally picks 15 winners for funding.
Mar 31st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves MPS Police Officer Agreement, But Money Still An Issue
Council has opportunity to spend MPS funding, but on what?
Mar 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Health Department May Shut Down Some Milwaukee Schools With High Lead Levels
Gov. Evers' budget plan has funding for lead risk investigations, mentions MPS lead levels.
Feb 24th, 2025 by Evan Casey
New Mexican Restaurant for Harbor District Wins Key Approval
Miguel Herrera plans to continue family's legacy with Jalisco's Cantina.
Feb 22nd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee’s Cruise Ship Business Will Shrink in 2025
But port officials optimistic about 2026 being a record year with new dock.
Feb 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Department Closing Unlicensed Driver Loophole
Repeat offenders without a license were being issued less severe municipal ticket.
Feb 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Closes Teutonia Gas and Food Again
Remanded hearing for retail business on N. Teutonia Ave. yields same result.
Feb 11th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Southside Bar and Restaurant Receives 60-Day Suspension
La Caleta, on 18th and Muskego, is closed until mid-March.
Jan 22nd, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Snow Plowing Debate Airs Grievances, Floats Ideas
Council members want better service, maybe even gold-plated streets you can eat off of.
Jan 8th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Creates Economic Hardship Waiver For Keeping Chickens
After budget amendment failed, Ald. Burgelis finds new way to issue free chicken coop permits.
Dec 27th, 2024 by Nick Rommel
Will City Refund Snowplowing Fee For Poor Performance?
Some council members, frosty about results, support the idea.
Dec 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
$10,000 Bonuses For Police Transfers Not Working?
Gaining few recruits, losing council support. Plus: new labor negotiator approved.
Dec 17th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
What’s In The 18 Footnotes Added To Milwaukee’s Budget?
See Common Council members' ideas to make city government better serve the public.
Dec 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Trump Kill Milwaukee Street Upgrades and EV Projects?
At stake are at least 5 federal grants to city worth $99 million; will Trump claw back money?
Dec 10th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Rejects Mayor’s Vetoes, Finalizes 2025 Budget
In less than 5 minutes, council restores money for its operations and for road repair.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Negotiating Milwaukee’s Police, Fire Contracts Gets Messy
'Sloppy' says a council member as city cycles through labor negotiator nominees.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Offers Police Officers $10,000 To Switch to MPD
City struggles to attract new officers while facing state requirement to hire more.
Nov 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Issues Several Budget Vetoes
And council pays out $3 million in legal claims and settlements.
Nov 20th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Two Road-to-Trail Projects Funded in 2025
$10 million for two small projects within county parks approved.
Nov 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Council Boosts Road Repair In Adopting 2025 Milwaukee Budget
City services maintained through increases to property taxes and fees.
Nov 8th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Puts Milwaukee Flag Debate on Ice
Issue sent back to committee, council more focused on tragic death of Ald. Brostoff.
Nov 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
New Pickleball Courts Open at West Milwaukee Park
New courts in West Milwaukee are only second park with pickleball in county parks system.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Marks Up Milwaukee Budget With Amendments, Footnotes
Council raids personnel accounts to pay for services it says constituents demand.
Oct 31st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee To Issue More Parking Tickets at Higher Prices in 2025
Strategy part of effort to fund other city services, improve parking access. But is it a stealth way to fund The Hop?
Oct 30th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Planning Innovative Fire Repair Shop, Suburbs Could Join
Milwaukee is at a 'blinking red light hazard zone' with its current facility.
Oct 30th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could Send People’s Flag To April Referendum
But the multi-step process is off to a rocky start.
Oct 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Will Toughen Penalties For Reckless Drivers
Latest crackdown relies on state legislation to double fines, jail time.
Oct 1st, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Supervisors Propose Reduced Bus Fares On Election Day
Chairwoman Nicholson proposes cutting MCTS fares by up to $1 to encourage voting.
Sep 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
