Ashanti Hamilton

Ashanti Hamilton joins Veolia North America as Workforce Development Manager for Milwaukee

The new role supports Milwaukee's Water & Wastewater Workforce Center initiative – a collaboration between Veolia North America and The Water Council. Hamilton has dedicated his career to enhancing community well-being in Milwaukee and will be charged with building strong partnerships and growing Veolia’s local water workforce

Opportunity Presents Itself to Reimagine Office of Community Wellness and Safety

Ashanti Hamilton Resigns From Violence Prevention Role

Former alderman has led Office of Community Wellness and Safety since 2022.

Gun Violence Down 17% in Wisconsin, 20% in Milwaukee

During first 8 months of 2024. Are community intervention efforts working?

More Funding Needed To Advance School-to-Apartments Conversion

Former Carleton School redevelopment at 41st and Silver Spring first proposed in 2019.

Crime Continues to Decline in Milwaukee

Mirroring national trends, with reductions in murder, assault, burglaries this year.

Choice School Network Wants To Buy Former MPS School

One of largest local voucher schools wins bid for long-vacant Emanuel Philipp School.

Anti-Republican Group Takes Over Downtown Streets

Coalition to March on the RNC is the result of some 100 groups coming together.

Proposal Asks City to Adopt ‘People’s Flag’

Ald. Peter Burgelis leads new push to replace what's been called one of the worst city flags in America.

Mayor Calls for Stricter Gun Laws After Spate of Shootings in City

13 shootings in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Vos, Donovan disagree with Johnson.

Surveillance Technology Never Left Milwaukee After the DNC

Police gear acquired 4 years ago will play a role during the Republican Convention.

Homicides in Milwaukee Down Nearly 50% in 2 Years

Numbers continue to decline since pandemic but officials say more work still needed.

New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History

The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.

After Missteps, Milwaukee Launching New Effort To Help Young Black Men

Lack of resources, infighting doomed prior efforts. Walter Lanier is charting a new course.

Milwaukee Homicides Drop 21% in 2023, But Still Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

For the first time in four years, Milwaukee doesn't set new record high.

Mayor Vetoes Controversial Insurance Partnership

Council narrowly endorsed idea, only for Mayor Cavalier Johnson to kill initiative.

Is Milwaukee Being Sold An Insurance Scam?

Or is exclusive contract with company offering water and sewer line warranties a good deal?

Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City

No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.

Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him

Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.

Garden Homes Sees New Life Through Perseverance

Long-awaited project rehabilitating dilapidated homes in first-of-its-kind neighborhood.

Milwaukee’s Climate Plan Could Be Game Changer

Equity component of plan would create jobs for those that need them most.

The City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Grants $370,000 to Summer of Healing Awardees

City’s Homicides, Shootings Down in 2023

But more progress needed said MPD Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner. 'There's just too many guns.'

City Program Seeks to Get Kids Off the Streets

"Safer City MKE" offers camping trips, city tours, art classes and more.

MPD Launches the Milwaukee Police Athletic League (MPAL)

New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval

Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.

New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause

Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.

Bucks Tightening Deer District Security Ahead of Playoffs

Community ambassadors, increased police presence and 'leave it at home' initiative aim to protect fans for Bucks postseason.

Bowen Won’t Seek Recount, Pratt Is New Alderwoman

Andrea Pratt wins race to replace Ashanti Hamilton by 17 votes.

Pratt, Westmoreland and Taylor Win Council Seats

Andrea Pratt defeats David Bowen by very slim margin.

Three Northside Aldermanic Races

Six candidates running to fill three open seats on the Milwaukee Common Council.

MPD Unveils Violent Crime Reduction Plan

44-page plan calls for community outreach, expanded police force and youth engagement.

Three Highly-Competitive Aldermanic Races On April Ballot

Pratt vs Bowen, Westmoreland vs Jackson and Ball vs Taylor.

How Can U.S. Marshals Help Milwaukee?

Safe surrender program, sustained community engagement are on the wish list.

Despite New Homicide Record, Violent Crime in Milwaukee Fell 7% in 2022

Other serious crimes down 15%.

Milwaukeeans Encouraged to Wear Blue on January 11 to Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking

More Than 15 Candidates Running For Three Council Seats

North side voters will find packed primaries on Feb. 21.

Family Dollar, Gimbel Beat City In Court

Area alderman and nonprofit pushed to close store, citing shoplifting, loitering and fighting.

We Are Here MKE Collective in partnership with Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Host Town Hall to Bring Awareness to Domestic Violence

Special Elections Called For 3 Council Seats

Northside races called to replace Chantia Lewis, Ashanti Hamilton and Nikiya Dodd.

Perez Gives New Committee Assignments

Newly-elected alders get their first assignments. But others still doing double duty.

Chambers, Brostoff Sworn In As Aldermen

New council members welcomed by colleagues, face budget veto override vote next week.

Committee Okays Carleton School Project

Despite complaints from neighbors, $18 million conversion of long-vacant school into 30 apartments approved.

Mark Chambers, Jr. Wins Aldermanic Seat Last Held By Cavalier Johnson

State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff also wins seat on Common Council.

When Will Nikiya Dodd Resign?

Alderwoman returns after six-week absence, declines to answer any questions from press.

Where Is Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd?

Alderwoman is expected to resign, has missed last two council meetings.

Mayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff

But there is unanimous agreement that city faces a looming crisis.

North-Side Shopping Center Gains New Businesses

New event venues and convenience store for strip mall at Silver Spring and Green Bay.

Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job

New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.

Who Will Run To Replace Hamilton and Lewis?

Four of 15 Common Council seats are vacant or due to be. Is Rep. David Bowen running?

Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention

Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.

Denita Ball Wins Sheriff’s Race

Ball wins with 55% of the vote, defeating Brian Barkow and Thomas Beal.

New $5,000 Fine For Not Reporting Stolen Guns

Proposal includes a requirement to securely store guns in cars. MPD backing proposal.

City Closes Burger King With Inside-Job Shooting

Council denies renewal of license, with alderman citing "a culture of" carrying weapons.

$900,000 Settlement For Improper Firings By Chief Morales

Suit charges former police chief terminated seven Investigators without due process.

Ald. Zamarripa introduces resolution supporting women’s reproductive freedom

ARPA Funds Can’t Plug City Budget Hole

Deficit keeps growing and even devoting every ARPA dollar to it won't solve problem.

Committee approves resolution designating Juneteenth Day as an official city event

2022 festivities set for Sunday, June 19

27-Page Complaint Blasts City Attorney

Tearman Spencer and top deputies face new complaints of misusing public funds, kickbacks and more.

Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause

But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?

RNC framework contract is a win-win for the City of Milwaukee

Joint statement from Common Council Members: Common Council President/Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, and Alderman Scott Spiker June 1, 2022

Statement on mass shooting at school in Uvalde, Texas

By all Members of the Common Council: Common Council President/Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey,  Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Wisconsin Bike Fed celebrates Wisconsin Bike Week with communities across the state June 4-11, 2022

Committee Backs Kovac For Budget Director

A unanimous vote for alderman, whose resignation is expected to occur May 9.

Outside Counsel Will Represent City On Complaint Against City Attorney

City Attorney Tearman Spencer is being sued for harassment, discrimination.

Milwaukee Adding 37 New Wards

Supreme Court ruling changed state legislators for some city residents, requiring additional map revisions.

Lena Taylor Could Sue City Over Flooding

State senator alleges rental property damaged by city contractor work. City Attorney's Office denies claim.

No New Jackpot Tax at Potawatomi

Borkowski pulls his proposal after meeting with casino CEO. But he already has a new more modest plan.

Perez Shakes Up Committee Assignments

Musical chairs game has new leaders at the helm of city's most powerful committees.

Statement on the election of Alderman José Pérez as Common Council President

By Common Council members: Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II April 19, 2022

Garden Homes Project May Get Extension

Ald. Hamilton backs redevelopment, once threatened to camp out if neighborhood not cleaned up.

DNS Could Drop City Attorney, Hire Its Own

Council debates, then holds off proposal to help Department of Neighborhood Services.

New Assessments Hike Residential Values By 17.7%

Property values surging across the entire city, but won't necessary mean a tax increase.

Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.

Bree Spencer Added to Police-Fire Board

East Side resident works for national civil rights group, previously worked at Safe & Sound.

Let’s Not Whitewash Bob Donovan

Journal Sentinel offers sanitized version of Bob Donovan's run-ins with the law.

Lead Program Investigation Closed Without Criminal Charges

But investigation confirms program was mismanaged.

City Selling Former Villa/Ritz Theater

Villard Avenue theater is landmark on far north side main street.

Council Delays Adding Bree Spencer To Fire & Police Commission

Appointed by acting mayor, but some council members want time to meet with her.

Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future

Candidates for mayor differ on streetcar, partisan politics and who favors defunding police.

City To Pay $50,000 For Church Crushed By Collapsed Building

City owned foreclosed building. Near north-side church submitted $1.1 million claim.

$650,000 Settlement For Police Shooting Victim

Jerry Smith, Jr. shot three times in 2017 on rooftop: he called it a case of mistaken identity.

Statement on the passing of Dr. Lester Carter

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II.

Council Ends Redistricting With Anger, Tears

Council members call process unfair, unjust and infuriating. How did things go wrong?

Statement from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Statement on redistricting effort

Milwaukee Starts Over On Redistricting, Only To Adopt Same Map Again

Effort to expand Latino influence won't stand up to legal challenges says City Attorney. Alderwoman says council "hoodwinked" and "railroaded."

Thank you, Governor Tony Evers

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Nik Kovac, and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski

The Incredible Rise of Cavalier Johnson

Up from poverty and getting crushed in his first two runs for office, Milwaukee's new mayor has a story to tell.

Council Suspends Downtown’s ELMNT Lounge For 60 Days

Action taken after police and others argue over how a homicide near bar was handled.

Council Split On Hiring Its Own Attorney

Just the latest twist in the council's ongoing conflict with City Attorney Tearman Spencer.

Council adopts ordinance lowering recovery rate for assessable traffic calming improvements

Council Halts Redistricting After Latino Pushback

After approving a map in November, council rejects it, to allow more community feedback.

Vote to sustain veto a vote to uplift Milwaukee’s Latino community

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa December 14, 2021

Barrett Vetoes Redistricting Map

Voces de la Frontera lobbied for a veto to push council to create third Hispanic district.

Council Okays ‘Warp Speed’ Redistricting

City officials forced to work quickly, with one council member objecting to new plan.

The Council’s War With Tearman Spencer

Lots of grumbling, but City Attorney scores wins in two of three battles Tuesday.

Committee Backs City Redistricting Plan

But what about a third Latino majority district?

Milwaukee Releases Draft Plan For New Council Districts

Every aldermanic district would change under proposed plan.

State bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Milwaukee Adopts New Ward Map For City

New districts coming next week. Riverwest further split between two council districts.