Ashanti Hamilton was the director of the Office of Community Wellness and Safety, formerly the Office of Violence Prevention, from 2022-2025.
He was an alderman on the Milwaukee Common Council. He represented the city’s 1st District.
Campaign Finance Reports
2025 - January Continuing - No Contributions
2020 - July Continuing - $100 - 1 contributions
Photos
Content referencing Ashanti Hamilton
After Surprise Loss, Mayor Names New Violence Prevention Czar
Cavalier Johnson goes back to one of the original candidates for the job.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Criticized for Process of Choosing Wellness and Safety Leader
After three finalists came before public forum, Johnson chose someone else.
Aug 26th, 2025 by Devin Blake
Mayor Skips Finalists, Picks Outsider For Key Violence Prevention Role
Johnson taps Adam Procell, who turned his life around after homicide conviction.
Aug 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
Council Could Kill Revised Baird Center Revenue-Sharing Agreement
Ald. Bauman says city should hold out for more than $500,000 per year.
May 21st, 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
Ashanti Hamilton Resigns From Violence Prevention Role
Former alderman has led Office of Community Wellness and Safety since 2022.
Jan 8th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Gun Violence Down 17% in Wisconsin, 20% in Milwaukee
During first 8 months of 2024. Are community intervention efforts working?
Dec 9th, 2024 by Edgar Mendez
More Funding Needed To Advance School-to-Apartments Conversion
Former Carleton School redevelopment at 41st and Silver Spring first proposed in 2019.
Nov 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Crime Continues to Decline in Milwaukee
Mirroring national trends, with reductions in murder, assault, burglaries this year.
Oct 9th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Choice School Network Wants To Buy Former MPS School
One of largest local voucher schools wins bid for long-vacant Emanuel Philipp School.
Sep 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Anti-Republican Group Takes Over Downtown Streets
Coalition to March on the RNC is the result of some 100 groups coming together.
Jul 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene and Sophie Bolich
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.
Jul 2nd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Calls for Stricter Gun Laws After Spate of Shootings in City
13 shootings in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Vos, Donovan disagree with Johnson.
Jul 1st, 2024 by Evan Casey
Surveillance Technology Never Left Milwaukee After the DNC
Police gear acquired 4 years ago will play a role during the Republican Convention.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Homicides in Milwaukee Down Nearly 50% in 2 Years
Numbers continue to decline since pandemic but officials say more work still needed.
Apr 17th, 2024 by Evan Casey
New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History
The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jan 11th, 2024 by Jonmaesha Beltran
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.
Jan 4th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Mayor Vetoes Controversial Insurance Partnership
Council narrowly endorsed idea, only for Mayor Cavalier Johnson to kill initiative.
Dec 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Is Milwaukee Being Sold An Insurance Scam?
Or is exclusive contract with company offering water and sewer line warranties a good deal?
Nov 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City
No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.
Oct 16th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him
Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.
Oct 9th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Garden Homes Sees New Life Through Perseverance
Long-awaited project rehabilitating dilapidated homes in first-of-its-kind neighborhood.
Aug 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Climate Plan Could Be Game Changer
Equity component of plan would create jobs for those that need them most.
Jun 22nd, 2023 by Robert Kraig and Rafael Smith
City’s Homicides, Shootings Down in 2023
But more progress needed said MPD Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner. 'There's just too many guns.'
Jun 14th, 2023 by Evan Casey
City Program Seeks to Get Kids Off the Streets
"Safer City MKE" offers camping trips, city tours, art classes and more.
May 31st, 2023 by Evan Casey
New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval
Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.
Apr 27th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause
Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Apr 14th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Bowen Won’t Seek Recount, Pratt Is New Alderwoman
Andrea Pratt wins race to replace Ashanti Hamilton by 17 votes.
Apr 13th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Pratt, Westmoreland and Taylor Win Council Seats
Andrea Pratt defeats David Bowen by very slim margin.
Apr 5th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Three Northside Aldermanic Races
Six candidates running to fill three open seats on the Milwaukee Common Council.
Mar 29th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
MPD Unveils Violent Crime Reduction Plan
44-page plan calls for community outreach, expanded police force and youth engagement.
Mar 9th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Three Highly-Competitive Aldermanic Races On April Ballot
Pratt vs Bowen, Westmoreland vs Jackson and Ball vs Taylor.
Feb 21st, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
How Can U.S. Marshals Help Milwaukee?
Safe surrender program, sustained community engagement are on the wish list.
Jan 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Despite New Homicide Record, Violent Crime in Milwaukee Fell 7% in 2022
Other serious crimes down 15%.
Jan 13th, 2023 by Evan Casey
More Than 15 Candidates Running For Three Council Seats
North side voters will find packed primaries on Feb. 21.
Jan 5th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Family Dollar, Gimbel Beat City In Court
Area alderman and nonprofit pushed to close store, citing shoplifting, loitering and fighting.
Jan 4th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Special Elections Called For 3 Council Seats
Northside races called to replace Chantia Lewis, Ashanti Hamilton and Nikiya Dodd.
Nov 29th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Perez Gives New Committee Assignments
Newly-elected alders get their first assignments. But others still doing double duty.
Nov 28th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Chambers, Brostoff Sworn In As Aldermen
New council members welcomed by colleagues, face budget veto override vote next week.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Okays Carleton School Project
Despite complaints from neighbors, $18 million conversion of long-vacant school into 30 apartments approved.
Nov 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Mark Chambers, Jr. Wins Aldermanic Seat Last Held By Cavalier Johnson
State Rep. Jonathan Brostoff also wins seat on Common Council.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
When Will Nikiya Dodd Resign?
Alderwoman returns after six-week absence, declines to answer any questions from press.
Nov 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Where Is Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd?
Alderwoman is expected to resign, has missed last two council meetings.
Nov 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff
But there is unanimous agreement that city faces a looming crisis.
Oct 27th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
North-Side Shopping Center Gains New Businesses
New event venues and convenience store for strip mall at Silver Spring and Green Bay.
Sep 26th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job
New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.
Aug 31st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
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?
Aug 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention
Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.
Aug 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Denita Ball Wins Sheriff’s Race
Ball wins with 55% of the vote, defeating Brian Barkow and Thomas Beal.
Aug 9th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene and Graham Kilmer
New $5,000 Fine For Not Reporting Stolen Guns
Proposal includes a requirement to securely store guns in cars. MPD backing proposal.
Jul 21st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Closes Burger King With Inside-Job Shooting
Council denies renewal of license, with alderman citing "a culture of" carrying weapons.
Jun 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
$900,000 Settlement For Improper Firings By Chief Morales
Suit charges former police chief terminated seven Investigators without due process.
Jun 21st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
ARPA Funds Can’t Plug City Budget Hole
Deficit keeps growing and even devoting every ARPA dollar to it won't solve problem.
Jun 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
27-Page Complaint Blasts City Attorney
Tearman Spencer and top deputies face new complaints of misusing public funds, kickbacks and more.
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Backs Kovac For Budget Director
A unanimous vote for alderman, whose resignation is expected to occur May 9.
May 4th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Outside Counsel Will Represent City On Complaint Against City Attorney
City Attorney Tearman Spencer is being sued for harassment, discrimination.
May 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Adding 37 New Wards
Supreme Court ruling changed state legislators for some city residents, requiring additional map revisions.
May 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Lena Taylor Could Sue City Over Flooding
State senator alleges rental property damaged by city contractor work. City Attorney's Office denies claim.
May 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
No New Jackpot Tax at Potawatomi
Borkowski pulls his proposal after meeting with casino CEO. But he already has a new more modest plan.
May 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Perez Shakes Up Committee Assignments
Musical chairs game has new leaders at the helm of city's most powerful committees.
Apr 28th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Garden Homes Project May Get Extension
Ald. Hamilton backs redevelopment, once threatened to camp out if neighborhood not cleaned up.
Apr 12th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
DNS Could Drop City Attorney, Hire Its Own
Council debates, then holds off proposal to help Department of Neighborhood Services.
Apr 12th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
New Assessments Hike Residential Values By 17.7%
Property values surging across the entire city, but won't necessary mean a tax increase.
Apr 11th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Bree Spencer Added to Police-Fire Board
East Side resident works for national civil rights group, previously worked at Safe & Sound.
Apr 4th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Let’s Not Whitewash Bob Donovan
Journal Sentinel offers sanitized version of Bob Donovan's run-ins with the law.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Lead Program Investigation Closed Without Criminal Charges
But investigation confirms program was mismanaged.
Mar 24th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Selling Former Villa/Ritz Theater
Villard Avenue theater is landmark on far north side main street.
Mar 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Adding Bree Spencer To Fire & Police Commission
Appointed by acting mayor, but some council members want time to meet with her.
Mar 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future
Candidates for mayor differ on streetcar, partisan politics and who favors defunding police.
Mar 14th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City To Pay $50,000 For Church Crushed By Collapsed Building
City owned foreclosed building. Near north-side church submitted $1.1 million claim.
Feb 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
$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.
Feb 15th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Ends Redistricting With Anger, Tears
Council members call process unfair, unjust and infuriating. How did things go wrong?
Jan 18th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
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."
Jan 10th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Dec 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Suspends Downtown’s ELMNT Lounge For 60 Days
Action taken after police and others argue over how a homicide near bar was handled.
Dec 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Split On Hiring Its Own Attorney
Just the latest twist in the council's ongoing conflict with City Attorney Tearman Spencer.
Dec 14th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Halts Redistricting After Latino Pushback
After approving a map in November, council rejects it, to allow more community feedback.
Dec 14th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Vetoes Redistricting Map
Voces de la Frontera lobbied for a veto to push council to create third Hispanic district.
Dec 6th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays ‘Warp Speed’ Redistricting
City officials forced to work quickly, with one council member objecting to new plan.
Nov 24th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
The Council’s War With Tearman Spencer
Lots of grumbling, but City Attorney scores wins in two of three battles Tuesday.
Nov 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Backs City Redistricting Plan
But what about a third Latino majority district?
Nov 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Releases Draft Plan For New Council Districts
Every aldermanic district would change under proposed plan.
Nov 18th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Adopts New Ward Map For City
New districts coming next week. Riverwest further split between two council districts.
Nov 17th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Blasts Extra Cost For Morales’ Lawsuit
City Attorney Spencer knew outside counsel handling case exceeded authorized cost.
Nov 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council, Mayor At Odds Over City Attorney
Council wants to hire its own attorney. City Attorney oppose this and Barrett vetoes proposal.
Nov 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Morales Demotion Debacle Will Cost City Additional $19,000
City's outside counsel exceeded its budget.
Nov 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Adopts ‘Calm Before The Storm’ 2022 Budget
No fee increases and small tax increase as city bolsters pension reserve fund in anticipation of fiscal cliff.
Nov 5th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New BBQ Place For Public Market
Also new: a Radio Milwaukee building cafe, north-side daiquiri bar with New Orleans food, and Brookfield burger joint.
Oct 25th, 2021 by Michael Holloway
Council Adopts $179 Million Rescue Plan Package
Compromise plan includes money for pension reserve, housing, lead abatement and child care providers.
Oct 21st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Strikes Deal On How To Spend $179 Million ARPA Allocation
Housing, lead abatement, child care, police recruits, violence prevention, a new MLK library and more.
Oct 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Safety Initiative Brings High-Tech Cameras to Villard Avenue
Operation aimed at crime and reckless driving, includes cooperation from local BID, residents.
Oct 14th, 2021 by Edgar Mendez
Common Council Has 7 Times The Ideas As It Has Funding
82 ideas for how to spend $394.2 million federal grant. What will council choose?
Oct 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
1896 Bicycle Factory Has Quite A History
The A.D. Meiselbach factory employed William Harley, then 15, and profited from the nation's 1890's bicycle craze.
Sep 14th, 2021 by Michael Horne
Alderman’s Plan To Pitch A Tent Triggers Late Night Trash Cleanup
Ald. Ashanti Hamilton claims even a dead body wasn't enough to get a garbage cleanup in Garden Homes neighborhood.
Sep 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves Morales Settlement
Former chief will get $500,000 and now a finalist for job in Dane County suburb.
Jul 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
