Ghassan Korban

Public Works Commissioner Jeff Polenske Leaving For Private Sector

Three-decade government veteran "retiring" for private-sector employment.

Former Health Director Blames Barrett

Bevan Baker breaks his silence, slams Mayor and other city departments.

Streetcar Manager Leaving

Darryll Simpson will lead New Orleans transit agency.

Barrett Taps Polenske For Public Works

Veteran City Engineer to become head of 2,300-employee Department of Public Works.

Gonda Resigns from Water Works

Longtime city employee resigns as Milwaukee Water Works director for job at UWM.

Potawatomi Tops Off New Hotel Tower

Construction has reached its peak on second tower of casino hotel.

City Debuts New Parking Meters

All 7,000 will ultimately be switched. Not sexy says Barrett, but he thinks public will approve.

Department of Public Works Commissioner Ghassan Korban to Retire from the City of Milwaukee

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from the City of Milwaukee DPW."

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $100

Sculpture Milwaukee work earns place outside City Hall

Tony Cragg’s Mixed Feelings donated anonymously through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation

About Those Streetcar Stops

Why not a dramatic uniform design for them? Well, because.

First Streetcar Heading to Milwaukee

Left Pennsylvania plant, will arrive by on March 26, mayor announces.

City Releases Contractor Gun Photo

Third high-profile incident for contractor, $1.4 million in lost contracts.

Another Contractor Caught With Gun

Another American Sewer worker caught with a gun, company forfeits another contract.

$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes

Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.

City Settles with American Sewer

Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.

City Kills Contracts With American Sewer

Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.

Stamper Introduces Bill to Fire American Sewer Services

"Yes, I support a termination of his contract, and I wish I could do it immediately..." says Alderman.

Ban On Contractors With Guns Passed

Common Council passes ban unanimously, and orders study of ending outside contracting.

$65 Million Spent on Streetcar

Construction of track is 90 percent complete, project ahead of schedule.

Embattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing

Head of company with gun, KKK issues, a no-show. Angry council members promise action.

Worker With KKK Cooler Fired

City official says American Sewer Services fired worker, a member of Laborers Local 113.

Franklin Wants Milwaukee’s Water

But Bauman doubts suburb can meet city rules for transportation and affordable housing.

Donovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy

Alderman said he knew of city employees carrying firearms, but has failed to report them.

Ban Contractors From Carrying Guns?

Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.

Facebook photo shows workers of city-hired subcontractor carrying handguns

News release and image from Alderman Stamper, Alderwoman Coggs, and Council President Hamilton

Who Wants To Market The Streetcar?

City hiring outside vendor to brand and promote "The Hop."

City To Sell Water to Waukesha

After years of debate, Waukesha and Milwaukee strike a historic, 40-year deal.

Three parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents

News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski and Mark A. Borkowski

Potawatomi Gives $10 Million To Streetcar

Streetcar will be known as The Hop; Potawatomi gift means no operation costs for city.

City and Potawatomi strike 12-year, $10 million streetcar presenting sponsorship agreement, includes free rides for the first 12 months

City also announces the system name “The Hop, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino”

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2017 Downtown Achievement Award winners

Catalytic projects and downtown leaders were honored for their contributions to the central business district.

City Chooses Streetcar Operator

French company Transdev will operate streetcar for $3.6 million a year.

Milwaukee Streetcar Construction on Target to Meet Residential Preference Program, DBE Goals

First Report Shows Solid Employment of City Residents, Contracting With Minority Construction Firms

Milwaukee Streetcar Construction Progress: West St. Paul Avenue to Open in Both Directions Temporarily

Track construction continues with limited access on N. Broadway, and roadway preparation/lane closures on N. Jackson St.

Mayor’s Design Awards All Over Map

Big, little, new or renovated, award winners in 13 of 15 aldermanic districts.

$30 Million Spent on Streetcar

Streetcar project on track, literally -- and financially.

Jennifer Gonda On the Hot Seat

New Water Works director opposed by some aldermen, and faces tough lead pipes issue.

Streetcar Rails Being Welded

Mayor, MPS students on-hand to see the work

The Environmental Mayor Holds Forth

Barrett keeps pushing for green solutions despite opposing political winds.

Streetcar Track Construction Starts in April

System on track to start service in late 2018, project is on-budget

The Milwaukee Streetcar is Hiring

The contractor needs workers and city residents get preference.

City of Milwaukee Announces An Organics Collection Pilot Program

Residents in selected Milwaukee neighborhoods encouraged to participate

City Department Paints the Town

Painted curbs will denote no-parkng areas. And new parking checkers will ride bikes.

HACM and Bublr Bikes Partner to Expand Bike Share into Low-Income Communities

National grant awarded to develop innovative outreach program

Is Kimpton Hotel “Project of the Decade”?

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel opens in Third Ward, to cheers of city and civic officials.

Reimagined Hartung Park headed down final stretch

Park fulfilling vision of unique public space created by private, public collaboration

MKE Plays ready to transform Marcus DeBack Playground

Friday news event will include unveiling of major improvements at playground – one of six playground upgrades planned for Milwaukee during 2016

City Birthday Party All About Dining

Politicians and candidate hopefuls mix with winners of dining awards.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

Additional Hours of Operation at the City of Milwaukee Tow Lot Begin Sunday, December 13, 2015

Tow lot now open on Sunday mornings

All Hail Our Business Improvement Districts

City party celebrates work of 35 BIDs, which have helped improve many city neighborhoods.

Pennsylvania Company Wins Streetcar Contract

Brookville Equipment wins city bid over 3 companies, will charge $18.6 million for 4 streetcar vehicles.

City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.

Milwaukee’s Infrastructure Challenges

Public Policy Forum panelists agree: Federal money is becoming a less reliable source of infrastructure funding.

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $50

Newly Opened ARTery Path Extends Beerline

Public and private sector leaders applaud the new .67 mile trail connecting Riverwest and Harambee.

New Penthouse for Old Third Ward Building

Eppstein Uhen short of space in Headquarters; Bauman rips Summerfest traffic woes; and his challenger kicks off campaign

Transit Expansion Urged

Milwaukee is far behind other cities, which will make it harder to attract young workers, experts at conference agreed.

Streetcar rerouted near Cathedral Square Park, upgraded stop planned on Kilbourn

Every Drop Counts

Milwaukee’s sewerage district is leading an incremental revolution, to manage every drop of rain where it falls.

From Gray to Green

The sewerage district has moved from tunnels and pipes to greenways, rain barrels and permeable pavement. Part 2 of a series.

Milwaukee seeks $15 million federal grant for streetcar spur to lakefront

Contribution to Robert Bauman of $40

Swing Park Nominated for MANDI Award

And its story -- and controversies- keep getting retold.

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.

Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party

Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.

The City of Milwaukee Declares a Snow Emergency

City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Commissioner Ghassan Korban has declared a snow emergency effective

Can Milwaukee Upgrade to Gold Ranking?

City officials pledge to work towards upgrading the city's national, bicycle-friendly ranking from bronze to gold.

Why the Swing Park Failed

It became a comedy of errors, but raises serious questions about the city’s strategy for “creative placemaking.”

Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar

Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele

Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?

Cyclists, city officials gearing up for seventh annual Riverwest 24

Riverwest 24 Starts tonight -- News release from Alds. Kovac and Coggs

“Controversy” Over Swing Park?

Architect blasts city for altering her design. Are her complaints valid?

The Swings are Back — and Better than Before

Guerrilla urbanism triumphs, as “magical” swings re-installed under Holton Avenue Bridge.

New York Discovers Our Sinking City

City Hall, Milwaukee Rep and Mitchell buildings are sinking. Is Deep Tunnel the culprit? The Times is not sure.

St. Paul Bridge is Reopened

Key connection to Third Ward and Summerfest is completed on time and on budget.

West Hampton Avenue Construction Project Begins May 21, 2014

Beginning Wednesday, May 21, 2014 the City of Milwaukee will reconstruct West Hampton Avenue from North Teutonia to North Green Bay avenues. The project completion date is expected to be November 1, 2014.

A New Park for the City

The city, Associated Bank and Newaukee cooperate on a new park being created at MLK Dr. and McKinley Ave.

West Hampton Avenue Construction Project Begins May 21, 2014

Beginning Wednesday, May 21, 2014 the City of Milwaukee will reconstruct West Hampton Avenue from North Teutonia to North Green Bay avenues. The project completion date is expected to be November 1, 2014.

Milwaukee Water Works – Update on water main breaks advisory

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) identified a leak on an 84-inch water main located outside the Texas Avenue Pumping Station.

Mayor Tom Barrett Welcomes New Pothole Workers

Transitional Jobs Program participants begin their on-the-job training with DPW

A Streetcar Named Cooperation?

Republicans force city to pay to relocate utilities for streetcar and Barrett calls for cooperation from We Energies to keep costs down.

Mayor Tom Barrett to Participate in Project Clean & Green with Department of Public Works Sanitation Crew

Mayor to help pick up unwanted bulky items and promote using Self-Help Centers

Get Your Vote On

Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.

City of Milwaukee New Virtual Night Parking Permits On Sale Beginning December 20

Overnight parkers may buy their 2014 annual or 4-month permits this Friday

Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings

The city hasn't allocated money to maintain them. Should the nearby Business Improvement District adopt them?

Grand Opening of Marsupial Bridge Connector

Hurrah! Newly-opened Trestle Stair connects Marsupial Bridge to Commerce Street and better knits neighborhoods.

A Very Pleasant Opening

Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.

Residents Reject Freshwater Name

Contest to rename Pittsburgh Ave. to honor water institute didn't convince street's residents, who nixed Freshwater Way.

The City of Milwaukee Declares a Snow Emergency

City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Commissioner of Public Works Ghassan Korban has declared a snow emergency effective from 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 27 until 5:00 A.M. Thursday, February 28 to facilitate effective curb-to-curb plowing on main arterials. During a snow emergency: Night parking regulations go into effect from 11 PM to 6 AM (instead of 2AM to 6AM) No parking is allowed on arterials, bus lines, or thru-highways from 11PM to 6AM No parking on the side of residential streets signed “No Parking During Snow Emergency” or “No Parking from December 1st to March 1st” or “No Parking Anytime”. Posted signs for other parking restrictions must be obeyed, specifically the “4 inch rule” sign Comply with the alternate side street parking on other residential streets. Vehicles parked on streets designated as “Snow Route Tow Away Zones” will be ticketed and towed when a snow emergency is declared. Citizens are urged to follow these restrictions to allow for the most effective and complete plowing of City streets. If your car is towed, the City’s Tow Lot will extend its customer service and telephone inquiry hours to 7 AM to 7 PM on Thursday, February 28. Normal hours – 8 AM to 6 PM – will resume on Friday, March 1. Milwaukee Public Schools has designated playgrounds available for off street parking during snow emergencies from 7PM to 7AM. To see a list of designated MPS playgrounds and citywide parking regulations, residents can go to www.milwaukee.gov/mpw – click on the “More on all City Parking Regulations” link and scroll down to MPS Parking for Snow Emergencies. Residents can also call the City Call Center at 286-CITY (2489).  

Banish the Freeway’s Gloom!

Design winners attempt to brighten the gloomy passageway between downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward.

Milwaukee Moves Forward!

Council committee moves forward with the streetcar.