Robert “Bob” Bauman is an alderman on the Milwaukee Common Council. He represents the city’s 4th District, which includes much of downtown.
Official Biography
Alderman Robert J. Bauman was first elected in April 2004 after a 27-year career as an attorney and businessman. A native of Chicago, Alderman Bauman received his B.A., cum laude, from Marquette University in 1974 and his J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law in 1977.
After working five years with a major Milwaukee law firm, Alderman Bauman formed a start-up company on Milwaukee’s north side that rebuilt and remanufactured railroad passenger cars and transit equipment. After the sale of that company, he worked as a consultant to the transportation industry.
In 1990 Alderman Bauman returned to the practice of law in downtown Milwaukee specializing in commercial litigation, criminal defense, employment law and real estate. He has been an advocate for improved and expanded public transportation and improved land use planning in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. He served as chair of the Southeast Wisconsin New Transportation Alliance; served on the Technical Advisory Committee of the East-West Corridor Study and on the Advisory Committee of the Downtown Transit Connector Study; and served as a commissioner on the Milwaukee Transportation Commission.
Alderman Bauman is also a longtime historic preservation advocate. Since 1997, he has resided in an 1888 Victorian home in the Historic Concordia Neighborhood on Milwaukee’s west side and is a member of the board of directors of Historic Concordia Neighbors, Inc.
Campaign Finance Reports
2020 - July Continuing - No Contributions
2021 - January Continuing - $750 - 2 contributions
2020 Pre-Election - $1,000 - 2 contributions
2020 - January Continuing - $13,954 - 85 contributions
2019 - January Continuing - $3,322 - 11 contributions
2018 - July Continuing - Report Not in System
2017 - July Continuing - $20,862 - 105 contributions
2017 - January Continuing - $1,736 - 4 contributions
2016 - July Continuing - $9,918 - 60 contributions
2016 - Pre-Election - $13,735 - 84 contributions
2016 - Pre-Primary - $3,505 - 11 contributions
2016 - January Continuing - $6,598 - 47 contributions
2015 - July Continuing - $11,516 - 86 contributions
2015 - January Continuing - $15,643 - 108 contributions
Photos
Content referencing Robert Bauman
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 Bolich30th Street Corridor Trail Study Begins in May
Architecture and engineering firm will study feasibility of multi-use trail in 30th Street Corridor.
May 1st, 2025 by Graham KilmerCity Grappling With Complicated State Law Changes On Tax Foreclosures
New restrictions set tight time and price standards, a dramatic departure from current practices.
May 1st, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCity 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 JanneneStatement on the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan
From Common Council Members: President José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman Alex Brower, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II April 25, 2025
Apr 25th, 2025 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil Divided Over Nightclub’s Age Restriction
Council denies Allure's request to lower age limit, despite split vote.
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Sophie BolichMilwaukee Delays Legalizing Carriage Houses
How the sponsors of accessory dwelling units sabotaged their own proposal.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew Apartment Building Rises on West Side
Cornerstone Village replacing 1960s office building.
Apr 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePabst Mansion Starts Major Exterior Restoration Project
Milwaukee's best-known house will no longer need buckets to capture rain inside.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneZND Committee approves files to enhance city’s zoning regulations
Apr 17th, 2025 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Committee Overturns Plan Commission, Recommends ‘Missing Middle’ Housing
But coalition of community groups continues to strongly oppose proposal.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Committee Backs Return of Granny Flats
Legalizing accessory dwelling units could grow housing across entire city.
Apr 16th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneThree-Way Standoff on Workforce Housing in Milwaukee
Council, administration, developers seek solution between low-income and luxury.
Apr 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneSalvation Army Now Wants To Save Black Landmark It Planned To Raze
Preservation advocacy results in compromise to save 1970's complex.
Apr 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew Triplex Planned For Brewers Hill
Development is a companion project to another already underway nearby.
Apr 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew committee assignments reflect diversity of experience, expertise to move Council forward
Statement of Common Council President José G. Pérez April 11, 2025
Apr 11th, 2025 by Common Council President Jose PerezMilwaukee Seeks New Parking Czar
New manager will oversee major changes planned for meters, enforcement.
Apr 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBrower Helps Get Milwaukee $1,000 From We Energies
At new alderman's first committee meeting the issue of city easement for utility arises.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePérez Reshuffles Council Committees
Addition of new alder Alex Brower prompts changes, restores power to veteran council member.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePlan Commission Backs Carriage Homes, Spikes ‘Missing Middle’ Housing
Proposals differ from mayor's Growing MKE plan and divide commission members.
Apr 7th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneIs This House Historic?
Commission staff says no, commissioners want to see an even larger historic district in Bay View.
Apr 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Sees 250% Surge in Lead Lateral Replacements, But It Needs More
City scaling up to meet 2037 deadline. Will it get there?
Mar 20th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Wants To Buy 30th Street Line, Railroad Says No
But city officials believe sale still possible for multi-use trail, perhaps even mass transit.
Mar 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAurora Plans To Light Beacon at 27th and Wisconsin
Former MPS School would see new life as health center.
Mar 6th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneSalvation Army Wants To Raze Black Landmark, Will City Allow It?
Salvation Army is contesting decision to protect Black-developed Central City Plaza.
Mar 4th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAurora Health Care to Invest Nearly $50 Million for Collaborative Health and Wellness Center on Milwaukee’s Near West Side
The Beacon will bring partners together to provide a wide range of programs aimed at empowering individuals and families to achieve physical, mental, and social wellness.
Mar 4th, 2025 by Aurora Health CareMilwaukee Must Replace Failing Streetcar Switches
Lakefront line exposes issue buried in concrete since 2018. Likely cost: $200,000.
Feb 24th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBrower, Bauman Advance From 8-Way Race to Replace Brostoff
Alexander Kostal narrowly finishes third.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneComptroller Discovers Housing Authority Owes City An Additional $4 Million
Latest 'crippling' blow for HACM adds to long list of problems.
Feb 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBauman Wins Preservation Funding By Sacrificing Deconstruction Funds
Did he open the door to the council taking the remainder of the deconstruction fund?
Feb 7th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneThe Edison Secures Parking Lease From City, Gears Up For Groundbreaking
32-story tower would be country's tallest mass timber building.
Feb 6th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneThe Tire Bounty Is Back
Bauman again pushes idea to end tire dumping. Will the proposal pass this time?
Feb 6th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Will Decide Fate of Buildings Designed by State’s First Black Architect
Salvation Army seeks to replace two Century City Plaza buildings from 1970s.
Feb 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneFreeway-to-Boulevard Option Still On Table for 794 Rebuild
But "it is too early" for the city to take a formal position says City Engineer. Downtown plan favors boulevard.
Jan 30th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePublic-Private Partnership Will Provide Green Energy, Substantial Savings For Three City Buildings
Johnson Controls partnering with City of Milwaukee on cost-saving project.
Jan 30th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneScooters Still Getting Riders in Winter, Raking in Cash
971,980 trips taken in 2024 and 2025 slated to be record-breaking year.
Jan 29th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNominations Now Open for Cream of the Cream City Awards
Jan 27th, 2025 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Common Council adopts resolution expanding the Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District
Jan 24th, 2025 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Meet The Eight Candidates Running To Replace Brostoff
Special election for third district aldermanic seat draws large field.
Jan 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneStatement Relating to ICE Detention Facility Expansion in Milwaukee
Joint statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, and Alderman Lamont Westmoreland
Jan 16th, 2025 by Milwaukee Common CouncilNew Riverwalk Plaza Will Be Named For Visionary Developer
Gary Grunau was longtime champion of big civic projects, including riverwalk system.
Jan 14th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneSalvation Army Seeks To Demolish Buildings By State’s First Black Architect
Much of former Central City Plaza complex north of Downtown could be replaced.
Jan 14th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneSnow 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 JanneneOnce-Controversial Menomonee Valley Building Sold For Redevelopment
Breunig buys building, advancing housing conversion.
Jan 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneUplifting Mansion Brings New Life To Wisconsin Avenue
New owners reinvigorate historic 1899 mansion as a hub for entrepreneurs and events.
Jan 1st, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneWill City Refund Snowplowing Fee For Poor Performance?
Some council members, frosty about results, support the idea.
Dec 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneDowntown’s Second Mass Timber Tower Moves Toward Groundbreaking
City working on final approvals, but a snag remains in shared parking lease.
Dec 19th, 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 JanneneBauman Fighting Bureaucracy On Restoring Vacant Homes
A web of state laws, legal opinions and politics slows effort to renovate blighted homes.
Dec 16th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneDo Protected Bike Lanes Violate Historic Preservation Standards?
City rebuilding Lake Drive as lawsuit plays out in federal court.
Dec 14th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneNew Plaza, Protected Bike Lanes, Street Reconstructions Proposed
$33 million effort aims to improve Downtown, Historic Third Ward and Walker's Point.
Dec 13th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneSmaller Zero-Energy Homes Program Moving Forward
Council backs 25 grants of $40,000 for zero-energy homes.
Dec 10th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneWill 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 JanneneAurora Plans Health Center At Wisconsin Avenue School
The school on 27th and Wisconsin was last used by MPS in 2007.
Dec 10th, 2024 by Graham KilmerDoes Summerfest Get Special Treatment?
Its bar license owned by private company never gets a thorough review by the city.
Dec 4th, 2024 by Bruce MurphyNegotiating Milwaukee’s Police, Fire Contracts Gets Messy
'Sloppy' says a council member as city cycles through labor negotiator nominees.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneDaniel Bauman Enters Race to Replace Brostoff With Major Endorsements
Bauman announces campaign with endorsements of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Diana Vang Brostoff.
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene‘Peace Treaty’ Reached on Menomonee Valley Building
Kendall Breunig will get zoning change to redevelop Cream City brick structure.
Nov 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene100 East Redevelopment Secures Key Financing Component, See Renderings
Historic redevelopment includes pool deck, 384 apartments.
Nov 15th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneCommon Council Approves Two Unusual Housing Developments
Condos and cohousing secure necessary zoning changes.
Nov 13th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMayor, Common Council Overhauling Housing Authority Board
Four new HACM board members coming in, acting president on the way out.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneStatement on the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff
From Common Council Members: José G. Pérez, Andrea M. Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., Robert J. Bauman, Lamont Westmoreland, Milele A. Coggs, DiAndre Jackson, JoCasta Zamarripa, Larresa Taylor, Sharlen P. Moore, Peter Burgelis, Scott Spiker, Marina Dimitrijevic, Russell W. Stamper, II
Nov 4th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCommittee Marks Up Milwaukee Budget With Amendments, Footnotes
Council raids personnel accounts to pay for services it says constituents demand.
Oct 31st, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee 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 JanneneMilwaukee’s Cruise Ship Dock More Than Doubled In Cost, Is It Worth It?
Port says yes, at least one council member says no.
Oct 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneAmendment Would Shift Money From Demolishing Homes To Fixing Them
And deconstruction effort again on the drawing board.
Oct 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Will Bandage City Hall Indefinitely
What's the long-term strategy for failing terra cotta?
Oct 22nd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneSupport our democracy by becoming a poll worker!
Joint statement from all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 22nd, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilConstruction Progressing at Deer District Concert Venue
$70 million venue is on-track to open in late 2025.
Oct 16th, 2024 by Sophie BolichNo confidence in leadership of MPS Athletics
Joint statement from Milwaukee Common Council Members: Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore
Oct 15th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil Could Send People’s Flag To April Referendum
But the multi-step process is off to a rocky start.
Oct 15th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneDebate Over Future of Vacant Menomonee Valley Building Could Be Reaching The End
Kendall Breunig wants to redevelop a former tin ware factory into housing, but city has opposed him.
Oct 14th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneProposal Seeks Big Impact With Small Piece of Federal ARPA Grant
Down payment assistance, housing for LGBTQ+ teens, eviction counseling and more.
Oct 8th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneAhead of Biden Visit, Council, DPW Officials Question Efficacy of Replacing Lead Pipes
Data suggests that tackling paint, not water, might reduce lead poisoning faster.
Oct 7th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneConstruction Begins On Expanded Housing Complex For Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
Centers for Veterans Issues expanding Vets Place Central on city's Near West Side.
Oct 3rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneOfficials Admit RNC Issues, But Say Event Was Success
Hotel revenue surged and AT&T spent millions but some businesses say it was a bust.
Oct 1st, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Wins Funding For Three New Protected Bike Lanes
Plus: DPW, council discussing ways to better protect, beautify existing lanes.
Sep 27th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Again Delays Adopting People’s Flag
Parliamentary moves could delay vote on adoption until November.
Sep 24th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneThe Secret To Getting You To Move Downtown? Your Dog
Dog park is about suburban competition say politicians, developers already in the game.
Sep 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneAld. Bauman offers new city flag option for Council’s consideration
Sep 19th, 2024 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Historic Protection Pushed For 5 West Side Buildings
Owner of 'Red Castle' seeks to protect area from Berrada, other developers.
Sep 18th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneGet #VoteReady on National Voter Registration Day
Joint statement from Common Council Members: Jonathan Brostoff, JoCasta Zamarripa, José G. Pérez, Marina Dimitrijevic, DiAndre Jackson, Lamont Westmoreland, Scott Spiker, Peter Burgelis, Russell W. Stamper, II, Sharlen Moore, Robert J. Bauman, Andrea M. Pratt, Milele A. Coggs, Mark Chambers, Jr., and Larresa Taylor
Sep 17th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilNew BRT Project Gone For a Decade
Connect 2 dead for 10 years or more. 'This has to be clearly stated for the record.'
Sep 14th, 2024 by Graham KilmerMural contains hurtful, divisive words and images
Statement of Milwaukee Common Council Members: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman DiAndre Jackson, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore, Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Sep 14th, 2024 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCity Could Claw Back Ownership of Fire-Damaged Historic House
For now, Historic Preservation Commission is poised to block demolition request.
Sep 12th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneBRT project pause gives us pause
Joint statement from Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderman Robert J. Bauman
Sep 11th, 2024 by Ald. JoCasta ZamarripaDeveloper, City, Nonprofit Fighting Over Menomonee Valley Project
DCD and BID prefer industrial, commercial use. Developer wants an apartment complex.
Sep 10th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Endorses Making People’s Flag Official, Despite Objections
Concerns about inclusivity of 2016 design contest continue to cloud process.
Sep 9th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneConstruction Starts On Long-Awaited Downtown Dog Park
Project expected to be completed by year's end. Foxtown Landing will follow in 2026.
Sep 6th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneFederal Grant Boosting Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Program
$3.4 million grant supports program building new affordable homes with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Sep 6th, 2024 by Graham KilmerSlow Going for New Luxury High-Rises
Couture and 333 Water attracting renters more slowly than past towers. Is local market getting saturated?
Sep 2nd, 2024 by Nick RommelCommission Votes To Protect Schuster-Bloodgood House
Neighbor hopes to see westside home restored to its former glory. But opposition could be forthcoming.
Aug 26th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Wins $15 Million To Build EV Chargers At 53 Locations
Federal grant follows a 2023 visit by Biden to promote Milwaukee-made electric chargers. But city's EV buying is slow.
Aug 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneNew Vliet Street Homes Near Completion
Homes are a spinoff of award-winning McKinley School Lofts development.
Aug 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene