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.

Source

Campaign Finance Reports

2025 - January Continuing - $15,070 - 53 contributions

2020 - July Continuing - No Contributions

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Content referencing Robert Bauman

Council Announces ‘ICE Out Milwaukee’ Plan

Council Announces ‘ICE Out Milwaukee’ Plan

Seeking to use 'every single city resource' to oppose possible ICE surge in Milwaukee.

Mayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation

Mayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation

Property owner objected to designating East Side properties.

Inside the Police Report on Marty Brooks’ Alleged Pinch of José Pérez

Inside the Police Report on Marty Brooks’ Alleged Pinch of José Pérez

Newly obtained report reveals recorded call, witness statements and why prosecutors closed the sexual assault case without charges.

One of Milwaukee’s Oldest Houses Could Be Moved

One of Milwaukee’s Oldest Houses Could Be Moved

Plus: Walker's Point factory coming down.

Property Owner Losing Historic Preservation Battle

Property Owner Losing Historic Preservation Battle

Scott Lurie can't convince the city his East Side properties aren't historic.

City Reveals $30 Million Plan For 35th Street Purchase

City Reveals $30 Million Plan For 35th Street Purchase

Proposed redevelopment plan gets plenty of questions from alders.

City Hall: Milwaukee Finds Young Users For Abandoned Motorcycles
City Hall

Milwaukee Finds Young Users For Abandoned Motorcycles

Youth program will use abandoned dirt bikes, motorcycles for training.

Convention Hotel, Theater Demolition Plan Gets Cold Reception

Convention Hotel, Theater Demolition Plan Gets Cold Reception

Skepticism about viability, quality of report.

Report Suggests Demolishing Historic Building For Convention Center Hotel

Report Suggests Demolishing Historic Building For Convention Center Hotel

Wisconsin Center District could reshape its campus, attract more events with large hotel.

Will Legal Concerns Kill City’s Pothole-Detection Technology?

Will Legal Concerns Kill City’s Pothole-Detection Technology?

Building a database of potholes could be a bad idea, warns alderman.

City Hall: Council Seeks To Levy Big Fines, Up to $50,000, on Problem Landlords
City Hall

Council Seeks To Levy Big Fines, Up to $50,000, on Problem Landlords

City has shuttered 11 buildings this winter for dangerous emergency violations.

Church Is Historic, Commission Rules, Though Developer Objects

Church Is Historic, Commission Rules, Though Developer Objects

Neighbors back designation for unique 1880s church. Will council approve?

Milwaukee Cracks Down on 28,000 Illegal Parkers

Milwaukee Cracks Down on 28,000 Illegal Parkers

Threatening to tow any car whose owner has five or more unpaid tickets.

Should The City of Milwaukee Shovel Your Sidewalk?

Should The City of Milwaukee Shovel Your Sidewalk?

One alderman wants to at least see the option offered.

Milwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025

Milwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025

And tacked on even more for a run-away garbage truck and other issues.

Murphy’s Law: Wisconsin Has Third Highest Hike in Winter Heating Bills
Murphy’s Law

Wisconsin Has Third Highest Hike in Winter Heating Bills

So says new study. Public Service Commission doesn’t know.

Buyer Revealed For Potentially Historic Church

Buyer Revealed For Potentially Historic Church

Plus: Who can apply to demolish your house?

Name, Operator Revealed For New Luxury Hotel

Name, Operator Revealed For New Luxury Hotel

New life and amenities for old University Club. But what about the canopy?

Milwaukee Modernism Gains National Awards

Milwaukee Modernism Gains National Awards

But many of city's buildings from that era lack historic protection.

New Plan To Save Building Literally Falling Apart

New Plan To Save Building Literally Falling Apart

Real estate investor has made a cottage industry of saving blighted buildings.

Aging TIF Districts Will Fund City’s Affordable Housing Efforts

Aging TIF Districts Will Fund City’s Affordable Housing Efforts

Expiring TIFs for decades-old redevelopment efforts will end by funding housing.

Murphy’s Law: Milwaukee Mayor’s Power in Decline?
Murphy’s Law

Milwaukee Mayor’s Power in Decline?

Council grabbing more power, overriding nearly every veto by Mayor Johnson.

City Plan For Marcus Parking Structure Repairs Falling Apart

City Plan For Marcus Parking Structure Repairs Falling Apart

Financial data is murky. 'More unanswered questions than answers,' says comptroller.

Mayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium

Mayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium

Facing unanimous council vote, Johnson punts on the issue.

City Suspends Downtown Nightclub

City Suspends Downtown Nightclub

Several fights, 500 fake IDs and many underage patrons at 'lucrative' bar.

City Reveals New Plan For ‘Landmark’ Downtown Site

City Reveals New Plan For ‘Landmark’ Downtown Site

After dropping developer, city hoping to find replacement 'in six months.'

Marcus Center Problem Has Been 40 Years in the Making

Marcus Center Problem Has Been 40 Years in the Making

City being asked to fund repairs to structure it doesn't own.

Council Committee Says Milwaukee Theater, Arena Are Historic

Council Committee Says Milwaukee Theater, Arena Are Historic

Decision could affect Wisconsin Center District, whose leader fiercely opposed it.

Little-Known Federal Tribal Program Saving Milwaukee Taxpayers Millions

Little-Known Federal Tribal Program Saving Milwaukee Taxpayers Millions

Could it also be used to pay for streetcar expansion?

City Ditches $700 Million Plan, Wants New Developer For Marcus Center Garage

City Ditches $700 Million Plan, Wants New Developer For Marcus Center Garage

Prior developer encountered financial issues.

What’s In the 44 Footnotes Added to Milwaukee’s Budget?

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?

Bar Exam: Your Office Is New and Truly Unique
Bar Exam

Your Office Is New and Truly Unique

Tons of office memorabilia and jokes, reasonably-priced drinks and food.

Luxury Tower Developer Hit With Liens, Nonpayment Claims

Luxury Tower Developer Hit With Liens, Nonpayment Claims

The tower crane is gone, and $14 million in legal challenges are coming.

Back in the News: Key Streetcar Opponent Opposes Effort to Shut It Down
Back in the News

Key Streetcar Opponent Opposes Effort to Shut It Down

‘It’s now a $250 million city asset. You don’t throw that away.’

Council Marks Up Mayor’s 2026 Budget, Adds Services, Pay Raises

Council Marks Up Mayor’s 2026 Budget, Adds Services, Pay Raises

Proposal now subject to Cavalier Johnson's veto pen.

Historic Designations For Milwaukee Auditorium, Arena Is Strategic Move

Historic Designations For Milwaukee Auditorium, Arena Is Strategic Move

Aiming to slow redevelopment? It's all about 'transparency' says Ald. Bob Bauman.

City Closes ELMNT Lounge

City Closes ELMNT Lounge

After 7 years in business Common Council revoke its license, but club plans court challenge.

Huge Tower Crane Removed From Neutral Edison Site

Huge Tower Crane Removed From Neutral Edison Site

'Temporary pause' to 31-story, mass-timber tower project may last longer.

Milwaukee Aims To Build ‘Missing Middle’ Housing in 2026

Milwaukee Aims To Build ‘Missing Middle’ Housing in 2026

But alderman is skeptical of timing and wants to reduce funding.

Alderman, State Allies Seek Federal Help to Kill the Streetcar

Alderman, State Allies Seek Federal Help to Kill the Streetcar

Ald. Spiker makes a federal case out of stopping The Hop.

Committee Recommends Closing ELMNT Lounge

Committee Recommends Closing ELMNT Lounge

Milwaukee Common Council will take a final vote next month.

One Alderman’s Quest To Defund The Streetcar

One Alderman’s Quest To Defund The Streetcar

Ald. Scott Spiker wants city to hop off The Hop.

Milwaukee Changing How It Deals With Habitual Parking Offenders

Milwaukee Changing How It Deals With Habitual Parking Offenders

Those with five or more tickets will receive new treatment from the city.

Compromise Sought on Bay View Historic District

Compromise Sought on Bay View Historic District

Initial proposer shifts to opposition.

What’s The Story With The Halted High Rise?

What’s The Story With The Halted High Rise?

Commissioner hints DCD could subsidize it. Area alderman believes it's dead. Marcus Center caught in middle.

Milwaukee Again Exploring Third Drop-Off Center

Milwaukee Again Exploring Third Drop-Off Center

But will it be able to find a location?

Council Will Debate New Plan To Sell Parking Structure

Council Will Debate New Plan To Sell Parking Structure

Alderman introduces proposal following construction stalling on neighboring tower.

Police Ask Council To Close Downtown Nightclub

Police Ask Council To Close Downtown Nightclub

Formal revocation filing triggers high-stakes hearing.

Is City Prepared For National Avenue Disruption?

Is City Prepared For National Avenue Disruption?

Multi-year reconstruction project could hurt businesses. What's the strategy?

Despite Its Passage, ‘Growing MKE’ Still Not A Done Deal

Despite Its Passage, ‘Growing MKE’ Still Not A Done Deal

Tensions reemerge as zoning changes proposed. 'That's how a frog is boiled.'

Property Owners Divided Over West Side Historic District

Property Owners Divided Over West Side Historic District

James Dieter's proposal will either save the neighborhood or destroy it.

Milwaukee’s Largest Neon Sign Will Be Replaced

Milwaukee’s Largest Neon Sign Will Be Replaced

But not without objection from some preservation experts.

Bay View Historic District Faces Pivotal Vote

Bay View Historic District Faces Pivotal Vote

The homes are unique, the history notable, but alders are lukewarm.

Downtown Dog Park Opens

Downtown Dog Park Opens

23,000-square-foot park is first of its kind, part of larger riverwalk redevelopment.

Mayor Touts Changes To Address Water Street Violence

Mayor Touts Changes To Address Water Street Violence

Mobile booking facility, drones and more.

City Hall: Police Want To Shutter Downtown Nightclub
City Hall

Police Want To Shutter Downtown Nightclub

Investigations link 25% of recent downtown violence to just one club.

City Hall: Alders Support Sprinkler Subsidies
City Hall

Alders Support Sprinkler Subsidies

Retrofitting old buildings is costly, but 'you can't put a price on' saving lives.

City Hall: Council, Mayor Clash Over Parking
City Hall

Council, Mayor Clash Over Parking

A stinging defeat for mayor, a win for Bauman, and Westmoreland issue ends quietly.

100 East Proposal Triggers Questions on New TIF Guidelines

100 East Proposal Triggers Questions on New TIF Guidelines

Council gets in the weeds on deal to redevelop state's third tallest building.

Downtown Dog Park Announces Opening Date

Downtown Dog Park Announces Opening Date

'Yappy Hour' will launch dog park, which will then be open daily.

Everyone Agrees, Let’s Delay Affordable Housing Proposal

Everyone Agrees, Let’s Delay Affordable Housing Proposal

Ald. Larresa Taylor still negotiating changes in controversial proposal.

Council Bounces Trampoline Rules

Council Bounces Trampoline Rules

How much regulation is too much?

Council Adopts Growing MKE Plan

Council Adopts Growing MKE Plan

Now known as 'Housing Element,' plan aims to fight off gentrification, create 'missing middle' housing.

After Lengthy Debate, Council Legalizes Carriage Homes

After Lengthy Debate, Council Legalizes Carriage Homes

Did Milwaukee just eliminate single-family zoning?

Council Split On Cudahy Farms Proposal

Council Split On Cudahy Farms Proposal

Area Alderwoman Larresa Taylor opposes plan backed by Mayor, DCD.

MKE County: Supervisors Rip EV Chargers in Parks
MKE County

Supervisors Rip EV Chargers in Parks

Supervisors echo criticism from Common Council members.

Housing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement

Housing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement

Revised 'Growing MKE' is not perfect, but council should still adopt it say sponsors.

City Hall: Public EV Charging Plan Faces Trump Opposition, Council Concerns
City Hall

Public EV Charging Plan Faces Trump Opposition, Council Concerns

'I'd cut this program if I was the federal government,' said one alderman.

New Business Proposed For Allure MKE Space

New Business Proposed For Allure MKE Space

Mosaic International Bistro + Social would replace Jefferson St. nightclub.

Milwaukee Proposes Subsidy For Downtown Office Tower Conversion

Milwaukee Proposes Subsidy For Downtown Office Tower Conversion

King Drive development would also be aided by city subsidy.

‘Cream of the Cream City’ Honors Creme de la Creme Preservation Projects

‘Cream of the Cream City’ Honors Creme de la Creme Preservation Projects

Preservation projects big and small recognized for their contribution to Milwaukee's built environment.

City Hall: Despite Concerns, Council Overhauls Near West Side Parking Regulations
City Hall

Despite Concerns, Council Overhauls Near West Side Parking Regulations

'Chaos is where we're at right now,' says alderman.

City Hall: After Being Outsmarted, Council May Accept New Convention Center Deal
City Hall

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.

City Hall: Milwaukee’s Flag Debate Is Back
City Hall

Milwaukee’s Flag Debate Is Back

New task force would host design contest. Could People's Flag prevail?

Alderman Still Opposes Land Sale For Potential World-Tallest Timber Tower

Alderman Still Opposes Land Sale For Potential World-Tallest Timber Tower

Company won RFP contest, wants to build 55-story building. Bauman not sold.

City Hall: Committee Waters Down Proposed ‘Granny Flat’ Plan
City Hall

Committee Waters Down Proposed ‘Granny Flat’ Plan

Result: The sponsors of proposal have now become the opponents.

Groundbreaking Held For Tallest Mass Timber Tower in Western Hemisphere

Groundbreaking Held For Tallest Mass Timber Tower in Western Hemisphere

Milwaukee solidifies its status as a world leader in mass timber.

What To Do About Historic Pabst Sign and Its Aging Neon?

What To Do About Historic Pabst Sign and Its Aging Neon?

Iconic sign could be replaced by LED letters, but will they be the same color?

Streetcar Will Run On Consolidated Route During Summerfest

Streetcar Will Run On Consolidated Route During Summerfest

Consolidated Festivals Line will bring every streetcar to lakefront.

Historic Protection Withdrawn For This Is It! Building

Historic Protection Withdrawn For This Is It! Building

Why idea dropped for building with Wisconsin's oldest, recently closed gay bar.

Murphy’s Law: Bucks Violating Promises on Unions?
Murphy’s Law

Bucks Violating Promises on Unions?

Adding non-union businesses to Deer District after making promises to get state subsidy.

Downtown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension

Downtown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension

City cites 5 altercations and a Water Street 'melee' at longtime Brother's Bar.

City Rejects Massive Billboard for Downtown Tower

City Rejects Massive Billboard for Downtown Tower

Proposal would 'blow up the zoning code' says area alderman.

City Hall: Milwaukee Hiring Outside Attorneys To Fight Trump Administration
City Hall

Milwaukee Hiring Outside Attorneys To Fight Trump Administration

Fears losing funding after being put on new federal list.

Council Approves Proposed Deer District Hotel

Council Approves Proposed Deer District Hotel

Moxy Hotel was caught in crossfire over fight about The Trade hotel.

New Land Creating Downtown Garden For Tenants

New Land Creating Downtown Garden For Tenants

Gravel lot used for construction staging would become home for tomatoes.

Moxy Hotel Passed by Divided Committee, Sets Up Council Showdown

Moxy Hotel Passed by Divided Committee, Sets Up Council Showdown

Deer District project hit by proxy war over unionizing The Trade.

Fire Chief Says Sprinklers Don’t Cost Much

Fire Chief Says Sprinklers Don’t Cost Much

Less than cost of new carpet? Chief Lipski calls for sprinklers in large buildings.

Council Could Kill Revised Baird Center Revenue-Sharing Agreement

Council Could Kill Revised Baird Center Revenue-Sharing Agreement

Ald. Bauman says city should hold out for more than $500,000 per year.

Milwaukee Won’t Replace Fire-Damaged Recycling Center

Milwaukee Won’t Replace Fire-Damaged Recycling Center

And it's ending its partnership with another government entity. Why?

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Says Changes to Sprinkler Laws Unlikely

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Says Changes to Sprinkler Laws Unlikely

Five people died, many injured in fire at Milwaukee building without sprinklers.

Lack of Sprinklers Worsened Deadly Fire, Chief Says

Lack of Sprinklers Worsened Deadly Fire, Chief Says

Ald. Bauman calls for investigation of building codes, sprinkler requirements.

Milwaukee Must Pay 2nd Largest Legal Settlement in History

Milwaukee Must Pay 2nd Largest Legal Settlement in History

'This is bullsh*t!' Council members angry that botched trial will cost city millions.

Third Ward Noise ‘Getting Really Bad’

Third Ward Noise ‘Getting Really Bad’

Dirt bikes, tricked out cars, drug use at east end of Erie St. But which government has oversight?

Belmont Tavern Announces Closure

Belmont Tavern Announces Closure

New owners are purchasing the business with plans to launch their own concept.

Committee Delays Consideration of New Downtown Hotel

Committee Delays Consideration of New Downtown Hotel

Moxy Hotel proposal leads to messy meeting, closed session with City Attorney.

Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights

Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights

Annual May Day march draws increased attention, attendance due to Trump administration actions.

Transportation: 30th Street Corridor Trail Study Begins in May
Transportation

30th Street Corridor Trail Study Begins in May

Architecture and engineering firm will study feasibility of multi-use trail in 30th Street Corridor.

City Grappling With Complicated State Law Changes On Tax Foreclosures

City Grappling With Complicated State Law Changes On Tax Foreclosures

New restrictions set tight time and price standards, a dramatic departure from current practices.

City Boosts Illegal Dumping Fine To $5,000

City Boosts Illegal Dumping Fine To $5,000

"The tire lady" is sick of bad actors trashing her aldermanic district. Her colleagues agree.

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