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
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
Seeking to use 'every single city resource' to oppose possible ICE surge in Milwaukee.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Sophie BolichMayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation
Property owner objected to designating East Side properties.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneInside 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.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneOne of Milwaukee’s Oldest Houses Could Be Moved
Plus: Walker's Point factory coming down.
Feb 5th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneProperty Owner Losing Historic Preservation Battle
Scott Lurie can't convince the city his East Side properties aren't historic.
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneCity Reveals $30 Million Plan For 35th Street Purchase
Proposed redevelopment plan gets plenty of questions from alders.
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Finds Young Users For Abandoned Motorcycles
Youth program will use abandoned dirt bikes, motorcycles for training.
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneConvention Hotel, Theater Demolition Plan Gets Cold Reception
Skepticism about viability, quality of report.
Jan 30th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneReport Suggests Demolishing Historic Building For Convention Center Hotel
Wisconsin Center District could reshape its campus, attract more events with large hotel.
Jan 29th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneWill Legal Concerns Kill City’s Pothole-Detection Technology?
Building a database of potholes could be a bad idea, warns alderman.
Jan 28th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Seeks To Levy Big Fines, Up to $50,000, on Problem Landlords
City has shuttered 11 buildings this winter for dangerous emergency violations.
Jan 26th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneChurch Is Historic, Commission Rules, Though Developer Objects
Neighbors back designation for unique 1880s church. Will council approve?
Jan 12th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Cracks Down on 28,000 Illegal Parkers
Threatening to tow any car whose owner has five or more unpaid tickets.
Jan 7th, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneShould The City of Milwaukee Shovel Your Sidewalk?
One alderman wants to at least see the option offered.
Jan 2nd, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025
And tacked on even more for a run-away garbage truck and other issues.
Jan 1st, 2026 by Jeramey JanneneWisconsin Has Third Highest Hike in Winter Heating Bills
So says new study. Public Service Commission doesn’t know.
Dec 22nd, 2025 by Bruce MurphyBuyer Revealed For Potentially Historic Church
Plus: Who can apply to demolish your house?
Dec 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneName, Operator Revealed For New Luxury Hotel
New life and amenities for old University Club. But what about the canopy?
Dec 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Modernism Gains National Awards
But many of city's buildings from that era lack historic protection.
Dec 15th, 2025 by Michael HorneNew Plan To Save Building Literally Falling Apart
Real estate investor has made a cottage industry of saving blighted buildings.
Dec 12th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAging TIF Districts Will Fund City’s Affordable Housing Efforts
Expiring TIFs for decades-old redevelopment efforts will end by funding housing.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Mayor’s Power in Decline?
Council grabbing more power, overriding nearly every veto by Mayor Johnson.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Bruce MurphyCity Plan For Marcus Parking Structure Repairs Falling Apart
Financial data is murky. 'More unanswered questions than answers,' says comptroller.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium
Facing unanimous council vote, Johnson punts on the issue.
Dec 9th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCity Suspends Downtown Nightclub
Several fights, 500 fake IDs and many underage patrons at 'lucrative' bar.
Nov 25th, 2025 by Sophie BolichCity Reveals New Plan For ‘Landmark’ Downtown Site
After dropping developer, city hoping to find replacement 'in six months.'
Nov 19th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMarcus Center Problem Has Been 40 Years in the Making
City being asked to fund repairs to structure it doesn't own.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Committee Says Milwaukee Theater, Arena Are Historic
Decision could affect Wisconsin Center District, whose leader fiercely opposed it.
Nov 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneLittle-Known Federal Tribal Program Saving Milwaukee Taxpayers Millions
Could it also be used to pay for streetcar expansion?
Nov 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCity Ditches $700 Million Plan, Wants New Developer For Marcus Center Garage
Prior developer encountered financial issues.
Nov 14th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneWhat’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?
Nov 14th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneYour Office Is New and Truly Unique
Tons of office memorabilia and jokes, reasonably-priced drinks and food.
Nov 13th, 2025 by Michael HorneLuxury Tower Developer Hit With Liens, Nonpayment Claims
The tower crane is gone, and $14 million in legal challenges are coming.
Nov 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneKey Streetcar Opponent Opposes Effort to Shut It Down
‘It’s now a $250 million city asset. You don’t throw that away.’
Nov 10th, 2025 by Bruce MurphyCouncil Marks Up Mayor’s 2026 Budget, Adds Services, Pay Raises
Proposal now subject to Cavalier Johnson's veto pen.
Nov 7th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneHistoric Designations For Milwaukee Auditorium, Arena Is Strategic Move
Aiming to slow redevelopment? It's all about 'transparency' says Ald. Bob Bauman.
Nov 4th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCity Closes ELMNT Lounge
After 7 years in business Common Council revoke its license, but club plans court challenge.
Nov 4th, 2025 by Sophie BolichHuge Tower Crane Removed From Neutral Edison Site
'Temporary pause' to 31-story, mass-timber tower project may last longer.
Nov 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Aims To Build ‘Missing Middle’ Housing in 2026
But alderman is skeptical of timing and wants to reduce funding.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAlderman, State Allies Seek Federal Help to Kill the Streetcar
Ald. Spiker makes a federal case out of stopping The Hop.
Oct 28th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Recommends Closing ELMNT Lounge
Milwaukee Common Council will take a final vote next month.
Oct 21st, 2025 by Sophie BolichOne Alderman’s Quest To Defund The Streetcar
Ald. Scott Spiker wants city to hop off The Hop.
Oct 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Changing How It Deals With Habitual Parking Offenders
Those with five or more tickets will receive new treatment from the city.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCompromise Sought on Bay View Historic District
Initial proposer shifts to opposition.
Oct 8th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneWhat’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.
Oct 7th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Again Exploring Third Drop-Off Center
But will it be able to find a location?
Oct 1st, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Will Debate New Plan To Sell Parking Structure
Alderman introduces proposal following construction stalling on neighboring tower.
Sep 29th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePolice Ask Council To Close Downtown Nightclub
Formal revocation filing triggers high-stakes hearing.
Sep 25th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneIs City Prepared For National Avenue Disruption?
Multi-year reconstruction project could hurt businesses. What's the strategy?
Sep 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneDespite Its Passage, ‘Growing MKE’ Still Not A Done Deal
Tensions reemerge as zoning changes proposed. 'That's how a frog is boiled.'
Sep 16th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneProperty Owners Divided Over West Side Historic District
James Dieter's proposal will either save the neighborhood or destroy it.
Sep 9th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee’s Largest Neon Sign Will Be Replaced
But not without objection from some preservation experts.
Sep 8th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBay View Historic District Faces Pivotal Vote
The homes are unique, the history notable, but alders are lukewarm.
Sep 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneDowntown Dog Park Opens
23,000-square-foot park is first of its kind, part of larger riverwalk redevelopment.
Aug 21st, 2025 by Graham KilmerMayor Touts Changes To Address Water Street Violence
Mobile booking facility, drones and more.
Aug 8th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePolice Want To Shutter Downtown Nightclub
Investigations link 25% of recent downtown violence to just one club.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAlders Support Sprinkler Subsidies
Retrofitting old buildings is costly, but 'you can't put a price on' saving lives.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil, Mayor Clash Over Parking
A stinging defeat for mayor, a win for Bauman, and Westmoreland issue ends quietly.
Jul 29th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene100 East Proposal Triggers Questions on New TIF Guidelines
Council gets in the weeds on deal to redevelop state's third tallest building.
Jul 29th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneDowntown Dog Park Announces Opening Date
'Yappy Hour' will launch dog park, which will then be open daily.
Jul 24th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneEveryone Agrees, Let’s Delay Affordable Housing Proposal
Ald. Larresa Taylor still negotiating changes in controversial proposal.
Jul 16th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Adopts Growing MKE Plan
Now known as 'Housing Element,' plan aims to fight off gentrification, create 'missing middle' housing.
Jul 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAfter Lengthy Debate, Council Legalizes Carriage Homes
Did Milwaukee just eliminate single-family zoning?
Jul 15th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Split On Cudahy Farms Proposal
Area Alderwoman Larresa Taylor opposes plan backed by Mayor, DCD.
Jul 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneSupervisors Rip EV Chargers in Parks
Supervisors echo criticism from Common Council members.
Jul 10th, 2025 by Graham KilmerHousing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement
Revised 'Growing MKE' is not perfect, but council should still adopt it say sponsors.
Jul 9th, 2025 by Jeramey JannenePublic EV Charging Plan Faces Trump Opposition, Council Concerns
'I'd cut this program if I was the federal government,' said one alderman.
Jul 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew Business Proposed For Allure MKE Space
Mosaic International Bistro + Social would replace Jefferson St. nightclub.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Sophie BolichMilwaukee Proposes Subsidy For Downtown Office Tower Conversion
King Drive development would also be aided by city subsidy.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene‘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.
Jun 26th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneDespite Concerns, Council Overhauls Near West Side Parking Regulations
'Chaos is where we're at right now,' says alderman.
Jun 26th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAfter 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.
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee’s Flag Debate Is Back
New task force would host design contest. Could People's Flag prevail?
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAlderman Still Opposes Land Sale For Potential World-Tallest Timber Tower
Company won RFP contest, wants to build 55-story building. Bauman not sold.
Jun 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Waters Down Proposed ‘Granny Flat’ Plan
Result: The sponsors of proposal have now become the opponents.
Jun 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneGroundbreaking Held For Tallest Mass Timber Tower in Western Hemisphere
Milwaukee solidifies its status as a world leader in mass timber.
Jun 16th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneWhat 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?
Jun 11th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneStreetcar Will Run On Consolidated Route During Summerfest
Consolidated Festivals Line will bring every streetcar to lakefront.
Jun 11th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneHistoric Protection Withdrawn For This Is It! Building
Why idea dropped for building with Wisconsin's oldest, recently closed gay bar.
Jun 10th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBucks Violating Promises on Unions?
Adding non-union businesses to Deer District after making promises to get state subsidy.
Jun 5th, 2025 by Bruce MurphyDowntown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension
City cites 5 altercations and a Water Street 'melee' at longtime Brother's Bar.
Jun 4th, 2025 by Sophie BolichCity Rejects Massive Billboard for Downtown Tower
Proposal would 'blow up the zoning code' says area alderman.
Jun 4th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Hiring Outside Attorneys To Fight Trump Administration
Fears losing funding after being put on new federal list.
Jun 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Approves Proposed Deer District Hotel
Moxy Hotel was caught in crossfire over fight about The Trade hotel.
Jun 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew Land Creating Downtown Garden For Tenants
Gravel lot used for construction staging would become home for tomatoes.
May 29th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneMoxy Hotel Passed by Divided Committee, Sets Up Council Showdown
Deer District project hit by proxy war over unionizing The Trade.
May 28th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneFire Chief Says Sprinklers Don’t Cost Much
Less than cost of new carpet? Chief Lipski calls for sprinklers in large buildings.
May 28th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil 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 JanneneMilwaukee Won’t Replace Fire-Damaged Recycling Center
And it's ending its partnership with another government entity. Why?
May 21st, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneAssembly Speaker Robin Vos Says Changes to Sprinkler Laws Unlikely
Five people died, many injured in fire at Milwaukee building without sprinklers.
May 14th, 2025 by Anya van WagtendonkLack of Sprinklers Worsened Deadly Fire, Chief Says
Ald. Bauman calls for investigation of building codes, sprinkler requirements.
May 14th, 2025 by Graham KilmerMilwaukee Must Pay 2nd Largest Legal Settlement in History
'This is bullsh*t!' Council members angry that botched trial will cost city millions.
May 13th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneThird Ward Noise ‘Getting Really Bad’
Dirt bikes, tricked out cars, drug use at east end of Erie St. But which government has oversight?
May 12th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneBelmont Tavern Announces Closure
New owners are purchasing the business with plans to launch their own concept.
May 8th, 2025 by Sophie BolichCommittee Delays Consideration of New Downtown Hotel
Moxy Hotel proposal leads to messy meeting, closed session with City Attorney.
May 6th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneThrough 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 Jannene





















































































