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

2026 - January Continuing - $25,102 - 77 contributions

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

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Content referencing Robert Bauman

Bar Exam: The Vig Is a Really Big Show
Bar Exam

The Vig Is a Really Big Show

A restaurant and bar 'with a soul.' And very nice happy hour prices.

Milwaukee’s Data Center Moratorium Takes Key Step Forward

Milwaukee’s Data Center Moratorium Takes Key Step Forward

But will a hyperscaler ever seek to build in Milwaukee?

Commission Endorses Milwaukee Data Center Moratorium After Fiery Hearing

Commission Endorses Milwaukee Data Center Moratorium After Fiery Hearing

After two hours of testimony, commission unanimously backs a one-year halt on new facilities citywide.

Zenith Condo Tower Wins First City Approval

Zenith Condo Tower Wins First City Approval

Plan Commission backs 25-story project despite neighbors’ concerns over sun and parking.

New Plaza Connects Riverwalk, City, Embodies Its Namesake Gary Grunau

New Plaza Connects Riverwalk, City, Embodies Its Namesake Gary Grunau

Gary P. Grunau Plaza was developed through a complicated and collaborative process, honors civic booster.

As Residents Fume Over Potholes, City Tries A Different Kind of Fix

As Residents Fume Over Potholes, City Tries A Different Kind of Fix

Ald. Burgelis wins support for a concrete-panel replacement pilot focused on alleys.

Council Walks Back Food Truck Curfew

Council Walks Back Food Truck Curfew

With concerns unresolved, alderpersons vote 15-0 to repeal earlier closing times for food trucks.

Council Suspends License of Third Ward Event Venue

Council Suspends License of Third Ward Event Venue

After hours activity at issue.

After Bad Legal Advice, Council Tries Again On Elected Official Raises

After Bad Legal Advice, Council Tries Again On Elected Official Raises

A 10–5 vote replaces a raise formula tied to city workers.

Proactive Rental Inspections Poised To Return To Milwaukee

Proactive Rental Inspections Poised To Return To Milwaukee

Uptown neighborhood would be first test site.

Milwaukee’s Data Center Moratorium Heads To First Public Hearing

Milwaukee’s Data Center Moratorium Heads To First Public Hearing

But an exemption is proposed for one influential organization.

Milwaukee May Start Paying Drivers For Pothole Damage

Milwaukee May Start Paying Drivers For Pothole Damage

Council sending an expensive message about its frustration with potholes.

Milwaukee Election Mistake Drew National Attention, Official Says Safeguards Worked

Milwaukee Election Mistake Drew National Attention, Official Says Safeguards Worked

County caught wrong files, outside experts validated logs, and city now plans more visible checks and releases.

Searching For Answers on Water Street Violence

Searching For Answers on Water Street Violence

But area alderman thinks there is only one option left.

‘Revive’ Housing Pilot Advances After Months Of Negotiations

‘Revive’ Housing Pilot Advances After Months Of Negotiations

City finally names four teams to design replicable, attached homes on standard Milwaukee lots.

Outsourcing, Overtime and a City Full of Potholes

Outsourcing, Overtime and a City Full of Potholes

Why Milwaukee can't catch up on filling potholes.

Council Says Mayor’s Flock Changes Don’t Settle Debate

Council Says Mayor’s Flock Changes Don’t Settle Debate

Plus: The county is addressing its own use, and Tom Tiffany tries to make it an issue in the gubernatorial race.

Mayor Demands Restrictions on Milwaukee’s Flock Cameras

Mayor Demands Restrictions on Milwaukee’s Flock Cameras

New policies come after Common Council escalated issue and third officer investigated for abuse.

Downtown Strip Club Says It Is Temporarily Closing Because of Violence

Downtown Strip Club Says It Is Temporarily Closing Because of Violence

Move is just the latest change for rapidly changing bar district, but comes after building has been for sale.

City Hall: Led By Dimitrijevic, Council Demands More Control Over Flock
City Hall

Led By Dimitrijevic, Council Demands More Control Over Flock

Concerns about privacy, other issues with police use of cameras. Council could consider funding cuts.

After City Rejects It, State Authority Endorses Affordable Housing Conversion

After City Rejects It, State Authority Endorses Affordable Housing Conversion

California organizations pull an end-run around city opposition.

New Deer District Hotel Breaks Ground

New Deer District Hotel Breaks Ground

AC Hotel Milwaukee Downtown, with the same ownership as The Trade, is expected to open in late 2027.

The Blue Building To Become Housing

The Blue Building To Become Housing

Partial conversion will add more than 200 apartments to Westown.

Council Kills Controversial Bar Proposal

Council Kills Controversial Bar Proposal

Ava's on Van Buren will not replace Victor's.

Council Rejects Mayor’s Fire & Police Oversight Nominee

Council Rejects Mayor’s Fire & Police Oversight Nominee

Not about qualifications, but ideology says one council member.

Milwaukee Will Pursue Data Center Moratorium

Milwaukee Will Pursue Data Center Moratorium

Ald. Dimitrijevic leading council push for moratorium until regulations can be adopted.

Committee Deadlocks on Victor’s Replacement

Committee Deadlocks on Victor’s Replacement

Fractious committee meeting leaves fate of sports bar and eatery Ava's on Van Buren up to full council.

10 Takeaways From Marty Brooks’ Explosive Claims Against Convention Center

10 Takeaways From Marty Brooks’ Explosive Claims Against Convention Center

Former WCD leader dishes dirt on the board and the whistleblower and explains those $2,000 shoes.

Marty Brooks Makes Scorched-Earth Case Against Convention Center Board

Marty Brooks Makes Scorched-Earth Case Against Convention Center Board

Brooks says Wisconsin Center District owes him more than $900,000.

The City Could Develop This Prime Site, But It’s Shown No Interest

The City Could Develop This Prime Site, But It’s Shown No Interest

Unusual lease provision with Summerfest could make city millions on parcel of land.

Controversial Bay View Affordable Housing Sails Though Council

Controversial Bay View Affordable Housing Sails Though Council

With no debate council unanimously approves subsidy for $33 million 100-unit apartment complex.

Council Suspends Liquor Sales at Magic Food Market

Council Suspends Liquor Sales at Magic Food Market

Northside corner store will continue food sales while working to address other issues.

Opposing Mayor, Council Members Back Boulevard to Replace I-794

Opposing Mayor, Council Members Back Boulevard to Replace I-794

'The mayor is only one part of local government; his position does not reflect that of the entire city.'

Convention Center CEO Will Appeal His Firing

Convention Center CEO Will Appeal His Firing

Marty Brooks will have his day before the board, and the public.

Lincoln Avenue Schools Burns Again, Demolition Approved

Lincoln Avenue Schools Burns Again, Demolition Approved

But big questions remain about what comes next.

Bay View Affordable Development Scores Key Approval, But Objections Remain

Bay View Affordable Development Scores Key Approval, But Objections Remain

Area alderwoman takes position on proposal that she knows won't make everyone happy.

Milwaukee Makes First Move on Scooter Crackdown After Sidewalk Crash

Milwaukee Makes First Move on Scooter Crackdown After Sidewalk Crash

Alders debate new speed limits, fines and the city’s contract with Lime as scooter use surges 26%.

Stalled Downtown Apartment Tower Project Could Get New Owner

Stalled Downtown Apartment Tower Project Could Get New Owner

Court ruling advances company's effort to foreclose on landmark Neutral Edison project.

Proposal Would Dramatically Cut Down Scooter Speed, Boost Sidewalk Fines By 1,000%

Proposal Would Dramatically Cut Down Scooter Speed, Boost Sidewalk Fines By 1,000%

Proposal comes after scooter operator hit, injured individual on sidewalk.

Condo Tower Would Provide Millions For City Services

Condo Tower Would Provide Millions For City Services

Development team, city officials express optimism about project.

‘Power to the People’ Over We Energies? Issue Comes to City Hall

‘Power to the People’ Over We Energies? Issue Comes to City Hall

First public hearing on proposed city takeover points to 'enormously complicated' process.

Plenty of Horne: Milwaukee Honors Cecilia Gilbert, Longtime ‘Queen’ Of City Hall
Plenty of Horne

Milwaukee Honors Cecilia Gilbert, Longtime ‘Queen’ Of City Hall

Cathedral Square event honoring her draws more than 200 friends, family and officials.

Milwaukee Scooter Crash Spurs Calls For Tougher Scooter Rules

Milwaukee Scooter Crash Spurs Calls For Tougher Scooter Rules

Other Wisconsin cities also considering restrictions on electric-powered devices.

Council Could Use Its New Police Oversight Authority For First Time

Council Could Use Its New Police Oversight Authority For First Time

But police union is objecting to proposal to address killings involving officers.

Police Chief Promises to Focus More on Nuisance Properties, Landlords

Police Chief Promises to Focus More on Nuisance Properties, Landlords

'Sometimes you take your eye off the ball.' Chief admits decline in activity.

Politicians Deal With Fallout of Fired CEO’s Campaign Contributions

Politicians Deal With Fallout of Fired CEO’s Campaign Contributions

And a campaign finance investigation could follow

Proposed Takeover of We Energies Will Get City Hall Hearing

Proposed Takeover of We Energies Will Get City Hall Hearing

Potential benefits, challenges of city takeover pushed by Ald. Brower will be discussed.

Marty Brooks Fired For Cause By Convention Center Board

Marty Brooks Fired For Cause By Convention Center Board

'Serious misappropriation of funds' says board member.

Convention Center CEO Faces Pivotal Vote After Office Is Emptied Out

Convention Center CEO Faces Pivotal Vote After Office Is Emptied Out

Wisconsin Center District board schedules 'action item' on employment of CEO Marty Brooks.

Alderman Complains of ‘Parking Chaos’ at Delivery-Focused Food Hall

Alderman Complains of ‘Parking Chaos’ at Delivery-Focused Food Hall

'It's a zoo outside Paper Table,' complains neighboring business. Alders divided on issue.

Wisconsin Center CEO Clears Out Office Amid Closed-Door Board Talks

Wisconsin Center CEO Clears Out Office Amid Closed-Door Board Talks

Marty Brooks has packed up, hurting morale, leaving WCD staff 'nowhere to turn,' manager says.

Competing Visions Emerge for King Park Housing Plan

Competing Visions Emerge for King Park Housing Plan

But all sides agree the opportunity is large.

Site Once Targeted For Youth Prison Will Be Used to Build Trucks

Site Once Targeted For Youth Prison Will Be Used to Build Trucks

Little-known Milwaukee manufacturer with global sales plans growth.

Not Fired, At Least Yet. Board Keeps Discussing Marty Brooks’ Future

Not Fired, At Least Yet. Board Keeps Discussing Marty Brooks’ Future

Convention center district CEO's employment likely to end, according to sources.

Behind Closed Doors, WCD Board Considers Future Of CEO Marty Brooks

Behind Closed Doors, WCD Board Considers Future Of CEO Marty Brooks

Shift to litigation-focused meeting notice signals possible legal fight over Brooks’ contract and role.

See The ‘Cream of the Cream City’ in Historic Preservation

See The ‘Cream of the Cream City’ in Historic Preservation

Awards ceremony honors five projects.

Murphy’s Law: Sewerage District Problems Are Suspicious
Murphy’s Law

Sewerage District Problems Are Suspicious

Why did it resist an audit? And why does Mayor Johnson agree it must be done quickly?

City Hall: Council Members Push for MMSD Audit
City Hall

Council Members Push for MMSD Audit

They nearly blocked reappointment of MMSD commissioners, but back off after closed door meeting.

Stadium Freeway Replacement Will Take Years More of Study

Stadium Freeway Replacement Will Take Years More of Study

Initial study ends with an even costlier study required next.

New Option Emerges For Convention Center Hotel

New Option Emerges For Convention Center Hotel

But the individual proposing it suggests the big hotel concept still isn't a good idea.

WCD Board Holds Third Closed Session Discussion About CEO Marty Brooks

WCD Board Holds Third Closed Session Discussion About CEO Marty Brooks

Documents indicate what is being discussed is changing.

City Will Construct Mini-Neighborhood in King Park

City Will Construct Mini-Neighborhood in King Park

Proposal is an outgrowth of Growing MKE vision, 'Year of Housing' effort.

Council Rejects Unusual Affordable Housing Proposal

Council Rejects Unusual Affordable Housing Proposal

But one alderman offers fierce dissent and questions concept of aldermanic privilege.

Downtown Tax Dollars To Be Invested West of I-43

Downtown Tax Dollars To Be Invested West of I-43

City plan channels Brewery District tax revenue into King Park streets, housing and green space.

Council Delays Proposal to Fence Off Downtown Bar Districts

Council Delays Proposal to Fence Off Downtown Bar Districts

Area alderman wants key stakeholders to publicly endorse it. Will they?

Not Just Food Trucks, Milwaukee Restricting Late Night Scooter Rides

Not Just Food Trucks, Milwaukee Restricting Late Night Scooter Rides

New restrictions stretch from Westown to Brady Street.

Third Ward Condos Will Fund Affordable Housing

Third Ward Condos Will Fund Affordable Housing

Riverwalk TIF district has been a gift to the city's bottom line.

New Fine Structure Targets Berrada, Other Large Landlords

New Fine Structure Targets Berrada, Other Large Landlords

Council wants to end alleged 'cost of doing business' landlord operation

Council Poised To Reject Unusual Affordable Housing Proposal

Council Poised To Reject Unusual Affordable Housing Proposal

Developer wants city approval to convert two 'luxury' complexes to affordable housing.

Council Members Threaten to Bag New Leaf Collection Policy

Council Members Threaten to Bag New Leaf Collection Policy

Council says policy change was a surprise to them.

Food Truck Operators Rally at City Hall

Food Truck Operators Rally at City Hall

Demonstration aims to put the brakes on new late-night restrictions.

Milwaukee Takes First Step Toward Fencing Off Bar District

Milwaukee Takes First Step Toward Fencing Off Bar District

Proposal a response to late-night violence on Water and Old World Third streets.

Severe Storms Push Milwaukee To Change Leaf And Street Sweeping Rules

Severe Storms Push Milwaukee To Change Leaf And Street Sweeping Rules

Climate change, clogged drains and angry residents are driving DPW changes.

Downtown Tower Developer Tries Legal Maneuver To Avoid Lawsuit

Downtown Tower Developer Tries Legal Maneuver To Avoid Lawsuit

'Aggravated litigation'? CEO of Neutral asks judge to steer case to mediation.

Downtown Food Truck Operators Balk at New Curfew

Downtown Food Truck Operators Balk at New Curfew

New restrictions cut peak hours for vendors. City leaders cite need for safety.

New Violence Prevention Director Narrowly Approved

New Violence Prevention Director Narrowly Approved

Karin Tyler endured rocky approval process, but the job is now hers.

WCD Committee Backs Convention Hotel, But Punts on Financing, Location

WCD Committee Backs Convention Hotel, But Punts on Financing, Location

Big questions remain about viability of $500 million hotel project.

Mayor, County Executive Raise Concerns About Safety at Train Station 

Mayor, County Executive Raise Concerns About Safety at Train Station 

Ald. Bauman calls on state DOT to take over managing Milwaukee Intermodal Station.

City Could Buy, Demolish Third Ward Swing Bridge

City Could Buy, Demolish Third Ward Swing Bridge

'Pretty complicated,' multi-party discussion underway on future of bridge.

Can 31-Story Mass Timber Tower Project Be Revived?

Can 31-Story Mass Timber Tower Project Be Revived?

Developer exploring options. While city still seeks redevelopment of neighboring site.

Scooter Users in Milwaukee Smash Ridership, Revenue Records

Scooter Users in Milwaukee Smash Ridership, Revenue Records

Love 'em or hate 'em, they're everywhere.

Council Pushes 60-Day Notice For Grocery Store Closings

Council Pushes 60-Day Notice For Grocery Store Closings

Ordinance would require food retailers to warn city leaders. Is it enforceable?

What Closing Four Milwaukee TIF Districts Really Means For Your Tax Bill

What Closing Four Milwaukee TIF Districts Really Means For Your Tax Bill

The end of Hilton, Midtown, Grand Avenue and Granville Station districts brings savings and a lesson in property taxes.

How Could Milwaukee Finance A Convention Headquarters Hotel?

How Could Milwaukee Finance A Convention Headquarters Hotel?

And has the Wisconsin Center District had a plan all along?

City Subsidies Proposed For Two Affordable Housing Developments

City Subsidies Proposed For Two Affordable Housing Developments

Proposals include former hospital, land owned by sausage company.

Despite Objection, Milwaukee Approves Laser Scanning Requirement

Despite Objection, Milwaukee Approves Laser Scanning Requirement

Demolishing a historic building will now require an additional step.

Council Hits Pause On Violence Prevention Pick After Grant Snub

Council Hits Pause On Violence Prevention Pick After Grant Snub

Loss of a $2 million state grant deepens doubts about Karin Tyler and the future of the new department.

City Attorney Freezes Council’s ICE Masking Legislation

City Attorney Freezes Council’s ICE Masking Legislation

Council is angry. 'This is pretty outrageous,' says alderman.

Can Milwaukee Rescue Its Failed Deconstruction Program?

Can Milwaukee Rescue Its Failed Deconstruction Program?

City staff promise a narrowed focus as funding and political patience run low.

One of City’s Oldest Homes Will Be Razed, Not Relocated

One of City’s Oldest Homes Will Be Razed, Not Relocated

New apartment building will replace home once planned for relocation.

Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’

Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’

Council decision led to 'enormous' raise for police chief, could benefit fire chief.

Proposed Deer District, Third Ward Hotels Change Brands

Proposed Deer District, Third Ward Hotels Change Brands

Developer pledges summer construction start on first project.

Hotel Giants Blast Study Backing New Convention Hotel

Hotel Giants Blast Study Backing New Convention Hotel

Marcus and Jackson Street say a subsidized 650-room project would dilute an already weak market.

$14.1 Million Plan Targets Safer Streets In Walker’s Point, Valley, Westown

$14.1 Million Plan Targets Safer Streets In Walker’s Point, Valley, Westown

TIF funds would pay for repaving, new lighting and bike lanes in three key areas.

Downtown Snack Shop Reopens

Downtown Snack Shop Reopens

Jr's Treats returns with a shortened menu and a promise of 'delicious' additions.

Menomonee Falls Could Get More Milwaukee Water

Menomonee Falls Could Get More Milwaukee Water

And Milwaukee will get more cash.

Council Moving To Block ICE From City Property

Council Moving To Block ICE From City Property

Third piece of 'ICE Out' package gets key endorsement.

City Hall: Mayor Signs ‘Sanctuary City’ Resolution, With Key Caveat
City Hall

Mayor Signs ‘Sanctuary City’ Resolution, With Key Caveat

Will Trump administration label Milwaukee a 'sanctuary city'?

The Clause in Milwaukee’s ICE Package That Could Trigger ‘Sanctuary City’ Label
City Will Test Pothole Detection Technology

City Will Test Pothole Detection Technology

A boon for personal injury attorneys? Our approach will limit liability, says official.

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