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.
Content referencing Robert Bauman - Page 2
Milwaukee 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 JanneneCouncil 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 JanneneCommittee 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 JanneneMilwaukee 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 JanneneMilwaukee 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 JanneneMeet The Eight Candidates Running To Replace Brostoff
Special election for third district aldermanic seat draws large field.
Jan 17th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneNew 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 Jannene


























































































