Robert ‘Bob’ Donovan served as alderman for District 8 from 2000 to 2020. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022.
Born in 1956 and raised on Milwaukee’s South Side, Donovan is a graduate of Thomas More High School and has attended both St. Francis De Sales College and UW-Milwaukee and has taken additional courses at Marquette University.
During his time on the Common Council, Donovan was an outspoken advocate for rank-and-file police officers.
He challenged Tom Barrett for mayor in 2016, losing 70-30.
Donovan decided not to run for reelection in 2020, but announced a campaign for mayor in 2021 after Barrett was nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
On Feb. 15, 2022 Donovan came in second in a primary for mayor, earning 22.28% of the vote (13,742 votes). He listed to Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson in the April 5, 2022 general election.
He was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Content referencing Bob Donovan - Page 3
Health Commissioner Pick Gets First Approval
Kowalik wins unanimous vote from committee, interim commissioner reveals ongoing issues.
Sep 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Response Slow For Non-Violent Crimes
MPD response time averages 40 minutes for non-violent crimes, 68 minutes for auto theft.
Aug 24th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
MPD Slow to Respond to Violent Crimes
But response times for all types of calls have dropped an average of 32 minutes since 2015.
Aug 7th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Residents, Police, Officials Mourn Slain Officer
Michael J. Michalski, 52, was a much-loved, 17-year veteran of Milwaukee Police Department.
Jul 27th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Council Delays Flag Decision
Delegates Milwaukee Arts Board to decide if new flag needed and how to proceed.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
All Hail The “People’s Flag”
Huge version of flag installed a block from City Hall just before vote on whether to adopt it.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Now Has Power Over Police Chief?
Common Council may regret stripping mayor’s power over Police-Fire director.
Jul 12th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
City’s $3.4 Million Settlement Will Cost More?
IT costs weren't factored into city settlement of ACLU suit, could increase price tag.
Jul 12th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Backs Less Mayoral Power Over FPC
Votes 13-1 to ask state to reduce mayor's power to appoint Fire and Police leader.
Jul 11th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Backs $3.4 Million to Settle Suit
ACLU sued over police “stop and frisk” practices from 2010 to 2017.
Jul 11th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Zielinski Ramps Up Mayoral Campaign
"I want to run against Barrett," alderman says, laying out issues he will use against mayor.
Jul 10th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Milwaukee Elect Police Chief?
Alderman Rainey's proposal gets discussion, but not much support.
Jul 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Officials Promote Police Pursuit Policy
Donovan wants public information campaign on new policy to chase fleeing offenders.
Jun 26th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Will People’s Flag Become Official Milwaukee Flag?
Trio of council members introduce resolution to change city flag.
May 31st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Reform Needed, Say Council Members
Brown incident proves problem, changes needed, Hamilton, Coggs say at press conference.
May 24th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Ald. Bohl Resigns, Takes Lobbying Job
And full council approves La Keisha Butler as head of Fire and Police Commission.
May 24th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Will Build Next Downtown Tower?
Choice parcel of land now on the market. Who will buy and build there?
May 20th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
State Street Will Become Two Way
Remaining portion of one-way street to be converted to two-way traffic for safety, ease of access.
May 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Council Play Musical Chairs
New appointments open door for Ald. Jim Bohl to leave his elected position for lobbyist job.
May 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Why St. Joseph Hospital Is Targeted
It’s all about greed by “non-profits,” chasing revenues and big salaries.
Apr 27th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.
Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Child Care Centers Still Have Lead Pipes
City has so far replaced lead service lines at 163 of 347 facilities.
Apr 23rd, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Milwaukee Bans Conversion Therapy
Controversial therapy tries to transform LGBT teens into heterosexuals.
Mar 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Sobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic
Unique Schlitz tavern from 1889 has great heritage, great PR, great burgers.
Mar 14th, 2018 by Michael Horne
City Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal
City Attorney will contest $117 million Foxconn subsidy charged to We Energies customers.
Feb 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department
Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?
Feb 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Revitalizing Silver City
New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.
Feb 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Rise of Reckless Driving
Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.
Feb 15th, 2018 by Elliot Hughes
Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.
Feb 5th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes
Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
America’s Leading Concertina Bar
Formerly Altenburg's, now Kochanski's, still preserving an old Milwaukee tradition.
Jan 18th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Settles with American Sewer
Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief
In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.
Jan 13th, 2018 by Jabril Faraj
City Kills Contracts With American Sewer
Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.
Jan 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Top 10 Homes Featured in 2017
Readers loved these stories the most -- except for Bob Donovan.
Dec 29th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Embattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing
Head of company with gun, KKK issues, a no-show. Angry council members promise action.
Dec 18th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy
Alderman said he knew of city employees carrying firearms, but has failed to report them.
Dec 7th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Ban Contractors From Carrying Guns?
Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.
Dec 6th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
The City Christmas Tree House
Each year a city resident donates a spruce for City Hall. Here's the home of 2017's winner.
Dec 3rd, 2017 by Michael Horne
Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court
Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.
Nov 30th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Zielinski Will Run for Mayor
Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Action On Shopping Carts
Stores need more notice, they decide, on ordinance requiring locks on all carts.
Nov 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Long Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked
A blueprint for change or too vague and hard to understand? Council members wrangle.
Nov 20th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls
Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.
Nov 15th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.
Nov 7th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes
City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.
Oct 25th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
And again his math doesn't add up.
Oct 24th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.
Oct 17th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials
"Some of these turn into unpermitted block parties,” Ald. Johnson says
Oct 13th, 2017 by Elizabeth Baker
Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.
Oct 10th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play
Michael Murphy now finds himself on the outside looking in. Why?
Oct 4th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.
Sep 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed
Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?
Sep 6th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Bawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare
Donovan, Perez announce effort to target prostitution, landlords on South Side.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn
"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Fighting County on Rapid Transit
Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.
Jul 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
The Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda
The union’s backing of Barrett recall is all about driving up their wages and benefits.
Jul 18th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Kids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.
Jul 9th, 2017 by Jessica Wineberg
Barrett Recall Announced
Curious cast of characters behind effort, which will require 52,000 signatures.
Jul 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Sparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?
May 26th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Downtown Strip Club Approved
Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.
May 9th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.
May 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Won’t Delay Streetcar for County
Ald Zielinski's attempt to delay streetcar for county only gets his own vote.
Mar 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Square Apartments Advance
Unique apartment project, high-growth internet company and grocery move forward.
Jan 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Square Gets Wantable
Fast-growing Wantable will move there, Nehring's Sendik's grocery may join it.
Jan 23rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Favors Journey House Plan
Change is "scary,” he says of apartment complex serving youth aged out of foster care.
Jan 12th, 2017 by Naomi Waxman
Unique Apartments for Clarke Square
Unusual partnership will build "affordable, quality housing" for those raised in foster care.
Dec 7th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
$1 Million In Donations to City Politicians
Our Political Contributions Tracker hits $1 million, reveals who’s giving and getting cash.
Nov 29th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
The Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Problem of Prostitution
Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.
Nov 7th, 2016 by Gretchen Schuldt
Public Safety Plan Ignores the Community
Aldermen should work harder to consult residents and target underlying causes of crime.
Oct 21st, 2016 by Markasa Tucker
Citizens Condemn Proposal for More Cops
Different practices, not more police needed, community groups tell aldermen at city hearing.
Oct 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
School Would Cost $40,000 Per Kid Per Year
Proposed boarding school is part of Common Council’s “Public Safety Action Plan.”
Sep 1st, 2016 by Gretchen Schuldt
19 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the candidates, behind the scenes. who won, who lost?
Aug 10th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Rocky Marcoux Keeps His Job
In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble
New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
City Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit
BRT line linking Downtown and Tosa moves forward, though some decry "the rush."
Jul 13th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena
$40 million extension would add .75 miles to route, also connect convention center.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy
Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm
What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?
Jun 14th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative
Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Mayor’s Design Awards
The 2016 Mayor's Design Awards recognized projects from every corner of the city.
May 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
What I Learned Running for Alderman
Justin Bielinski reflects on his razor-thin loss to Ald. Bob Donovan.
Apr 11th, 2016 by Sup. Justin Bielinski
Will Murphy Lose Council Presidency?
Race could be wide open and Ashanti Hamilton might have surprising supporters.
Apr 6th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Who Will Win the Elections?
The turnout will be massive. And could result in upsets.
Apr 5th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Black Leaders Talk About Barrett
How has the mayor succeeded -- and failed -- in serving African American neighborhoods.
Apr 4th, 2016 by Laura Thompson
Point-Counterpoint for Three Council Races
The views (or non-views) of aldermen Bauman, Donovan and Perez — and their opponents.
Mar 31st, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Shannan Hayden’s Nifty Newberry Tudor
Hayden is running against Ald. Nik Kovac and has a much finer home.
Mar 28th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Journal Sentinel Bias In Mayor’s Race?
And was its story on Rebecca Bradley’s affair “offensive garbage”?
Mar 17th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Youth Tell DOJ About Police Abuse
Department of Justice listening sessions here suggest Milwaukee has problems.
Mar 10th, 2016 by Jimmy Gutierrez
