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 4
Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period
Joint Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski - March 19, 2018
Mar 19th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanOscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday
11 a.m. on Monday, March 19
Mar 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanSobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic
Unique Schlitz tavern from 1889 has great heritage, great PR, great burgers.
Mar 14th, 2018 by Michael HorneWave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 1, 2018
Mar 1st, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal
City Attorney will contest $117 million Foxconn subsidy charged to We Energies customers.
Feb 27th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Barrett: 14 years in office and not a plan in sight
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 26, 2018
Feb 26th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanMcManus 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 JanneneRevitalizing Silver City
New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.
Feb 21st, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneEven car thieves think judges are soft
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 16, 2018
Feb 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCouncil Members Congratulate Interim Police Chief on Appointment
We stand ready to work with him to move forward as a united community for the good of all residents.
Feb 16th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilThe Rise of Reckless Driving
Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.
Feb 15th, 2018 by Elliot HughesBarrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.
Feb 5th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneGag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor
I am pleased that Mayor Barrett rescinded the policy, because whether in writing or not it is a culture that has existed for years in city government.
Feb 1st, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCommon Council Alerts At-Risk Populations of Lead Risks After City of Milwaukee Health Department Fails to Notify Public
"If the public’s health is not the highest priority in this community, please tell me what is?"
Jan 31st, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilMayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing
The sheer hypocrisy concerns me and should concern every citizen in Milwaukee.
Jan 30th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneAldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position
Mr. Nannis was appointed Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department by Mayor Tom Barrett and has reportedly already reported for work, but his appointment has not been confirmed by the full Common Council.
Jan 29th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes
Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneAmerica’s Leading Concertina Bar
Formerly Altenburg's, now Kochanski's, still preserving an old Milwaukee tradition.
Jan 18th, 2018 by Michael HorneCouncil Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCity Settles with American Sewer
Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCommissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 16, 2018
Jan 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCommunity Groups Want Say On Police Chief
In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.
Jan 13th, 2018 by Jabril FarajCouncil set to act on Health Department crisis
Joint statement from the Milwaukee Common Council
Jan 12th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCommon Council Statement on Flynn Retirement
Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018
Jan 8th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil committee passes Green Alert system measure
News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey
Jan 5th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif RaineyCity Kills Contracts With American Sewer
Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.
Jan 4th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneA note of thanks to the Red Cross
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 3, 2018
Jan 3rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanTop 10 Homes Featured in 2017
Readers loved these stories the most -- except for Bob Donovan.
Dec 29th, 2017 by Michael HorneAlderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy
Ald. Murphy and Ald. Pérez look forward to further changes being implemented on the roadways to ensure safety.
Dec 21st, 2017 by Ald. Michael MurphyEmbattled 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 JanneneDonovan 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 JanneneBan Contractors From Carrying Guns?
Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.
Dec 6th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneAlderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - December 6, 2017
Dec 6th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanThe 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 HorneCouncil 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 MurphyZielinski Will Run for Mayor
Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays Action On Shopping Carts
Stores need more notice, they decide, on ordinance requiring locks on all carts.
Nov 28th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneLong Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked
A blueprint for change or too vague and hard to understand? Council members wrangle.
Nov 20th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCity’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls
Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.
Nov 15th, 2017 by Jabril FarajCouncil Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil 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 JanneneBill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - November 1, 2017
Nov 1st, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanThree parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents
News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski and Mark A. Borkowski
Oct 27th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanAdvocates Push City On Lead Pipes
City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.
Oct 25th, 2017 by Jabril FarajMayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people
New MU poll shows 66% of Milwaukeeans think the streetcar is a waste of money
Oct 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanZielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
And again his math doesn't add up.
Oct 24th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneZielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil 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 JanneneCity Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials
"Some of these turn into unpermitted block parties,” Ald. Johnson says
Oct 13th, 2017 by Elizabeth BakerIs Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.
Oct 10th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyPolice Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Gretchen SchuldtCitizens of Milwaukee
For the 14th consecutive budget, Mayor Barrett is going to cut your fire department.
Oct 6th, 2017 by Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters’ AssociationLocal 215Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play
Michael Murphy now finds himself on the outside looking in. Why?
Oct 4th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThe Streetcar, Public Safety and Our Budget Crisis An Honest Assessment of Milwaukee’s Status Quo
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - October 4, 2017
Oct 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanAlderman Donovan requests state select committee to study Milwaukee’s fiscal crisis
News release and letters from Alderman Bob Donovan
Sep 27th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanFlynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.
Sep 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed
Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?
Sep 6th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyAlderman Zielinski leads new initiative to crack down on crime while offering educational opportunities
The model for the COP House has reduced crime by up to 70 percent in some areas that are using the program.
Sep 1st, 2017 by Ald. Tony ZielinskiBawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare
Donovan, Perez announce effort to target prostitution, landlords on South Side.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Graham KilmerAlderman Bob Donovan calls assault on MPS teacher disturbing, and calls for criminal charges
Alderman Bob Donovan reacts to MPS teacher assault
Aug 23rd, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCouncil 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 JanneneThe Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 28, 2017
Jul 28th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanEliminating community prosecutors very, very bad for Milwaukee
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 24, 2017
Jul 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity Fighting County on Rapid Transit
Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.
Jul 19th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThe 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 MurphyNational Water Expert Retracts Criticism of City Health Department
This letter is written as an addendum and correction to my July 11, 2017 communication.
Jul 14th, 2017 by City of Milwaukee Health DepartmentWill the D.A. and MPD approach to prostitution make a difference? I have my doubts
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 13, 2017
Jul 13th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCouncil Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneKids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.
Jul 9th, 2017 by Jessica WinebergBarrett Recall Announced
Curious cast of characters behind effort, which will require 52,000 signatures.
Jul 7th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyThe scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017
Jun 29th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanSparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneShould Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?
May 26th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyContinued state cigarette subsidy for Native American tribes disappointing
$68.7 million subsidy ought to go to bolster public safety, Alderman Donovan says
May 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanAdditional state funding for foot and bike officers – a plus for Milwaukee
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 18, 2017
May 18th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanKansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017
May 15th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanTime to create new local sales tax for public safety Statement
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 10, 2017
May 10th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanDowntown Strip Club Approved
Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.
May 9th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncilmen opposed to downgrade in preference points for military veterans
News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski
May 5th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanHow to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.
May 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC
Seek re-prioritization of traffic enforcement, immediate review of no pursuit policy
Apr 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanGun-toting ‘scary and prolific’ auto thief kept in broken juvenile justice system
Disturbing video raises many questions about judge’s decision
Apr 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity 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 JanneneBoard approves Operation Impact’s expansion into 14th Aldermanic District
Joint news release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Tony Zielinski
Mar 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanTwo more shootings – when will Milwaukee wake up?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 20, 2017
Feb 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanFire house shooting sickens me
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 17, 2017
Feb 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution
Landlord allegedly knew widespread illegal activities were taking place
Feb 14th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanClarke Square Apartments Advance
Unique apartment project, high-growth internet company and grocery move forward.
Jan 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneLaunch of key Promise Zone effort to be announced Tuesday
City Hall event Jan 31 to be hosted by Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton
Jan 30th, 2017 by Ald. Ashanti HamiltonClarke Square Gets Wantable
Fast-growing Wantable will move there, Nehring's Sendik's grocery may join it.
Jan 23rd, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneSurveillance cameras, alley lighting to continue with Potawatomi grant
The grant will help continued funding for surveillance cameras monitoring business and residential areas.
Jan 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanDonovan Favors Journey House Plan
Change is "scary,” he says of apartment complex serving youth aged out of foster care.
Jan 12th, 2017 by Naomi WaxmanDonovan, Borkowski invite President-Elect Trump to Milwaukee
Aldermen reach out to PEOTUS, feds for help with public safety issues
Jan 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanUnique 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 MilwaukeeThe Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce MurphyThe Problem of Prostitution
Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Edgar MendezCouncil members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing
Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six
Nov 17th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan