Thomas “Tom” Barrett served as mayor of Milwaukee from 2004 through December 2021. He resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.

Barrett, a resident of the Washington Heights neighborhood, is married to Kris Barrett. The couple has four adult children.

Campaign Finance Reports

2021 - January Continuing - $38,639 - 67 contributions

2019 - January Continuing - $119,938 - 364 contributions

2018 - July Continuing - $111,114 - 169 contributions

2018 - January Continuing - $62,303 - 253 contributions

2017 - July Continuing - $108,676 - 319 contributions

2016 - July Continuing - $76,284 - 310 contributions

2016 - Pre-Election - $153,936 - 603 contributions

2016 - Pre-Primary - $44,920 - 147 contributions

2016 - January Continuing - $260,589 - 831 contributions

Photos

Content referencing Tom Barrett

City Hall: New Commissioner Would Fill Fire and Police Oversight Body
City Hall

New Commissioner Would Fill Fire and Police Oversight Body

Krissie Fung would join Fire & Police Commission, which has seen its authority change since Act 12.

Housing Authority Names Temporary Leader, While Another Exec Departs
Dane County Judge Overrules 60 Sections of Act 10

Dane County Judge Overrules 60 Sections of Act 10

Decision largely invalidates 2011 Walker-era law decimating public unions.

Murphy’s Law: City Official Double Dips to Earn $250,000
Murphy’s Law

City Official Double Dips to Earn $250,000

Department of Administration head Preston Cole awarded $73,700 raise.

Murphy’s Law: Did Harbor Commissioner Have Conflict of Interest?
Murphy’s Law

Did Harbor Commissioner Have Conflict of Interest?

Ron San Felippo has for many years been managing a private company for Summerfest.

Murphy’s Law: Did Harbor Commissioner Serve Illegally?
Murphy’s Law

Did Harbor Commissioner Serve Illegally?

Ron San Felippo has homes in East Troy and Florida while serving on commission and also voting in elections as city resident.

Mayor Johnson’s Budget Hikes Fees, Taxes In 2025, Maintains Services

Mayor Johnson’s Budget Hikes Fees, Taxes In 2025, Maintains Services

See what's included in budget to be presented Tuesday morning.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Talks Harm of Freeway Construction, Bronzeville During DNC Speech

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Talks Harm of Freeway Construction, Bronzeville During DNC Speech

Johnson promotes federal grant to overhaul 6th Street through Downtown, surrounding neighborhoods.

Tallest Building in Wisconsin Proposal Could Be Downsized, Stalled

Tallest Building in Wisconsin Proposal Could Be Downsized, Stalled

Alderman Robert Bauman wants a market study conducted for each bid the city received.

New Development Boasts Tallest Building in Wisconsin

New Development Boasts Tallest Building in Wisconsin

City unveils $700 million redevelopment proposal for Marcus Center parking strucuture.

Murphy’s Law: National Media Discovers Mayor Johnson
Murphy’s Law

National Media Discovers Mayor Johnson

Gaining lots of positive press during RNC, now talking of running for governor.

Proposal Asks City to Adopt ‘People’s Flag’

Proposal Asks City to Adopt ‘People’s Flag’

Ald. Peter Burgelis leads new push to replace what's been called one of the worst city flags in America.

K-12: How Will School Board Hire New Superintendent?
K-12

How Will School Board Hire New Superintendent?

What's the likely process and how were past decisions made?

City Hall: Protected Bike Lanes For Lake Drive Raise Ire of Neighbors
City Hall

Protected Bike Lanes For Lake Drive Raise Ire of Neighbors

Despite vehement objections in raucous meeting, committee approves plan.

See the 2024 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners

See the 2024 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners

20 projects big and small are named best of the best in Milwaukee design

Mayor Dumps Elections Director Claire Woodall

Mayor Dumps Elections Director Claire Woodall

Johnson nominates deputy to replace her six months before presidential election.

City Hall: Mayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools
City Hall

Mayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools

Johnson vows to make Milwaukee a city that attracts people because of its schools.

City Hall: New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History
City Hall

New Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History

The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.

City Hall: Council Bids Farewell To Alders Murphy, Borkowski and Rainey
City Hall

Council Bids Farewell To Alders Murphy, Borkowski and Rainey

Trio leaves, but not before singing, doing impersonations and issuing a challenge.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Cruises To Reelection

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Cruises To Reelection

Milwaukee mayor wins his first full-term with more than 80% of vote.

Civic Media Launches New Mid-day Network Lineup
David D. King vs Goliath
Press Release

David D. King vs Goliath

 

Cavalier Johnson Easily Wins Primary

Cavalier Johnson Easily Wins Primary

Johnson will face David D. King in general election.

Lena Taylor Appointed to Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Lena Taylor Appointed to Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Long-serving state senator is latest Evers appointment to local circuit court.

After Missteps, Milwaukee Launching New Effort To Help Young Black Men

After Missteps, Milwaukee Launching New Effort To Help Young Black Men

Lack of resources, infighting doomed prior efforts. Walter Lanier is charting a new course.

Lawsuit Could Change Curfews in State

Lawsuit Could Change Curfews in State

Suit by Rep. Clancy argued that mayors can't declare curfew without approval of city council members.

Milwaukee Could Add Race, Gender To Contracting Requirements

Milwaukee Could Add Race, Gender To Contracting Requirements

New study attempts to chart legal pathway for city.

Milwaukee’s Chief Building Inspector Takes New Job

Milwaukee’s Chief Building Inspector Takes New Job

Erica Roberts swaps building code for computer code.

Council Might Hold Up Mayor’s Changes To Zoning Board

Council Might Hold Up Mayor’s Changes To Zoning Board

At issue is new chair, two new appointments and oversight by Department of Administration.

Facade of Milwaukee City Hall Is Failing, Again

Facade of Milwaukee City Hall Is Failing, Again

While pieces of restored terra cotta crumble, city again seeks 'accountability.'

City Hall: Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City
City Hall

Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City

No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.

City Hall: Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him
City Hall

Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him

Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.

Mayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races

Mayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races

Cavalier Johnson seeks a full-term. All city officials are on the ballot.

Rep. Donovan Blasts Housing Authority Chaos
Waukesha Celebrates Completing Milwaukee Water Pipeline

Waukesha Celebrates Completing Milwaukee Water Pipeline

$286 million project will provide safe water for suburban community, revenue for Milwaukee.

City Hall: Horwitz, World-Patterson Elected To Lead Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

Horwitz, World-Patterson Elected To Lead Fire & Police Commission

Past chairs resigned in protest of new state law stripping authority.

Murphy’s Law: Who Will Blink on Brewers Subsidy?
Murphy’s Law

Who Will Blink on Brewers Subsidy?

Vos wants a local contribution and Milwaukee officials oppose this. The issue could get very ugly.

24th MANDI Awards Celebrate Milwaukee Success Stories

24th MANDI Awards Celebrate Milwaukee Success Stories

The annual "good news" awards showcase people, projects and organizations working to move Milwaukee forward.

MKE County: Sheriff’s Deputy Is Again Sending Controversial Emails To Politicians
MKE County

Sheriff’s Deputy Is Again Sending Controversial Emails To Politicians

The deputy was suspended in 2021 for sending emails to politicians that identified him as Milwaukee deputy.

City Hall: Council Demands Control of Lobbying, Despite Mayoral Pushback
City Hall

Council Demands Control of Lobbying, Despite Mayoral Pushback

Mayor and council president at impasse, council set to take more control.

After State Law Stripped Authority, Leaders of Milwaukee’s Fire & Police Commission Resign

After State Law Stripped Authority, Leaders of Milwaukee’s Fire & Police Commission Resign

Chair Edward Fallone and Vice Chair Amanda Avalos resign in protest following "assault on self-government."

Transportation: National Ave Could Get Protected Bike Lanes, Fewer Driving Lanes
Transportation

National Ave Could Get Protected Bike Lanes, Fewer Driving Lanes

But will accommodations be made for bus rapid transit or streetcar service?

Committee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions

Committee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions

If federal grants received, system could reach Fiserv Forum, East Side, Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Mayor Johnson Touts “One Milwaukee” Vision In State of City Speech

Mayor Johnson Touts “One Milwaukee” Vision In State of City Speech

Public safety, an end to reckless driving, more bike lanes, lead lateral replacement and a city government back from the brink.

Gov. Evers Appoints Willie Smith to the WEDC Board of Directors
Eyes on Milwaukee: See The 2023 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners
Eyes on Milwaukee

See The 2023 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners

20 winners span the city, represent the best of Milwaukee architecture and design.

City Hall: The Ins and Outs of Milwaukee’s Financial Future
City Hall

The Ins and Outs of Milwaukee’s Financial Future

Republican legislators can't agree on how many strings to attach to funding proposal.

City Hall: Dr. T Confirmed As Health Commissioner
City Hall

Dr. T Confirmed As Health Commissioner

Michael Totoraitis is the new leader of city health department.

City Hall: New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval
City Hall

New Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval

Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.

City Hall: New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause
City Hall

New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause

Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.

Murphy’s Law: 11 Lessons From The Democrats’ Victory
Murphy’s Law

11 Lessons From The Democrats’ Victory

How did Protasiewicz win by so big in such an evenly divided state?

Murphy’s Law: 17 Election Winners and Losers
Murphy’s Law

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

City Hall: Milwaukee Sales Tax Expected As Separate Legislation, Outside of Budget
City Hall

Milwaukee Sales Tax Expected As Separate Legislation, Outside of Budget

Republicans expected to strip Gov. Evers' proposal from budget, but might not kill proposal.

City Hall: Preston Cole Will Lead Department of Administration
City Hall

Preston Cole Will Lead Department of Administration

Former DNR Secretary and City Hall veteran returning to city government.

City Hall: Administration Director Sharon Robinson Retiring
City Hall

Administration Director Sharon Robinson Retiring

Former staffer for congressman and then Mayor Barrett ran city department for 18 years.

Dodd Takes Job At Charter School, Six Running To Replace Her

Dodd Takes Job At Charter School, Six Running To Replace Her

Former alderwoman's mystery job revealed.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Doesn’t Have Money To Raze Northridge Mall
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Doesn’t Have Money To Raze Northridge Mall

It could cost $15 million. And Chinese investment group won't demolish it.

Murphy’s Law: Will Vos Kill Shared Revenue Hike For City?
Murphy’s Law

Will Vos Kill Shared Revenue Hike For City?

Assembly Speaker's comments blasting Milwaukee worries Mayor Johnson.

Murphy’s Law: Is Historic Preservation Process Broken?
Murphy’s Law

Is Historic Preservation Process Broken?

Some feel city's process needs to be reformed. Are they right?

Eyes on Milwaukee: New Youth Prison Gains Plan Commission Approval
Eyes on Milwaukee

New Youth Prison Gains Plan Commission Approval

But some nearby residents oppose project, cite lack of area council member.

City Hall: Nick DeSiato Is New Chief of Staff For Mayor Johnson
City Hall

Nick DeSiato Is New Chief of Staff For Mayor Johnson

Jim Bohl will lead city's lobbying team, Kimberly Montgomery is retiring.

Special Elections Called For 3 Council Seats

Special Elections Called For 3 Council Seats

Northside races called to replace Chantia Lewis, Ashanti Hamilton and Nikiya Dodd.

City Hall: Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd Resigns
City Hall

Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd Resigns

But questions remain on where she's going and where she's been.

City Hall: When Will Nikiya Dodd Resign?
City Hall

When Will Nikiya Dodd Resign?

Alderwoman returns after six-week absence, declines to answer any questions from press.

City Hall: Johnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

Johnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission

Miriam Horwitz would be commission's ninth member, fulfilling mayor's campaign pledge.

City Hall: Where Is Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd?
City Hall

Where Is Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd?

Alderwoman is expected to resign, has missed last two council meetings.

City Hall: Council Beefing Up Negotiation Team In Advance of Public Safety Contract Talks
City Hall

Council Beefing Up Negotiation Team In Advance of Public Safety Contract Talks

Funding comes from City Attorney's Office.

City Hall: Mayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff
City Hall

Mayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff

But there is unanimous agreement that city faces a looming crisis.

MKE County: Sheriff Lucas Leaving for Job With Fiserv
MKE County

Sheriff Lucas Leaving for Job With Fiserv

Will become Vice President of Security for Wisconsin for company headquartered in Brookfield.

City Hall: Port Director Leaving For Job in Biden Administration
City Hall

Port Director Leaving For Job in Biden Administration

Adam Tindall-Schlicht spent four years atop Port Milwaukee, making major improvements.

Sen. Ron Johnson Attacks Milwaukee Elections

Sen. Ron Johnson Attacks Milwaukee Elections

While calling for an end to "division and anger," Johnson levies attack on Milwaukee's vote counting

City Hall: Council Approves Paying Four Settlements
City Hall

Council Approves Paying Four Settlements

Taxpayers on the hook for yet more city settlements.

City Hall: Washington, Burgos Join Fire-Police Board
City Hall

Washington, Burgos Join Fire-Police Board

City Fire & Police Commission now has a record eight members.

City Hall: Mayor Johnson Introduces First Budget
City Hall

Mayor Johnson Introduces First Budget

Budget raises fees, taxes, cuts police, library hours as a result of 'broken' state funding system.

City Hall: Kessler Resigns From Fire-Police Board
City Hall

Kessler Resigns From Fire-Police Board

Retired judge's resignation delays mayor's push to create full, 9-member Fire & Police Commission.

More Members of Law Enforcement Endorse Mandela Barnes for U.S. Senate
Press Release

More Members of Law Enforcement Endorse Mandela Barnes for U.S. Senate

WATCH: Mandela Barnes’ Plans on Public Safety

City Hall: Committee Backs Johnson’s FPC Nominees
City Hall

Committee Backs Johnson’s FPC Nominees

Council committee endorses two "immensely qualified" candidates to finally fill Fire & Police Commission.

City Hall: Mayor Taps Jerrel Kruschke To Lead Department of Public Works
City Hall

Mayor Taps Jerrel Kruschke To Lead Department of Public Works

Kruschke, current interim commissioner and city engineer, has risen quickly through the ranks.

City Hall: Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job
City Hall

Ashanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job

New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.

Murphy’s Law: Will Republicans Give Milwaukee a Sales Tax?
Murphy’s Law

Will Republicans Give Milwaukee a Sales Tax?

Meeting to ‘reset’ relationship between city and state legislators raises doubts, hopes.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Mayor Johnson Moves to Concordia Neighborhood
Eyes on Milwaukee

Mayor Johnson Moves to Concordia Neighborhood

A new house for new mayor, who buys historic mansion on Near West Side.

Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention

Ashanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention

Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.

Why Was Key City Leader Fired?

Why Was Key City Leader Fired?

Some in community question ousting of Office of Violence Prevention director Arnitta Holliman.

Vote Tuesday: Clerk of Circuit Court
Vote Tuesday

Clerk of Circuit Court

Tuesday's primary election will decide who is the next Clerk of Circuit Court.

City Hall: Mayor Dumps Head of Violence Prevention Office
City Hall

Mayor Dumps Head of Violence Prevention Office

Arnitta Holliman removed from role she had held for a little more than a year.

Kleefisch Running On Walker-Era Record

Kleefisch Running On Walker-Era Record

Walker, Vos, WMC all backing former Lt. Governor. Will it be enough to beat Michels?

City Hall: Mayor Johnson Looks Back On His First 100 Days In Office
City Hall

Mayor Johnson Looks Back On His First 100 Days In Office

Public safety, financial issues, economic development and contracting COVID-19 for the second time.

City Hall: Patrick Pauly Appointed Head of Milwaukee Water Works
City Hall

Patrick Pauly Appointed Head of Milwaukee Water Works

Civil engineer has worked at city-owned utility since 1991.

City Hall: Mayor Acts To Create Full Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

Mayor Acts To Create Full Fire & Police Commission

Johnson picks two new appointees to FPC, giving it 9 members for first time.

Friday Photos: New Hotel Hints At Potential of Deer District
Friday Photos

New Hotel Hints At Potential of Deer District

The Trade could be a key connecting piece between Fiserv Forum and Downtown, activating forlorn W. Juneau Ave.

City Hall: Who Wants To Be Milwaukee’s Public Works Czar?
City Hall

Who Wants To Be Milwaukee’s Public Works Czar?

Mayor Cavalier Johnson seeking new Public Works Commissioner.

Murphy’s Law: Brewers Could Lose Money on TIF Deal
Murphy’s Law

Brewers Could Lose Money on TIF Deal

Why team may not want tax incremental financed entertainment district.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Clifton Crump Named To Zoning Board
Eyes on Milwaukee

Clifton Crump Named To Zoning Board

Former secretary of city's Board of Zoning Appeals returns to serve on board, to acclaim from council members.

The State of Politics: House Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents
The State of Politics

House Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents

State's 8 congressional districts typically won by incumbents, resulting in long tenure.

City Hall: Police Officers Lied About Vaccine Status
City Hall

Police Officers Lied About Vaccine Status

Two officers lied to take a taxpayer-funded trip, under advice from Lieutenant who retired before discipline could be issued.

Murphy’s Law: About That Brewers ‘Entertainment District’
Murphy’s Law

About That Brewers ‘Entertainment District’

It’s not exactly a new idea. Do the Brewers even want it? Could it help support the team?

City Hall: Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
City Hall

Mayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause

But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?

Activists Urge Community Input on ARPA Spending

Activists Urge Community Input on ARPA Spending

African American Roundtable, others urge city officials to listen to residents.

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Activists Urge Community Input on ARPA Spending

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100