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
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Content referencing Tom Barrett
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.
Jan 24th, 2025 by Jeramey JanneneHousing Authority Names Temporary Leader, While Another Exec Departs
Plus: Another board member resigns.
Dec 20th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneDane County Judge Overrules 60 Sections of Act 10
Decision largely invalidates 2011 Walker-era law decimating public unions.
Dec 2nd, 2024 by Bruce MurphyCity Official Double Dips to Earn $250,000
Department of Administration head Preston Cole awarded $73,700 raise.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Bruce MurphyDid Harbor Commissioner Have Conflict of Interest?
Ron San Felippo has for many years been managing a private company for Summerfest.
Oct 1st, 2024 by Bruce MurphyDid 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.
Sep 30th, 2024 by Bruce MurphyMayor Johnson’s Budget Hikes Fees, Taxes In 2025, Maintains Services
See what's included in budget to be presented Tuesday morning.
Sep 24th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Cavalier Johnson Talks Harm of Freeway Construction, Bronzeville During DNC Speech
Johnson promotes federal grant to overhaul 6th Street through Downtown, surrounding neighborhoods.
Aug 22nd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneTallest Building in Wisconsin Proposal Could Be Downsized, Stalled
Alderman Robert Bauman wants a market study conducted for each bid the city received.
Jul 25th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneNew Development Boasts Tallest Building in Wisconsin
City unveils $700 million redevelopment proposal for Marcus Center parking strucuture.
Jul 24th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneNational Media Discovers Mayor Johnson
Gaining lots of positive press during RNC, now talking of running for governor.
Jul 16th, 2024 by Bruce MurphyProposal 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.
Jul 2nd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneHow Will School Board Hire New Superintendent?
What's the likely process and how were past decisions made?
Jun 10th, 2024 by Terry FalkProtected Bike Lanes For Lake Drive Raise Ire of Neighbors
Despite vehement objections in raucous meeting, committee approves plan.
Jun 3rd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneSee the 2024 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners
20 projects big and small are named best of the best in Milwaukee design
May 17th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Dumps Elections Director Claire Woodall
Johnson nominates deputy to replace her six months before presidential election.
May 6th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Pledges To Get Involved in Schools
Johnson vows to make Milwaukee a city that attracts people because of its schools.
Apr 16th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneNew Council Most Diverse In Milwaukee History
The largest number of Black, women and LBGTQ+ members in history. Meet all 15.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Bids Farewell To Alders Murphy, Borkowski and Rainey
Trio leaves, but not before singing, doing impersonations and issuing a challenge.
Apr 9th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Cavalier Johnson Cruises To Reelection
Milwaukee mayor wins his first full-term with more than 80% of vote.
Apr 2nd, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneCavalier Johnson Easily Wins Primary
Johnson will face David D. King in general election.
Feb 20th, 2024 by Jeramey JanneneLena Taylor Appointed to Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Long-serving state senator is latest Evers appointment to local circuit court.
Jan 26th, 2024 by Graham KilmerAfter Missteps, Milwaukee Launching New Effort To Help Young Black Men
Lack of resources, infighting doomed prior efforts. Walter Lanier is charting a new course.
Jan 11th, 2024 by Jonmaesha BeltranLawsuit Could Change Curfews in State
Suit by Rep. Clancy argued that mayors can't declare curfew without approval of city council members.
Dec 18th, 2023 by Isiah HolmesMilwaukee Could Add Race, Gender To Contracting Requirements
New study attempts to chart legal pathway for city.
Nov 27th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee’s Chief Building Inspector Takes New Job
Erica Roberts swaps building code for computer code.
Nov 15th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Might Hold Up Mayor’s Changes To Zoning Board
At issue is new chair, two new appointments and oversight by Department of Administration.
Oct 25th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneFacade of Milwaukee City Hall Is Failing, Again
While pieces of restored terra cotta crumble, city again seeks 'accountability.'
Oct 19th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City
No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.
Oct 16th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him
Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.
Oct 9th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races
Cavalier Johnson seeks a full-term. All city officials are on the ballot.
Sep 20th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneWaukesha Celebrates Completing Milwaukee Water Pipeline
$286 million project will provide safe water for suburban community, revenue for Milwaukee.
Sep 7th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneHorwitz, World-Patterson Elected To Lead Fire & Police Commission
Past chairs resigned in protest of new state law stripping authority.
Aug 30th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneWho Will Blink on Brewers Subsidy?
Vos wants a local contribution and Milwaukee officials oppose this. The issue could get very ugly.
Aug 28th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy24th MANDI Awards Celebrate Milwaukee Success Stories
The annual "good news" awards showcase people, projects and organizations working to move Milwaukee forward.
Aug 24th, 2023 by Graham KilmerSheriff’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.
Aug 3rd, 2023 by Graham KilmerCouncil Demands Control of Lobbying, Despite Mayoral Pushback
Mayor and council president at impasse, council set to take more control.
Jul 24th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneAfter 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."
Jul 20th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneNational Ave Could Get Protected Bike Lanes, Fewer Driving Lanes
But will accommodations be made for bus rapid transit or streetcar service?
Jul 19th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneCommittee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions
If federal grants received, system could reach Fiserv Forum, East Side, Bronzeville and Walker's Point.
Jun 28th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneMayor 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.
Jun 26th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneGov. Evers Appoints Willie Smith to the WEDC Board of Directors
Jun 23rd, 2023 by Gov. Tony Evers
See The 2023 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners
20 winners span the city, represent the best of Milwaukee architecture and design.
May 24th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneThe Ins and Outs of Milwaukee’s Financial Future
Republican legislators can't agree on how many strings to attach to funding proposal.
May 22nd, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneDr. T Confirmed As Health Commissioner
Michael Totoraitis is the new leader of city health department.
May 9th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneNew Health Commissioner Wins Key Approval
Michael Totoraitis says he's commited to providing long-term, strategic leadership.
Apr 27th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneNew Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause
Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene11 Lessons From The Democrats’ Victory
How did Protasiewicz win by so big in such an evenly divided state?
Apr 12th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy17 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?
Apr 5th, 2023 by Bruce MurphyMilwaukee Sales Tax Expected As Separate Legislation, Outside of Budget
Republicans expected to strip Gov. Evers' proposal from budget, but might not kill proposal.
Mar 4th, 2023 by Jeramey JannenePreston Cole Will Lead Department of Administration
Former DNR Secretary and City Hall veteran returning to city government.
Feb 7th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneAdministration Director Sharon Robinson Retiring
Former staffer for congressman and then Mayor Barrett ran city department for 18 years.
Jan 10th, 2023 by Jeramey JanneneDodd Takes Job At Charter School, Six Running To Replace Her
Former alderwoman's mystery job revealed.
Dec 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneCity Doesn’t Have Money To Raze Northridge Mall
It could cost $15 million. And Chinese investment group won't demolish it.
Dec 21st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWill Vos Kill Shared Revenue Hike For City?
Assembly Speaker's comments blasting Milwaukee worries Mayor Johnson.
Dec 19th, 2022 by Bruce MurphyIs Historic Preservation Process Broken?
Some feel city's process needs to be reformed. Are they right?
Dec 13th, 2022 by Bruce MurphyNew Youth Prison Gains Plan Commission Approval
But some nearby residents oppose project, cite lack of area council member.
Dec 12th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneNick DeSiato Is New Chief of Staff For Mayor Johnson
Jim Bohl will lead city's lobbying team, Kimberly Montgomery is retiring.
Dec 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneSpecial Elections Called For 3 Council Seats
Northside races called to replace Chantia Lewis, Ashanti Hamilton and Nikiya Dodd.
Nov 29th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneAlderwoman Nikiya Dodd Resigns
But questions remain on where she's going and where she's been.
Nov 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWhen Will Nikiya Dodd Resign?
Alderwoman returns after six-week absence, declines to answer any questions from press.
Nov 7th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneJohnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission
Miriam Horwitz would be commission's ninth member, fulfilling mayor's campaign pledge.
Nov 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWhere Is Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd?
Alderwoman is expected to resign, has missed last two council meetings.
Nov 1st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Beefing Up Negotiation Team In Advance of Public Safety Contract Talks
Funding comes from City Attorney's Office.
Oct 28th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneMayor, Council At Odds Over How To Prepare For Fiscal Cliff
But there is unanimous agreement that city faces a looming crisis.
Oct 27th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneSheriff Lucas Leaving for Job With Fiserv
Will become Vice President of Security for Wisconsin for company headquartered in Brookfield.
Oct 21st, 2022 by Graham KilmerPort Director Leaving For Job in Biden Administration
Adam Tindall-Schlicht spent four years atop Port Milwaukee, making major improvements.
Oct 20th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneSen. Ron Johnson Attacks Milwaukee Elections
While calling for an end to "division and anger," Johnson levies attack on Milwaukee's vote counting
Oct 4th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Approves Paying Four Settlements
Taxpayers on the hook for yet more city settlements.
Sep 21st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWashington, Burgos Join Fire-Police Board
City Fire & Police Commission now has a record eight members.
Sep 20th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Johnson Introduces First Budget
Budget raises fees, taxes, cuts police, library hours as a result of 'broken' state funding system.
Sep 20th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneKessler Resigns From Fire-Police Board
Retired judge's resignation delays mayor's push to create full, 9-member Fire & Police Commission.
Sep 19th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneMore Members of Law Enforcement Endorse Mandela Barnes for U.S. Senate
WATCH: Mandela Barnes’ Plans on Public Safety
Sep 17th, 2022 by Lt. Gov. Mandela BarnesCommittee Backs Johnson’s FPC Nominees
Council committee endorses two "immensely qualified" candidates to finally fill Fire & Police Commission.
Sep 9th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Taps Jerrel Kruschke To Lead Department of Public Works
Kruschke, current interim commissioner and city engineer, has risen quickly through the ranks.
Sep 1st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneAshanti Hamilton Resigns For Administration Job
New head of Office of Violence Prevention was 1st District alderman since 2004.
Aug 31st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWill Republicans Give Milwaukee a Sales Tax?
Meeting to ‘reset’ relationship between city and state legislators raises doubts, hopes.
Aug 29th, 2022 by Bruce MurphyMayor Johnson Moves to Concordia Neighborhood
A new house for new mayor, who buys historic mansion on Near West Side.
Aug 29th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneAshanti Hamilton Will Lead Office of Violence Prevention
Alderman will resign to take post in his onetime rival's administration.
Aug 15th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWhy Was Key City Leader Fired?
Some in community question ousting of Office of Violence Prevention director Arnitta Holliman.
Aug 14th, 2022 by Edgar MendezClerk of Circuit Court
Tuesday's primary election will decide who is the next Clerk of Circuit Court.
Aug 8th, 2022 by Graham KilmerMayor Dumps Head of Violence Prevention Office
Arnitta Holliman removed from role she had held for a little more than a year.
Aug 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneKleefisch Running On Walker-Era Record
Walker, Vos, WMC all backing former Lt. Governor. Will it be enough to beat Michels?
Jul 27th, 2022 by Shawn JohnsonMayor Johnson Looks Back On His First 100 Days In Office
Public safety, financial issues, economic development and contracting COVID-19 for the second time.
Jul 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey JannenePatrick Pauly Appointed Head of Milwaukee Water Works
Civil engineer has worked at city-owned utility since 1991.
Jul 21st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneMayor Acts To Create Full Fire & Police Commission
Johnson picks two new appointees to FPC, giving it 9 members for first time.
Jul 12th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneNew 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.
Jul 1st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneWho Wants To Be Milwaukee’s Public Works Czar?
Mayor Cavalier Johnson seeking new Public Works Commissioner.
Jun 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneBrewers Could Lose Money on TIF Deal
Why team may not want tax incremental financed entertainment district.
Jun 15th, 2022 by Bruce MurphyClifton Crump Named To Zoning Board
Former secretary of city's Board of Zoning Appeals returns to serve on board, to acclaim from council members.
Jun 14th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneHouse Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents
State's 8 congressional districts typically won by incumbents, resulting in long tenure.
Jun 13th, 2022 by Steven WaltersPolice 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.
Jun 9th, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneAbout That Brewers ‘Entertainment District’
It’s not exactly a new idea. Do the Brewers even want it? Could it help support the team?
Jun 8th, 2022 by Bruce MurphyMayor Signs RNC Agreement To Applause
But two big questions remain: will city win convention and will it benefit financially?
Jun 1st, 2022 by Jeramey JanneneActivists Urge Community Input on ARPA Spending
African American Roundtable, others urge city officials to listen to residents.
May 28th, 2022 by PrincessSafiya Byers