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.
Content referencing Tom Barrett - Page 11
Do You Love or Hate the Scooters?
City launches survey in advance of pilot study ending in December.
Sep 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor’s Budget Cuts Cops and Property Tax Rate
City squeezed by rising pension costs, declining state aid. Police cuts through retirements proposed.
Sep 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
African American Affairs Office Planned for W. Fond du Lac Ave.
City will set up clearinghouse for city, community resources at 48th and Fond du Lac.
Sep 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
2 Police Brutality Settlements Before the City
Council could approve $260,000 in settlements Tuesday.
Sep 23rd, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched
Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.
Sep 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
“Moving Milwaukee Forward” Bill Introduced
Goyke, Johnson push bill allowing local voters to approve 1% county sales tax.
Sep 20th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
12 New Pop-Up MKE Shops Coming
Eager entrepreneurs will bring new business activity to three of city's commercial corridors.
Sep 16th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Custer Playfield Reopens
New playground, basketball courts and walking path are part of $25 million city recreation plan.
Sep 16th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Wangard Plans “Eagleknit” in Walker’s Point
Plus: Action-packed week of real estate includes new apartments, downtown HQ and more pizza.
Sep 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Tops in TIF Money for Streetcar
State tax system forced Milwaukee’s dependence on TIF, WPF report finds.
Sep 13th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
MSOE Opens Diercks Hall, Boots Up “Rosie”
New computer science hall will keep MSOE at cutting edge of education and tech.
Sep 13th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Ashanti Hamilton Ends Mayoral Bid
Common Council president will run for reelection to his council seat.
Sep 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Talgo Stays in Milwaukee
Company's customers are on the West Coast, so why expand its Milwaukee facility?
Sep 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Hop Records 80,113 Rides in August
Third best month on record, but down from July high.
Sep 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?
Some alderman seem in favor. It's one of the few single-use plastics the city could ban.
Sep 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Tom Barrett’s Black Voter Challenge
His support solid in black community. But 2020 could be different.
Sep 11th, 2019 by Eugene Kane
Tax Hike Would Give City $50 Million Per Year
Barrett says proposed 1% sales tax hike would fund police, fire, streets, property tax relief.
Sep 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Unique Coalition Seeks Sales Tax Hike
County officials, all 19 municipalities, business leaders back plan to net $160 million per year.
Sep 9th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
City Celebrates BID-NID Week
America's first such event. Spotlight on city's many neighborhood and business districts.
Sep 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
“Mystery Company” Is Strauss Brands
Franklin meat supplier bringing 250 jobs to Century City. Big win for neighborhood.
Sep 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Hamilton Could Still Run for Mayor
Common Council president once again promises an announcement "pretty soon."
Sep 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Settlement to Sterling Brown
City would pay $400,000. But the Bucks guard isn't expected to accept the offer.
Sep 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mystery Company Bringing 250 Jobs
And even better, in Century City, as part of city's effort to redevelop Tower Automotive site.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor
"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?
Another easy win seems certain. Which may not be so good for Milwaukee.
Aug 29th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Northridge Mall Lawsuit Filed
Battle over future of vacant mall headed to Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Aug 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Good City Brewing Toasts New Location
Brewery's new headquarters in Century City seen as a spur to help revive area.
Aug 26th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Will Factory-Made Affordable Housing Succeed?
A Chicago company could lead the way in constructing affordable apartments.
Aug 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mitchell Street Becoming Art Hub
Scout Gallery, the newest addition to the street, represents a range of local artists.
Aug 19th, 2019 by Catherine Jozwik
Columbia Playfield Reopens
Revamped north side park boasts a playground, basketball courts, splash pad and more.
Aug 19th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Timber Tower Grows Taller
Plus: Convention center expansion advances, MSO moves 631-ton wall, Brewers invest in The Avenue
Aug 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Kicks Off 2020 Budget Process
Numbers are daunting. City between a rock and a hard place when it comes to finances.
Aug 16th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the Good Hope Library
New library will open in November. See the progress in construction.
Aug 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Spiker Wins Seat on Common Council
Legislative aide Scott Spiker will replace his former boss Terry Witkowski.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
About That Mandela Barnes Controversy
Media firestorm about college degree part of wide-ranging Isthmus feature story.
Aug 12th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
City Will Double Number of Permitted Scooters, Ends “Pause”
Bird, Spin will be allowed to enter Milwaukee market.
Aug 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Losing As Summerfest Safety Costs Grow Quickly
Long-term lease agreement means the city has eaten $4 million in costs since 2011.
Aug 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Historic Turner Hall Gets New Signs
Milwaukee landmark now sporting three new signs with historic appeal.
Aug 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bublr Unveils Adaptive Bikes
It's the first ever adaptive bikeshare in the U.S. that is fully integrated with the system.
Aug 6th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
City Blocking New Scooters, 100+ Complaints About Bad Riders
City pushing pause on scooter pilot program to push for less sidewalk riding.
Aug 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Project Creates Tiny Homes for Veterans
$2 million project would build 48 tiny homes on a seven-acre site on Northwest Side.
Jul 31st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Aldrete Will Lead Police-Fire Commission
Attorney, third FPC leader in three years, brings diverse background to challenging job.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Will He or Won’t He Run for Mayor?
Council president Ashanti Hamilton promises his decision by next week.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program
Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.
Jul 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Changes Financing Plan
Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
FPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty
Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
“Bridge the City” Helps People Take Action
Local podcast's creators work to change narratives, spur civic action.
Jul 26th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC
Proposal held again. Marcoux, Hamilton fight over future of streetcar.
Jul 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
A Sherman Park Success Story
Developers rehab 104 city-owned homes in three years in the area.
Jul 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Take It EZ, Donovan Urges
New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.
Jul 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Square Rises
Two new apartment buildings will bookend park.
Jul 19th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Records Best Ridership Day
Bastille Days and Summerfest boost ridership to new high.
Jul 16th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Vive la Bastille Days
The showcase for French culture celebrated its 38th year. Our photos celebrate a little, too.
Jul 16th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Church Defends Banner of Accused Child Rapist
Residents upset south-side church promoting religious leader accused of dozens of crimes.
Jul 12th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Council Protects Tenants Seeking Lead Hazard Remedies
Ordinance prohibits evictions of tenants seeking advice or service for lead hazards.
Jul 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Scooters Legalized But Not on Sidewalks
City's action means scooters could be back on streets soon, but fined for using sidewalks.
Jul 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Signs Bill Legalizing Scooters
Mayor says scooters could be back on Milwaukee streets in a few weeks.
Jul 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
State Aids Convention Center Expansion
Plus: Affordable housing developer buys south side site, Irgens plan to redevelop M&I building
Jun 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Board of Health Appointments Sail Through
Public Safety & Health Committee approves Barrett's appointments, chastises Barrett for not creating board earlier
Jun 27th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Washington Nominated To City Plan Board
Town Bank VP Ranell Washington would replace his former coworker on commission.
Jun 27th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020
City hopes to maintain free rides to keep up ridership but this could leave funding gap.
Jun 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Visions of a Redeveloped M&I Tower
Irgens unveils renderings of redeveloped 20-story building, long a bank headquarters.
Jun 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
BMO Celebrates Topping Off Tower
Workers lift signed steel beam to top of 25-story tower. What comes next?
Jun 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Sas-Pérez Appointed to City Plan Commission
Mayor appoints south side leader to design and zoning oversight board.
Jun 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Appoints First Board of Health
City's first health oversight board is proposed to be filled almost entirely with women.
Jun 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension
DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.
Jun 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Juneteenth Day 2019
State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.
Jun 20th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?
Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Attorney Grant Langley Retiring?
Vince Bobot announces for job, leading to speculation Langley may retire after 36 years.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Accused Polluter a Big Campaign Donor
Johnson Controls International’s subsidiary accused of releasing hazardous chemicals, contaminating drinking water.
Jun 15th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists
45,787 people attended, making it the largest pride event ever held in Wisconsin.
Jun 10th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
15th Annual Pride Parade
Milwaukee's most colorful parade had tons of floats and a one-block-long rainbow flag.
Jun 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Plans Released for Foxconn’s LCD Factory
Millwork company bringing 200 jobs to city, Bayside tower gets shorter, Sonag owner pleads guilty.
Jun 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Honors Historic Preservation Leaders
Cream of the Cream City awards 8 leaders in adaptive reuse, historic preservation.
Jun 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Is Repaving More Streets
But is focus on streets just creating a backlog of alleys and sidewalks needing work?
Jun 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Say Hello to Postman’s Porch
Milwaukee Downtown leads the reinvention of small triangular park near 2nd and Wells.
Jun 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Conservation Voters Spends Big
Since 2010, group spent $3.2 million on elections, mostly for Democrats, and $1.2 million on lobbying.
Jun 4th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
“The Blue” Gets $30 Million Upgrade
See the transformation of under-used office building on now booming W. Wisconsin Ave.
Jun 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week
Elected officials lead rides to Downtown to tout city's improving cycling infrastructure.
Jun 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC
Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.
Jun 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Six Candidates Seek Aldermanic Job
With Ald. Witkowski resigning, special election has been called, with primary on July 16th.
May 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Must Rebuild Fire & Police Board
Powerful Fire & Police Commission needs new director and two new board members.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
No Agreement on Streetcar Extension
Mayor's press conference touts $160 million expansion plan. Delay could hurt city, he says.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee
Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.
May 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Asian Market at Northridge By 2021?
After city condemns building, the mall's owners introduce development plan, timeline.
May 28th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Alderman Terry Witkowski Resigning
Barrett-ally stepping down. Witkowski's aide, Scott Spiker, has filed to run for his seat.
May 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
2019 Mayor’s Design Awards Recipients
Here are winners of annual awards for the best in Milwaukee design.
May 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Holds Streetcar Extension
Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.
May 21st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Lena Taylor Run for Mayor?
Group attempting to draft Democratic Senator to run in crowded field.
May 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Fishing and Fun at the Washington Park Pond
Dozens of Milwaukee children learned about the joys of fishing and the great outdoors at a how-to event at Washington Park.
May 20th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Breaking Down the Streetcar Financing Plan
How would the city fund the $160 million, three-mile route?
May 16th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Final Vendor Opens at Crossroads Collective
Plus: Von Trier reopens on Farwell, new restaurant and bar concept in Walker's Point, beer graden coming to Tosa, new organic wine shop slated for Bay View.
May 16th, 2019 by Jennifer Rick
Bronzeville Business Owners Desire the Streetcar
Local shopkeepers say The Hop’s proposed expansion would bring an economic boost to the neighborhood.
May 16th, 2019 by Andrea Waxman
Hispanic Convention Should Draw 20,000 People
League of United Latin American Citizens will celebrate 90th anniversary with July convention held in Milwaukee.
May 15th, 2019 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee
City proposes Vel R. Phillips Plaza along W. Wisconsin Ave. with cafe and streetcar stop.
May 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Legacy Lofts Ribbon Cutting
Historic structure and new building are already full.
May 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bagel Restaurant for Walker’s Point
Plus: Enlightened Brewery expands in Bay View, and new clash over food truck ban.
May 9th, 2019 by Jennifer Rick
City a Leader in Complete Streets Policy
Milwaukee's Complete Streets policy ranks third nationally in report, but yet to be tested.
May 9th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Electric Scooters Could Return This Year
Bill working its way through state Legislature to legalize electric scooters.
May 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Former Alderman Charged With Accepting $30,000 Bribe Over Strip Club
Willie Wade allegedly accepted $30,000 bribe to support downtown strip club.
May 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
