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 13
The Couture Cleared for Takeoff
Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.
Nov 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
11 Things to Know Before You Ride The Hop
How many people will ride it? How is it free? Oh so many questions, all answered here.
Nov 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Little Windmill That Could
Mayor celebrates city's only wind turbine; 1 million kilowatt hours of power earned $53,000
Nov 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Creates TIF for Villard Ave. Project
Deal on 43-unit apartment project is a shift in policy by Barrett administration.
Oct 30th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Taps Polenske For Public Works
Veteran City Engineer to become head of 2,300-employee Department of Public Works.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Take A Virtual Ride on The Hop
Mayor shows off The Hop in advance of Friday's public opening.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Signs Complete Streets Policy
Mayor, city officials and activists gather to celebrate new legislation.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
“Most Important Election Of Our Lifetimes”
Obama’s speech here says health care, education, living wage are on the line.
Oct 29th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
LGBTQ Leaders Demand Transgender Rights
Protest at City Hall opposes Trump Administration's attempt to "erase" transgender people.
Oct 27th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Health Department Faces Criminal Probe
Spat between Hamilton and Zielinski reveals DA investigating and Baker hiring lawyer.
Oct 24th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
A Giant Step for Bader Philanthropies
Politicians, residents celebrate Bader foundation's move to near North Side.
Oct 24th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
City Launches Children’s Savings Accounts
City and United Way will start all MPS K-5 students with $25 in a savings account.
Oct 24th, 2018 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
City Engaging Businesses Along The Hop Route
Mayor Tom Barrett personally delivers first of nearly 300 kits to businesses.
Oct 22nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Norquist Bashes Inspector General Idea
Council wants its own watchdog. Former mayor says post is unnecessary.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Fatherhood Summit Features Grammy Winner
Hip-hop artist David Banner keynote speaker and Barrett, Abele attend 13th annual summit.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Max Nawara
Cities Seek Climate Change Solutions
Milwaukee, Madison, Superior move toward solar and storm-sewer solutions.
Oct 12th, 2018 by Danielle Kaeding
How Long Will Flag Debate Last?
Arts Board might not have decision on the city flag by the end of 2018.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
107 New Apartments For N. 5th Street
Ribbon cutting touts conversion of two old buildings into apartments in Harambee area.
Oct 10th, 2018 by Zach Komassa
Local Leaders Demand Big Store Tax Reform
18 municipal leaders say big box tax loopholes costly, push legislators to change law.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Barrett Vetoes Inspector General
Council, Mayor at odds over how independent new position should be.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
More Apartments in Walker’s Point
A big week of real estate news as a bunch of projects move forward.
Oct 7th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Gonda Resigns from Water Works
Longtime city employee resigns as Milwaukee Water Works director for job at UWM.
Oct 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Was Barrett Asleep on Health Department?
Problems may go back a decade and mayor deserves much blame, some alderman say.
Oct 2nd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Will City Adopt a New Flag?
Arts Board doesn't seem crazy about "Peoples' Flag," has invited creators to next meeting.
Oct 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Hammes HQ Nears Completion
Brookfield firm will move Downtown before the end of the year.
Sep 28th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Service Starts November 2nd
The Hop to launch with "Grand Hop-ening" celebration November 2nd-4th.
Sep 28th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Announces Green Infrastructure Plan
Big changes to adapt to climate change and increase in damaging rainstorms.
Sep 27th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
City Lands $285 Million Industrial Campus
Komatsu Mining will move its West Milwaukee mining equipment campus to Harbor District.
Sep 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Kleefisch Campaign Gives Walker $1 Million
While Barnes campaign gives just $20,000 to Evers campaign.
Sep 27th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Barrett Unveils 2019 Budget Proposal
Proposal would add 10 police officers, spend $20 million on lead abatement efforts.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Baker To Testify Before Common Council
110 pages of text messages show ex-Health Department head knew about lead problems.
Sep 14th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays New Health Commissioner
Unanimous vote hands Jeanette Kowalik one of the most difficult jobs in city government.
Sep 5th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Health Commissioner Pick Gets First Approval
Kowalik wins unanimous vote from committee, interim commissioner reveals ongoing issues.
Sep 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City-Wide Cleanup Targets Neighborhoods
Big Clean MKE sponsored by the city, two non-profits, gathers volunteers at four locations.
Sep 3rd, 2018 by Sarah Lipo
Democratic Search Committee Visiting City
“Purple State” status makes Milwaukee attractive as possible site for 2020 convention.
Aug 29th, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Bucks Honor Herb Kohl at Arena Opening
Senator Kohl owned team from 1985-2014, made sure NBA franchise stayed in Milwaukee.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Bucks Open Fiserv Forum
"The most forward-thinking, 21st-century building," says Bucks president Peter Feigin.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
King Dr. Streetcar Extension Plan Released
City and King Drive BID offer final plan for streetcar expansion and economic development.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Abby Ng
Bring On the Dockless Bicycles!
City officials announce they will accept proposals for dockless bikeshare.
Aug 24th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Meeting Addresses Swing Park Homicides
Mayor, police, city officials, residents have a solution-oriented meeting short on anger.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Michael Horne
More Development In Menomonee Valley
Two businesses grab last two lots in Menomonee Valley Industrial Center.
Aug 23rd, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
New Vision For a Greater Downtown
MKE United Greater Downtown Action Agenda is soliciting input, creating a plan.
Aug 21st, 2018 by MKE United
Chief Morales Addresses Spike In Crime
16 fatal shootings in last month; department launches violent crime initiative.
Aug 21st, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Potawatomi Tops Off New Hotel Tower
Construction has reached its peak on second tower of casino hotel.
Aug 16th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
23 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?
Aug 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.
A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.
Aug 7th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Safe & Sound Unveils Another Youth Mural
The community event was just the second of ten unveilings to take place in Milwaukee
Aug 7th, 2018 by Zach Komassa
Should City Buy Third Ward Swing Bridge?
Ald. Robert Bauman advances idea to turn swing bridge into pedestrian bridge.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Brewery’s Expansion in Century City Praised
Good City Brewing’s new facility on 31st and Capitol could change perceptions, area representatives say.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by Jenny Whidden
City Debuts New Parking Meters
All 7,000 will ultimately be switched. Not sexy says Barrett, but he thinks public will approve.
Aug 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Can Soon Seize Scooters
Effective August 4. Now up to Legislature to change state law and make scooters legal.
Aug 1st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
New Patisserie For Walker’s Point
Plus: new south side Pita Palace and new Peruvian food truck, Triciclo Peru.
Jul 31st, 2018 by Zach Komassa
This Is It! Celebrates 50th Birthday
State's oldest LGBT+ bar celebrates a half century in business with weekend party.
Jul 31st, 2018 by Zach Komassa
City Will Impound, Yet Legalize Scooters
New plan allows city to impound scooters until state law makes them legal.
Jul 31st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Good City Expands to Century City
Craft brewery will locate its office and warehouse on 31st and Capitol in redeveloping area.
Jul 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Settlement Change Police Practices?
Community leaders hope ACLU suit’s settlement will improve cops’ interactions with minorities.
Jul 25th, 2018 by Andrea Waxman
Police Issue First Ticket for Scooter Crash
Pedestrian on sidewalk struck by Bird scooter operator on N. Downer Ave.
Jul 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Flag Decision
Delegates Milwaukee Arts Board to decide if new flag needed and how to proceed.
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
High Court Sticks It To Milwaukee
Roggensack’s political decision gives police and fire unions more power over pension fund.
Jul 10th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Should Milwaukee Elect Police Chief?
Alderman Rainey's proposal gets discussion, but not much support.
Jul 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Will Run for Reelection
Mayor calling supporters, plans to run for 5th term in 2020, they say.
Jun 28th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Harley Gave Generously to Republicans
So did Sartori Foods. Both now hurt by Trump tariffs.
Jun 26th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Bucks Unveil Custom Fire Hydrants
City works with team to install 15 unique fire hydrants around new arena.
Jun 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Symphony Breaks Ground on New Hall
$89 million music hall means "rebirth of a neighborhood" and "rebirth of the symphony."
Jun 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Urban Milwaukee Celebrates 10th Birthday
Crowd packs Pabst Brewery & Taproom for publication's 10th anniversary.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Adam Schlicht Confirmed as Port Director
New director envisions growing the port through international marketing, diversification.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Foxconn’s North American Headquarters Opening Downtown
Local officials celebrate at press conference, but will unemployed residents win jobs?
Jun 15th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Preview the New Black Holocaust Museum
Actor Danny Glover featured in opening celebration of building housing museum and Griot Apartments.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Andrea Waxman
2018 PrideFest
Our photos capture the love and color of the 31st annual PrideFest.
Jun 11th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Copper Dome Emerges Downtown
Hammes HQ sports Jeffersonian-style design.
Jun 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Moves to Confirm New Port Director
Adam Schlicht has dreams of growing the port through international marketing.
Jun 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Arts @ Large Begins Renovation of Historic Building
When complete the building will have a cafe, student art gallery and an art-making studio.
Jun 5th, 2018 by Jenny Whidden
City Celebrates Bike to Work Week
Complete Streets policy set to be introduced.
Jun 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Report Finds Milwaukee Mismanaged Lead Cases
Missing case files, cases closed prematurely and health department failed to follow state law
Jun 1st, 2018 by Ximena Conde
Will Democrat Gubernatorial Candidates Take On The Big Issues?
They all want to repeal Act 10. What they should do is deal with state's pressing issues.
Jun 1st, 2018 by John Torinus
2018 Mayor’s Design Award Recipients
Twenty projects honored, ranging from new skyscraper to two new parks.
May 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
State, City Push Trauma-Informed Care
Medical personnel, fire fighters urged to look for telling injuries on small children.
May 24th, 2018 by Chuck Quirmbach
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
Police Video Gets National Attention
Police confrontation with Bucks player gets national headlines, raises troubling questions.
May 24th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
“Dr. Carter” Gets Honorary Street Sign
Beloved pharmacist, drug store owner for 50 years, gets sign on 24th and Burleigh.
May 23rd, 2018 by Jenny Whidden
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
Breaking Ground for Five Fifty Ultra Lofts
Project is a major milestone for the city, Bucks and local bucks.
May 16th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
A Washington Heights Ribbon Cutting
Music school opens in formerly vacant building on 47th and Vliet.
May 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Can City Solve Its Turnout Problem?
It badly trailed voter turnout in Madison and other areas in 2016.
May 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Meet the Finalists for Democratic National Convention
Milwaukee, the first to announce, is one of eight cities bidding.
May 11th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Lena Taylor Against the World
Democratic legislator’s press conference was a declaration of war -- against everybody.
May 10th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Common Ground Will Campaign for Living Wage
1,200 activists gather to launch new campaign addressing low wages in Milwaukee.
May 3rd, 2018 by Robyn Di Giacinto
Why Is City’s Student Achievement So Low?
NAEP results show notable progress in Chicago, but discouraging results here.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Why Fire-Police Chief Was Axed
FPC botched police chief search and nice guy Mayor Barrett decided to get tough.
Apr 24th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
MSOE Breaks Ground on Educational Center
Science hall centering on artificial intelligence will be used by all students.
Apr 23rd, 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
The Bad News About Bon-Ton
And the good news about the harbor, and The North End.
Apr 22nd, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
