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 14
The Whacko Primary for Governor
Seriously, a dozen or more Democratic candidates? It’s beyond the Republicans’ dreams.
Apr 19th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
The Remarkable Life of Vel Phillips
"A giant in our state" dies at 94; city to honor political pioneer with annual award.
Apr 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
$3 Million Grant for Bay View Wetland
City will work with Harbor District and BID to create unique amenity.
Apr 17th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Let Us Celebrate Saint John’s Third Tower
Ground breaking for third lakefront tower draws crowd of saints and sinners.
Apr 16th, 2018 by Michael Horne
Downtown Has Added 11,450 Housing Units
All under Barrett, all since 2004. But what about the rest of the city?
Apr 12th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Was Mitchell Street Social Security Office Closed?
And did the Social Security Administration defy an order from Congress to halt the closing?
Apr 7th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
7 Election Takeaways
What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?
Apr 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Bans Conversion Therapy
Controversial therapy tries to transform LGBT teens into heterosexuals.
Mar 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
City Presents First Streetcar
Streetcar arrives and runs on city streets for the first time in 60 years.
Mar 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
South Side Social Security Office Closing
Violates federal policy, Rep. Moore says; “a slap in the face,” says Ald Perez.
Mar 16th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Many On GPS Monitoring Are Homeless
10% of offenders monitored by state are homeless and harder to track.
Mar 10th, 2018 by Riley Vetterkind
Flynn’s Hit Job on FPC Director
Evidence now shows he had cops digging for dirt on MaryNell Regan. Why?
Mar 8th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police
About half of all traffic and pedestrian stops failed to show "reasonable suspicion.”
Mar 6th, 2018 by Jabril Faraj
Huge Historic Redo for North Avenue
Redeveloping 20,000-square-foot buildings that housed G. Daddy’s and Hotel Foster.
Mar 4th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Can Mayor’s Plan Reduce Segregation?
New plan for 10,000 affordable homes could help integrate city, advocates say.
Mar 3rd, 2018 by Elliot Hughes
How City Should Solve Lead in Water
Issue is not simple. Ald. Bohl’s proposal is good starting point.
Mar 2nd, 2018 by Noelle Chesley, Anne Dressel, John Berges, and Helen Meier
5 City Projects Get WHEDA Tax Credits
Credits push forward projects with 311 units, more development across the city.
Feb 27th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Plan Builds 10,000 Affordable Homes
Ambitious plan is centerpiece of mayor's State-of-the-City speech. Will council support it?
Feb 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
McManus 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 Jannene
City Bidding for Democratic National Convention
What will the city pitch to Democratic Party?
Feb 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Revitalizing Silver City
New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.
Feb 21st, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Call It The Walker Bottleneck
Efforts to revive E-W Freeway look dead. Oddly, Barrett and Walker both support this.
Feb 19th, 2018 by George Mitchell
Mayor Allows Interim Health Leader
Returns file to the council unsigned, opens door to approval of McManus.
Feb 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Mystery of Flynn Vs. Regan
Is the police chief or Fire & Police boss guilty of official misconduct?
Feb 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
The Rise of Reckless Driving
Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.
Feb 15th, 2018 by Elliot Hughes
Will Mayor Confirm Health Commissioner?
Newly-appointed Patricia McManus still needs confirmation.
Feb 14th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
HUD Awards $240,000 to Local Group
SET Ministry, the state's only grant winner, works with public housing residents.
Feb 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
HUD Halts City Lead Treatment Program
Barrett requested review; temporary stop work order cites possible lead hazards.
Feb 12th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Northwestern Mutual Show Draws Crowd
Mayor Barrett, others attend opening of show by 17 artists honoring 25 local non-profits.
Feb 9th, 2018 by Laura Thompson
Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead
The Common Council, he says, was a “little like middle school.”
Feb 9th, 2018 by Dave Fidlin
Mayor Barrett’s Power in Decline?
Council taking more power, mayor taking a beating.
Feb 8th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
More Apartments, Retail for Walker’s Point
Wangard development is compromise between city, developer and alderman.
Feb 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Foxconn HQ In Downtown Milwaukee
Company building Racine area plant coming here to attract talent, grow new business line.
Feb 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Appoints McManus Interim Health Leader
She'll be interim commissioner. Says city's failure to send letters about lead was "deliberate."
Feb 6th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.
Feb 5th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Hammes HQ Takes Shape
Building is a welcome change from a vacant lot.
Feb 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Can’t MPS Improve Results?
Perhaps because our leaders ignore data on which schools work.
Jan 31st, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Nominations Open for Mayor’s Design Awards
21st annual program will honor everything from new towers to pocket parks.
Jan 29th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Responds to Lead Crisis
Following Health Dept fallout, nine bills introduced to address lead poisoning issues.
Jan 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Launches Health Dept. Probe
In wake of Bevan Baker's ouster, council investigating Barrett administration decisions.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief
In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.
Jan 13th, 2018 by Jabril Faraj
Barrett Ousts Bevan Baker Over Lead Fiasco
Failure to notify families of lead-poisoned children at issue; aldermen outraged.
Jan 12th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Says City Terrorized by Villains
“I am not fabricating, falsifying,” he says, decrying current approaches to crime.
Jan 9th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
NM Tower Hired 800 City Residents
Tower project also gives $127 million in contracts to disadvantaged small businesses.
Jan 9th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker’s Reliance on Outside Donations
Governor decries them, but no candidate in state is more reliant on them.
Jan 4th, 2018 by Matt Rothschild
11 Sure-Fire Predictions For 2018
How crazy will 2018 be? Let us count the ways.
Jan 3rd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
10 Most Popular Stories of 2017
A second lakefront tower, a mini-High Line and other favorite stories.
Dec 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
How Are Our Schools Doing?
Much worse than Chicago’s. And little difference between public and choice schools.
Dec 20th, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs
Nearly 1,000 workers have left city since state ended residency rule.
Dec 14th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
City’s Housing Fund Has Big Impact
$7 million invested over 11 years has leveraged an additional $176 million in spending.
Dec 7th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards
But Health Department leaders contend it doesn't really change how they operate.
Dec 5th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
Zielinski Will Run for Mayor
Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis?
City has shortage of affordable housing, high eviction rate. Experts share ideas at panel.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Elizabeth Baker
Council Approves Waukesha Water Deal
Only one alderman objects to 40-year, $286 million deal.
Nov 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides Most of Mayor’s Vetoes
Bauman accuses Barrett of false promises, Stamper calls mayor "disingenuous."
Nov 28th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
$100,000 Grant for Violence Prevention Plan
Bader Philanthropies grant helps fund effort pushed by Health Commissioner Bevan Baker.
Nov 23rd, 2017 by Andrea Waxman
Committee Okays Waukesha Water Deal
Key council committee approves largest collaborative deal in region's history.
Nov 22nd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Issues Three Budget Vetoes
Will council override Barrett? They'll have to decide next Tuesday.
Nov 21st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
The 91st Milwaukee Holiday Parade
100 different marching bands, floats, costumed characters, huge balloons and more.
Nov 20th, 2017 by Jack Fennimore
Will Democrats Set Record for Governor Race?
A record 16 candidates have registered, making predictions difficult.
Nov 20th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Preservation Park Opens Downtown
The new park, located in The Brewery, honors area's blue ribbon history.
Nov 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
BMO Harris Breaks Ground On 25-Story Tower
$132 million office tower across from City Hall will be Milwaukee's 12th tallest building.
Nov 16th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Affordable Housing in Every Major Project?
Proposal would require it for any project with 20 or more units. Will developers oppose it?
Nov 14th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Disparity Study, More Cops
Compromise proposal funds study of gender, race disparities and five new police recruits.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker Retreats From Foxconn Deal
It was supposed to assure his reelection. What happened?
Nov 9th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
The GOP Sales Tax Hypocrisy
Favored Republican towns allowed to levy a local sales tax. But not Milwaukee.
Nov 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Council 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 Jannene
Fire Fighter Lives Far Far Away
Union leader Seager lives In McMansion Jr.-style home worth $475,000 in Town of Jackson.
Nov 6th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Classical Dome Appears Downtown
Hammes Co.'s new headquarters distinctive design clearly visible.
Nov 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Hyatt Place Hotel Tops Off
Hotel will open near arena in July 2018.
Nov 2nd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms
Two months after DOJ draft report on MPD released, groups demand recommended changes.
Nov 1st, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job
State bill would also let cops union grab power on Fire & Police Commission.
Oct 31st, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
City To Sell Water to Waukesha
After years of debate, Waukesha and Milwaukee strike a historic, 40-year deal.
Oct 30th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
See Streetcar Floors Made Locally
Mayor tours Cudahy factory that is making -- and donating -- the floors for Milwaukee's Streetcar.
Oct 26th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett and Farrow Call For Cooperation
Mayor and Waukesha County Executive share vision for region’s future at Marquette conference.
Oct 25th, 2017 by Dave Fidlin
Barrett Versus the Backdrop Boys
Or how police-fire benefits are driving the city budget crisis.
Oct 24th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
And again his math doesn't add up.
Oct 24th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council 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 Jannene
The Death of Jermaine Claybrooks
Police killed suspected drug dealer, but his family and lawyer say slaying unjustified.
Oct 15th, 2017 by Isiah Holmes
Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.
Oct 10th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Grows Its Green Program
Environmental program saving millions in taxes, winning private sector participants.
Oct 10th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
New Library Embraces the Future
Mitchell Street branch is the city’s most technologically advanced.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Potawatomi Gives $10 Million To Streetcar
Streetcar will be known as The Hop; Potawatomi gift means no operation costs for city.
Oct 6th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Will City Reform Municipal Court?
Too many judges, indigent defendants treated badly, reform needed.
Oct 5th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play
Michael Murphy now finds himself on the outside looking in. Why?
Oct 4th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves Funds for Sherman Park Project
New market will open in former bank.
Sep 27th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Introduces Difficult 2018 Budget
Budget would raise taxes, cut public safety to grapple with state shared revenue reduction.
Sep 26th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
New Bay View Park Denied, For Now
“It looks like Mayor Barrett won,” says Ald. Zielinski.
Sep 21st, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Pete’s Fruit Market Boosts Bronzeville
New grocery store comes after neighbors opposed Family Dollar moving in.
Sep 20th, 2017 by David Watters
Sherman Phoenix Continues to Rise
Committee approves financing support for Sherman Park market.
Sep 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Republicans Heap Hate On Streetcar
Three different legislative changes to oppose the project; all will have no impact.
Sep 7th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Chooses Streetcar Operator
French company Transdev will operate streetcar for $3.6 million a year.
Sep 6th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed
Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?
Sep 6th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Construction Industry Has Huge Capitol Clout
$11 million political in donations helps get policies to reduce safety measures in buildings.
Sep 5th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
State Unfair to Big Cities, Henken Says
At MU interview series, Public Policy Forum leader says Milwaukee needs a sales tax.
Aug 31st, 2017 by Dave Fidlin
