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 16
MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding
Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.
Oct 18th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Streetcar Project Receives Federal Grant
City will use funding to study extension of streetcar to Bronzeville and Walker's Point.
Oct 12th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Judge Siefert Run for Sheriff?
Insiders say he's retiring, could target Clarke. And Charlie Sykes won't run for Senate.
Oct 10th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Hypocrisy of the WMC
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce wants no judge recusals -- except when it benefits them.
Oct 6th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Talgo Coming Back to Milwaukee
Spanish train manufacturer will overhaul Los Angeles subway cars in Century City.
Sep 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Concerns Over Lead In Drinking Water
Freshwater for Life Action Coalition calls for a moratorium on partial lead service line replacements.
Sep 19th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Program Combats Foreclosures
Layton Boulevard West Neighbors has invested $3.5 million to renovate foreclosed properties in the area, but housing challenges remain.
Sep 15th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Why Wisconsin Needs Mexico
And how Trump’s get-tough policies will hurt the state.
Sep 13th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Action Needed on Lead in Drinking Water
City and DNR officials agree on need, Barrett says current approach just a “band-aid.”
Sep 8th, 2016 by Dee J. Hall
The New Charlie Sykes
He's confessing his errors and getting lots of publicity. Could there be a connection?
Sep 6th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Mexico Opens 50th US Consulate Here
A big turnout of American and Mexican politicians with "Trumpism" in the air.
Aug 31st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Legislature Resists Background Checks for Guns
18 states require them, 85% of state residents support them, but Walker, GOP resist.
Aug 28th, 2016 by Alexandra Arriaga
Sylville Smith Probe Looks Suspicious
AG Brad Schimel’s links to Milwaukee Police raise questions about his investigation.
Aug 25th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Young Workers Building Homes in Walker Square
Milwaukee Christian Center program employs adults aged 18-24, and has built 14 new homes.
Aug 24th, 2016 by Mitchell Mittelstedt
Redistricting and Democracy
Gerrymandering has eliminated nearly all competitive legislative and congressional districts.
Aug 24th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
City’s “Second-Class Citizens” Are Frustrated
As Ald. Rainey has argued, racism led to violent uprising.
Aug 24th, 2016 by Will Tchakirides
Where Are Top CEOs on City’s Unrest?
The silence is deafening. But Mayor Barrett says they want to help.
Aug 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Racism Led to Violent Weekend, Residents Say
Poverty, segregation, racial profiling by police all led to explosion, they note.
Aug 18th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
How to Create Central City Jobs
Northwestern Mutual's new tower is a shining example of how to create jobs in city.
Aug 17th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
City “Can’t Police” Away Its Violence
Local leaders call for comprehensive solution to gun violence in Milwaukee.
Aug 10th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Black Husky Brewing Opens
See inside the new Riverwest brewery.
Aug 4th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Marcoux Keeps His Job
In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.
Jul 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Climb Inside the Belay Apartments
Mandel's "coolest project ever"? It includes unlimited access to a rock-climbing gym.
Jul 25th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
James B. Methu
"I see our downtown momentum continuing and making its way to neighborhoods..."
Jul 25th, 2016 by Newaukee
The Plight of Milwaukee’s War Children
Inner city violence creates a war zone for children. We need a solution.
Jul 25th, 2016 by The Shellow Group
Committee Again Says Yes to Rocky
DCD head Rocky Marcoux once again endorsed at committee, but his fate is still uncertain.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
One Woman’s Fight Against Infant Mortality
Milwaukee ranks high in black infant mortality. Tonda Thompson wants to help change that.
Jul 19th, 2016 by Brendan O’Brien
Why Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble
New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
How Juli Kaufmann Is Fixing Milwaukee
Her Fix Development takes on high-risk developments in transitional neighborhoods.
Jul 15th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the New Mercantile Lofts
Former International Building now has 36 apartments. View the units and restored mural.
Jul 14th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Postman Square, City’s Newest Park
But it does have a long history. The park's roots trace back to 1889.
Jul 12th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Safe Zones Expanding in City
City-funded specialists handle violence prevention, conflict resolution in high-crime areas.
Jul 12th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Wisconsin “Undecided” in Presidential Election?
One in five are undecided, independent or neither party voters in presidential race.
Jul 11th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Bike Sharing for Low-Income Riders
Bublr Bikes and city win grant to help build a truly inclusive system.
Jul 8th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena
$40 million extension would add .75 miles to route, also connect convention center.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy
Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Joint Effort Improving Housing on West Side
Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity will repair, rehab 60 homes in Washington Park neighborhood.
Jul 6th, 2016 by Amelia Jones
Is Kimpton Hotel “Project of the Decade”?
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel opens in Third Ward, to cheers of city and civic officials.
Jun 30th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Rocky Marcoux Wins Committee Approval
DCD leader was thought to be in trouble, but city committee votes 4-0 to reconfirm.
Jun 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Come Meet the Urban Milwaukee Gang
Our annual party is Tuesday, 5 p.m. And oh, the stories we could tell.
Jun 23rd, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
The Power of Common Ground
Nonprofit advocacy group has had huge impact on city, though some grumble about their tactics.
Jun 20th, 2016 by Virginia Small
Ride an “Urban Milwaukee” Bublr Bike
Urbane transit: Bublr bikes now includes 20 branded with Urban Milwaukee logo.
Jun 15th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
All Hail Milwaukee’s New City Flag
Robert Lenz’s creation is the winner. Will Common Council make it the city’s official flag?
Jun 15th, 2016 by Laura Thompson
City Hall Vigil For Orlando Victims
All in attendance were silent as the nation's ninth-largest bell tolled for the dead.
Jun 14th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Join Tom Barrett at our Anniversary Party
Celebrate our growth with the mayor, drinks and appetizers at the Newsroom Pub.
Jun 13th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
The World According to Janel Brandtjen
Republican lawmaker is angry about crime in the city. Here’s how she could help.
Jun 10th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Fresh Thyme Opens Downtown
See inside Milwaukee's newest grocery store, with the "spirit of a farmer's market."
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative
Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Does Anyone Oppose Bus Rapid Transit?
The idea is very unsexy, yet has gained amazingly wide support.
Jun 7th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Gun Violence Rally Calls for Change
Politicians, citizens decry problem in Milwaukee, which saw spike in gun violence last year.
Jun 5th, 2016 by Brendan O’Brien
More Breweries Coming
East Side's first urban brewery, city's first hard cider bar and Pabst Brewery plans.
May 31st, 2016 by Mitchel Writt
Why Federal Court Rejected Archer Suit
Eric O’Keefe’s attempt to punish DA John Chisholm was way thin on evidence.
May 31st, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Mayor’s Design Awards
The 2016 Mayor's Design Awards recognized projects from every corner of the city.
May 26th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Two New Playgrounds Opening
Park-like play areas for kids among 12 funded by $1.9 million raised by Ald. Murphy.
May 24th, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Bucks Arena Design Approved
There were few objections other than by Ald. Kovac. Arena on track for June 18th groundbreaking.
May 17th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
How Walker Won The Rural Vote
Resentment of Milwaukee and Madison was a key factor. Excerpt from new book.
May 9th, 2016 by Katherine J. Cramer
Inside the MKE Lofts
Historic downtown building transformed from vacant offices to 105 stunning apartments
May 5th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
State Drags Feet On Lead-Tainted Water
Its program underfunds Milwaukee while pushing for upgrades that residents can't afford.
May 3rd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Building a Safer Milwaukee
Crime is a big issue for Millennials, who may have tough questions for Barrett and Flynn.
Apr 21st, 2016 by YP Week
Meet the New Boss
Ashanti Hamilton is new Common Council president, but how did he get the votes?
Apr 19th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire on Water Is Great for Music
And the happy hour runs four hours, and all night on Tuesday.
Apr 15th, 2016 by Joey Grihalva
Bucks Arena Design Is Anti-Urban
Its generic, well-mannered and probably won’t improve with “tweaks.”
Apr 15th, 2016 by Tom Bamberger
Crime Rate Like “a Third World Country”
Officials at Greater Milwaukee Committee call for solutions to homicides, juvenile crime.
Apr 12th, 2016 by Dylan Deprey and Michael Horne
Bronzeville Gets a Cool Grocery Store
Ald. Coggs opposed a Dollar Store. Pete’s Fruit Market will move into old Walgreens on MLK Dr.
Apr 6th, 2016 by Mark Doremus
Live From Milwaukee, It’s MSNBC!
Chris Matthews and company are broadcasting to the world from Lakefront Brewery.
Apr 5th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Who Will Win the Elections?
The turnout will be massive. And could result in upsets.
Apr 5th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Black Leaders Talk About Barrett
How has the mayor succeeded -- and failed -- in serving African American neighborhoods.
Apr 4th, 2016 by Laura Thompson
Young Ex-Con Champions Criminal Justice Reform
Leader of UWM student group, Community Uprise, advocates for felons convicted of nonviolent offenses.
Mar 26th, 2016 by Patrick Thomas
Chris Abele Is In Deep Trouble
A year ago he was a shoo-in for reelection. Now he's in the fight of his life.
Mar 24th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Journal Sentinel Bias In Mayor’s Race?
And was its story on Rebecca Bradley’s affair “offensive garbage”?
Mar 17th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Donovan the Demolisher
Ald. Bob Donovan claims he's pushing city to demolish dilapidated homes. True or false?
Mar 9th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
More Suburban Firms Moving Downtown?
It’s all about attracting millennials, new story suggests.
Mar 7th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Obama Touts ACA Success, Slams Walker
President's visit here hails Obamacare's success, bashes Walker for obstructing increased coverage.
Mar 5th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Domes Are An International Star
They are a tourist and architectural attraction. Yet there’s talk of tearing them down.
Mar 3rd, 2016 by Virginia Small
$6.5 Million in Streetcar Savings
Agreement with We Energies reduces utility relocation costs.
Feb 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Moore Backs Barrett, Brostoff Slams Abele
And One Wisconsin Now celebrates 10 years of bashing Republicans.
Feb 24th, 2016 by Michael Horne
County Exec Candidates Debate Transit
Is the county bus system on the upswing or declining?
Feb 24th, 2016 by Chris Abele and Chris Larson
Kenney Targets Ald. Borkowski
Should challenger win, would be only military veteran on Common Council.
Feb 24th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Where City’s Crime is Rising
The biggest hike is in Ald. Donovan’s district. No wonder that’s his major issue.
Feb 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
9 Election Takeaways
Tom Barrett might be in trouble, Chris Abele definitely is. So is Puente.
Feb 17th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Where Are Tonight’s Candidate Parties?
Win or lose, today's primary candidates will be partying. But where? Here's the details.
Feb 16th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan Lies About Streetcar Suit
City loses challenge to state law making it pay for utilities, Donovan lies about impact.
Feb 15th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Stealth Campaign Targets Mayor Barrett
He would easily win the April election. But could he take third in Tuesday’s primary?
Feb 11th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
New High Rise for East Side
It's a 13-story, 153-unit apartment building and neighbors seem to love the idea!
Feb 5th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
City Sells Another Foreclosed Home
Graphic designer buys what may be the 531st home sold by city. It needs work.
Feb 4th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Behold The ECO Mayor
Barrett touts green efforts, changes name of environmental sustainability office to ECO.
Feb 3rd, 2016 by Michael Horne
8 Problems With Privatizing Water Utilities
Media has now jumped on the issue, adding more info on why proposed bill is a mistake.
Feb 2nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
City Birthday Party All About Dining
Politicians and candidate hopefuls mix with winners of dining awards.
Feb 1st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Critics Demand Federal Probe of Police Department
Huge turnout at listening session, many call for civil rights investigation of MPD's "patterns and practices."
Jan 30th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Phase Four of North End Underway
Fourth phase of $175 million project adds 155 apartments to booming Lower East Side.
Jan 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Watching Over the City’s Health
Health Commissioner Bevan Baker has had success, but says much more is needed.
Jan 25th, 2016 by Jack Fennimore
Wells Fargo Grant Helps West Side
$225,000 grant will improve homes in Washington Park area.
Jan 23rd, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
The Lonely Journey of Mark Borkowski
New alderman’s crazed comments leave him only (and barely) the police union's support.
Jan 21st, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Vulnerable, Says Governing Mag
At least the headline says so. But the story is, well, a different story.
Jan 20th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
BID Sells Streetcar-Related Development
Downtown BID guide shows business support, sells vacant land along streetcar route.
Jan 15th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Joe Davis Receives Hot Endorsement
The firefighters endorse Davis, not Donovan, and Joe is "pumped up!"
Jan 14th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
What Has Mayor Barrett Accomplished?
After nearly 12 years in office, his impact can be seen -- if you look hard.
Jan 14th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Will New Fire-Police Leader Succeed?
Community activists not sure, taking "wait and see" stance on FPC director.
Jan 6th, 2016 by Mark Doremus and Karen Slattery
