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 17
Ten Predictions for 2016
A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.
Jan 2nd, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin’s Top 10 Political Stories Of 2015
Walker and Republican legislators dominate this year's top political stories in Wisconsin.
Dec 28th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Street Food Tapas for Brady Street
And a new pie place for 55th and North. Both places sound yummy.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
New Era for Riverside Theater
Cool new retro marquee unveiled. And an ongoing project will upgrade the entire theater.
Dec 16th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Why John Doe Won’t Die
The court cases haven’t ended. Will U.S. Supreme Court take the case?
Dec 8th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Streets of Old Milwaukee Made New
Public Museum has redone the 50-year-old exhibit, adding more sights and sounds and smells.
Dec 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Does Milwaukee Need More Police?
Mayoral candidate Bob Donovan thinks so. How does this city compare to others?
Nov 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Welcome to the New Layton Boulevard
A just-completed streetscaping and lighting project has enhanced Layton Boulevard.
Nov 23rd, 2015 by Michael Holloway
The Design Competition That Wasn’t
Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?
Nov 23rd, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
Urban Milwaukee Drive Raises $30,590!
Thank you, Milwaukee. Our crowdfunding drive raised 153% of goal.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Urban Milwaukee
Non-Profits Will Work to Curb Youth Violence
City plan allocates $150,000 for Youth Violence Prevention program.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Wyatt Massey
Agency’s Work With Abusive Men Wins Award
Non-profit Alma Center cited for innovative work to combat domestic violence.
Nov 8th, 2015 by Andrea Waxman
The Drug House Owned by City Manager
Strange but true: City's Property Management Program Coordinator accused of running drug house.
Nov 5th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Vote Favoring Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Surprises
Harris changes position, school board okays it, opponents question decision.
Nov 4th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
New Innovation & Wellness Commons Opens
New facility created by Walnut Way on North Ave. seeks to transform neighborhood.
Nov 3rd, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Conservation Voters Convene
Former congressmen Obey and Petri make a League of Conservation Voters fundraiser a stop on their bipartisan road trip.
Nov 1st, 2015 by Michael Horne
Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism
Summit explores the causes of high black male unemployment in Milwaukee.
Oct 31st, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Inside Tippecanoe Library
Renovated library set to reopen Dec. 12th, looks drastically improved.
Oct 30th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant
City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Donovan Wants Fewer Police “Chiefs”
And "more Indians." Alderman and mayoral candidate proposes to redo police staffing to cut higher-ups.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Barrett, Walker, Tout New Freshwater Plaza
$48 million mixed-use development has a little to do with water and a location near inner harbor.
Oct 23rd, 2015 by Michael Horne
MU Law School Jumps Aboard Water Issue
Newly expanded Water Law and Policy Initiative has an ambitious first director, David Strifling.
Oct 21st, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Chris Larson’s War Against Abele
State senator running for county executive blasts Abele with personal attacks, will divide Democrats.
Oct 15th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
MaryNell Regan on the Hot Seat
New head of embattled Fire & Police Commission wants to allow more community input into its decisions.
Oct 14th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
Improvements to Near North Side Housing Made
City partners with development companies and BMO Harris Bank to refurbish 35 housing units in Harambee and Lindsay Heights.
Oct 14th, 2015 by Karen Slattery
Wisconsin Falling Behind on Renewable Energy
These businesses spend much of their time battling political opposition in Wisconsin, an expert notes.
Oct 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
County Wins $10 Million for Fatherhood Program
Federal grant for “Responsible Fatherhood” will help fathers support their children, Abele says.
Oct 9th, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Journal Sentinel Will Lose All Local Control
Gannett purchase will make it part of national chain, integrated into USA Today-centered operation.
Oct 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Bublr Bikes Expands to UWM
Six new bike stations now at UWM. Barrett, Abele and UWM and Bublr representatives cheer the news.
Oct 6th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Dahlberg Leaves City for Cincinnati Job
Did city's longtime building inspector lack the legal qualifications for the job here?
Sep 30th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Walker’s Post-Campaign “To Do” List
Back from his failed presidential campaign, what are his policy priorities for the state?
Sep 28th, 2015 by Steven Walters
MillerCoors Celebrates 160 Years
Event attendees celebrate "Miller Time" with a lager from 1855.
Sep 24th, 2015 by Michael Holloway
New Bucks Arena Approved
City completes final step of financing puzzle for new Bucks arena.
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
7 Things To Know About MPD’s Body Cameras
MPD outlines how officers will be using the new technology.
Sep 13th, 2015 by Wyatt Massey
Foreclosure Problem Persists in City
It's a different kind of foreclosure problem, caused by poverty, experts say.
Sep 6th, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Common Ground’s $30 Million Victory for City
Pressure on Bucks owner Wes Edens results in Nationstar’s $30 million pledge to prevent foreclosures.
Sep 1st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Port Director Paul Vornholt’s Surprising Success
Criticized as "unqualified" and a "patronage appointment," Vornholt has pleased even his critics.
Aug 26th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
Newly Opened ARTery Path Extends Beerline
Public and private sector leaders applaud the new .67 mile trail connecting Riverwest and Harambee.
Aug 25th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Milwaukee Municipal Court Under Fire
It imprisons debtors and seems bloated with staff. Will city demand changes?
Aug 18th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Police Ambassadors Serve Community
MPD ambassadors provide bridge between officers and community.
Aug 14th, 2015 by Devi Shastri
Rare Steakhouse Coming Soon
Milwaukee also adds City Lights Brewery and Ian's Pizza is on the move.
Aug 12th, 2015 by Jon Richie
Will Bucks Break Their Lease?
Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee
Aug 11th, 2015 by Pat Small
New Building Arises in 30th St. Corridor
It's part of the huge 30th St. Industrial Corridor, which could transform the city.
Aug 7th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Walker Flubs First GOP Debate
His tepid style hurt him. Who won and where does this leave Walker?
Aug 7th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Will Milwaukee Choose High Line’s Designer?
James Corner is one of four finalists to create $30 million lakefront bridge. It’s a great design.
Aug 7th, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
New Center Brings Police Closer to People
Press conference celebrates opening of Near West Side Waypoint, a neighborhood center.
Aug 5th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
The City’s $30 Million Design Project
National competition for lakefront bridge could have huge impact, but city’s process raises questions.
Aug 5th, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
Gun Issue Highlights Potawatomi Charity
Potawatomi touts new charity program, and Barrett laments killing of kids.
Jul 29th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Removing Employment Barriers for Men
Ald. Jose Perez talks about barriers he once faced at summit for unemployed men.
Jul 29th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
Is the The Spot 4MKE A Success?
Creative Alliance Milwaukee has added life to 4th and Wisconsin, but dare we ask for more?
Jul 27th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Residency Rule Upheld But For How Long?
Appeals court overturns law killing city residency rule. State high court may review decision.
Jul 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
The Return of Pabst Brewing
The city's famed beer maker, long absent from Milwaukee, will return to the Pabst Brewery complex.
Jul 15th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
City Youth Jobs Program Fights Crime?
"The way you reduce crime is you employ people," says Ald. Russell Stamper.
Jul 15th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Scott Walker Aids Milwaukee Streetcar
In an unexpected move, Walker helps avoid messy situation between city and county.
Jul 13th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Construction Starts in October
On-going engineering work continues to save millions of dollars. And anti-streetcar group has given up trying to stop the starter line.
Jul 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
50 Years of Maurice Sendak
Milwaukee Public Library exhibition celebrates the life and work of the children's book writer and illustrator.
Jul 10th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
Bucks Arena Will Need Democratic Support
But which Democrats are likely to back it?
Jul 6th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin’s Rotten Return on Federal Taxes Paid
New report shows we’re the fourth worst state in federal spending received. Walker’s policies don’t help.
Jul 1st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)
Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?
Jun 30th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
The Transformation of Johnsons Park
A huge number of partners and foundations have combined to transform an inner-city park that once fostered crime.
Jun 30th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Transit Expansion Urged
Milwaukee is far behind other cities, which will make it harder to attract young workers, experts at conference agreed.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The City’s Real Costs for Bucks Arena
The exact total is unknown, but will be much higher than media has reported.
Jun 17th, 2015 by Pat Small
Common Ground Lobbying Against Bucks Arena
Community organization is pushing city, county and state representatives to oppose public funding.
Jun 16th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
An End to Chronic Homelessness?
That's the aim of a new joint county/city venture led by Chris Abele.
Jun 15th, 2015 by Hayley Keith
New Housing Program for Homeless
Journey House program serves those aged 18-25.
Jun 12th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
How Abele Bailed Out Walker
Governor made fatal error on Bucks arena, but Abele volunteered county taxpayers to solve the problem.
Jun 11th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Javin Smith Is An Overachiever
The 17-year-old youth volunteer has done work for three different non-profits
Jun 8th, 2015 by Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee
Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated
Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?
Jun 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Students Work to Improve West Side Neighborhood
Middle school students targeted drug dealing, worked with police to improve Washington Park area.
May 30th, 2015 by Allison Dikanovic
From Gray to Green
The sewerage district has moved from tunnels and pipes to greenways, rain barrels and permeable pavement. Part 2 of a series.
May 21st, 2015 by Susan Nusser
Mandel Group’s “Coolest Project” Ever
Mandel Group breaks ground on a 46-apartment, mixed-use development that includes an indoor climbing gym.
May 21st, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Disappearance of Dan Bice
The state’s top political reporter has disappeared. Is the Journal Sentinel killing his column?
May 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Yes, Johnson Controls Wants to Build Downtown
The city will help pay for feasibility study of company building a high-rise near the lake and just west of Discovery World.
May 13th, 2015 by Dave Reid
MMAC Plays Hardball on Bucks Arena
A misleading poll, pressure on legislators and more misinformation are all used to sell the NBA arena.
May 5th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
What If Racism Ended Today?
Results of poll by YWCA will be used to develop training sessions for companies in cultural sensitivity.
May 3rd, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Where Will Sex Offenders Live?
Only a small percent are repeat offenders. Will local restrictions on residency force state to create uniform law?
May 2nd, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
De Blasio Descends on Milwaukee
New York's mayor and crew of handlers and security came for his speech to state Democrats. Later he partied with local pols and local brews at Nick's House.
Apr 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Why Businesses Are Moving To The City
Many are moving from suburbs to Downtown and Walker's Point, seeking younger workers.
Apr 21st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
$1 Million Plan to Upgrade Near West Side
Milwaukee Police, Marquette University and Harley-Davidson involved in project to redevelop area and cut crime.
Apr 19th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
MANDI Awards Given at Gala Affair
More than 800 nonprofit, corporate and public-sector leaders attended event at Potawatomi Hotel.
Apr 17th, 2015 by Sharon McGowan
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Kiva Already Funding City Entrepreneurs
In less than two months, 28 small businesses have gotten loans. Kiva hopes to increase that to 200.
Apr 13th, 2015 by Molly Rippinger
Too Pure for Pork
Gov. Walker is a latest of state politicians from both parties who have an aversion to federal funds.
Apr 9th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Harley Davidson Arena?
Google shows the new NBA arena as the Harley Davidson Arena. But a Harley spokesperson says the description is "erroneous."
Apr 8th, 2015 by Dave Reid
The Boom in Walker’s Point
A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
New App Helps Domestic Violence Victims
Created by Sojourner center and UWM students, it's available to 99 percent of smartphone users.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Andrea Waxman
Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Seeking Strategies to Combat Violence
Unite Milwaukee Anti-Violence Summit, all-day event, gathered experts, politicians and city residents to talk about reducing violence in the city.
Mar 22nd, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Davis Sets, Cancels Meeting on Streetcar
His claim on streetcar turns out to be false. Meanwhile, new city assessor appointed with little fanfare.
Mar 17th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Neighborhood Leaders Applaud Barrett’s Speech
Mayor's state-of-the-city speech details plans for neighborhood development and partnerships with city.
Mar 13th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
Joe Davis Announces Plan for NBA Arena
Actually, it wasn't really a plan. But it was a press conference.
Mar 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Join the Pothole Patrol
City's' free mobile app lets you report potholes and other problems.
Mar 1st, 2015 by Maria Corpus
Kiva Comes to Town
Global micro-loan program for small businesses expands to Milwaukee, and city fund will match its loans.
Feb 27th, 2015 by Andrew McCann
John Shannon’s Marvelous Marietta Mansion
One of the great East Side homes, its history includes a remarkable cast of characters, almost a mini-history of Milwaukee elites.
Feb 19th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Jobs Program Struggles to Find Eligible Workers
City transitional jobs program for hard-core unemployed still has half of its positions unfilled.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
The Walker Economic Record
Crunching the numbers: How has Wisconsin’s economy fared in his first four years?
Feb 16th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
A Tale of Two Cities
Milwaukee could learn from Auckland, which created a separate, non-profit authority to run the streetcar system.
Feb 5th, 2015 by Tim Jorgenson
