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 18
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
New Arena Plan & Pabst Brewing Returns
Will legislature pass new arena plan? Will city and county have to contribute? Will Pabst brew here again?
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Dave Reid
Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes
Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Is Funding the Anti-Streetcar Effort?
Ald. Bauman and others are certain that dark money is pouring in for this, which streetcar opponents deny.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Why the Streetcar Won’t Work
The planned route will duplicate bus routes and won’t solve any of the city’s needs.
Jan 14th, 2015 by Samuel Jensen
The Bus Stop That Isn’t
The Bay View “art stop” is neither art nor a good bus stop. For one-tenth the price, the city could have done far better.
Jan 14th, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
The Story Behind the Streetcar Referendum
Conservatives from outside Milwaukee hope to join forces with black city residents to oppose the streetcar.
Jan 8th, 2015 by Michael Horne and Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Miraculous Water Hub
Almost overnight, the city has become an international leader in water technology, says the national media. Are they right?
Jan 6th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Avalon Theater’s Grand Opening is a Winner
Barrett salutes the theater’s and Bay View’s redevelopment, but is upstaged by the facility’s lovely redesign.
Dec 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Can Milwaukee Upgrade to Gold Ranking?
City officials pledge to work towards upgrading the city's national, bicycle-friendly ranking from bronze to gold.
Dec 19th, 2014 by Dave Schlabowske
Foundation Helps Herb Kohl Get $20 Million Windfall
His “$100 million gift” to Greater Milwaukee Foundation will gain him huge tax break for supporting new NBA arena.
Dec 18th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why the Swing Park Failed
It became a comedy of errors, but raises serious questions about the city’s strategy for “creative placemaking.”
Dec 16th, 2014 by Tom Bamberger
Walker’s Landing Coming to Commerce Street
The $19.5 million, 133-unit apartment complex along the river will fill in one of the last developable pieces of land on the Beerline.
Dec 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Construction Underway at The North End
Mandel Group is building the third phase of their "neighborhood by design" -- to plug "the doughnut hole in Downtown."
Dec 5th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Will New Facility Help Develop North Avenue?
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, long successful on South Side, will build new facility and campus at 24th and North.
Dec 3rd, 2014 by Molly Rippinger
RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar
The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promises a new arena will launch a Downtown renewal. Is he right?
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
How to Sell the Streetcar
Ald. Bob Bauman says mayor’s sales pitch lacks vision.
Nov 28th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Next Stops For The Streetcar
The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
New East Library is a Jewel
Wow, what an improvement. Our photos capture the technology-rich and architecturally impressive new library
Nov 21st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Local Program Exemplifies Job Corps Success
Milwaukee education and job training center serves 240 young people; 87% get a job or enroll in college or military.
Nov 19th, 2014 by Brendan O’Brien
Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar
If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Frank Talk About Milwaukee’s Foreclosure Crisis
Experts at panel discussion say city making great progress in solving the problem.
Nov 13th, 2014 by Heather Meuret
Neighborhood Groups Who Target Crime
Three community groups win awards for working with police on crime prevention.
Nov 13th, 2014 by Matthew Wisla
Let Us Now Blame Mike Tate
Hatred for the state Democratic Chair is flowing. But is he at fault for the election debacle or was the party’s message lacking?
Nov 13th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
51st Veterans Day Parade
Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.
Nov 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park
The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.
Oct 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
City Program Could Sell Homes for $1
New RICH program will sell city-owned foreclosed homes at very low prices.
Oct 28th, 2014 by Matthew Wisla
Celebrating the First Homeowner in New Program
Happy press conference as program combining government, banks and non-profits brings homeowners back to city.
Oct 24th, 2014 by Susan Nusser
Burke Supports Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Residents
Measure rejected by legislature would have particular benefit for Hispanics in Milwaukee.
Oct 24th, 2014 by Edgar Mendez
Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National
New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.
Oct 23rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Our Daily Salt
Unique, South Side business creates handcrafted kitchen items that are beautiful and functional.
Oct 17th, 2014 by Heather Meuret
Putting the Pieces Together
Can the 15 year project revive an area that’s been in decline for 50 years? Last story in a series.
Oct 17th, 2014 by Susan Nusser
Is Barry Mandel the Michael Jordan of Development?
Barrett rhapsodizes over developer at groundbreaking of North End III. And Fresh Thyme owner adds praise of Mandel style.
Oct 14th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Walker’s Curious Debate Strategy
His strategy was to “largely ignore” Burke. That may have been a mistake.
Oct 14th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Posner Renovation Kicks Off
Our photos capture a new start for an old building.
Oct 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Condos Will Replace Third Ward Leather Factory
And Ald. Bauman's tough style of running Third Ward architectural review board.
Oct 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee’s First 24/7 Library
Westlawn Garden's "vending machine" public library is the fourth of its kind in the nation.
Oct 10th, 2014 by Raina J. Johnson
10 Reasons To Build Bucks Arena on Wisconsin Ave.
Building the new arena where Boston Store is located could have huge advantages for the team and the city.
Oct 8th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Bay View ArtStop Opens
It's a bus stop, art work, and urban island. Grand opening is tonight, but we've already got photos of the new amenity.
Oct 3rd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Another Newspaper Attack on Chief Flynn
Has the Journal Sentinel renewed its war against the police chief or was its Sunday story simply botched reporting?
Sep 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
What Will “No Recall” Voters Do on Nov. 4?
They didn’t believe a governor should be recalled in mid-term. But will they vote to reelect Walker?
Sep 29th, 2014 by Steven Walters
MIAD Apartments Changes Irk Bauman, Who Demands Fix
A planned community gathering space instead becomes an underwhelming staircase.
Sep 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort
With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’
Sep 9th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Can 30th Street Corridor Be Reclaimed?
The redevelopment effort includes a huge swath of the city, and countless players and plans. First of a series.
Sep 9th, 2014 by Susan Nusser
So Far, No Flight From Enderis Park
City workers remain rooted in Enderis Park neighborhood despite elimination of residency rule.
Sep 9th, 2014 by Molly Rippinger
Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?
He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?
Sep 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Bill Would Require Body Camera on Police
Ald. Milele Coggs will introduce legislation requiring Milwaukee Police Department to buy and use body cameras.
Sep 3rd, 2014 by Matthew Wisla
Developer Slays NIMBY Objectors
Why East Side development can move so slowly. And when developers can bypass the neighbors.
Sep 1st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.
Aug 28th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
MIAD Opens New Residence Hall, Celebrates 40 Years
Half-birthday bash, half-ribbon cutting, the ceremony unveiled MIAD's new six-story, Third Ward building.
Aug 27th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?
New FCC rule may make it easer to track the many thousands of ads that will run this fall.
Aug 27th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Is Walker Guilty — Or the Law Meaningless?
After the latest Doe document dump, no other conclusion is possible.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Is Milwaukee One of the World’s Greenest Cities?
So says OnEarth magazine. Is it right?
Aug 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke
A stunning election increases his power. What does it mean for Milwaukee?
Aug 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General
Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?
Aug 7th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
“Bublr” Bike Share System Is Launched
The $3 million system is now installing 10 bike sharing stations and could expand to 100 stations and 1,000 bikes.
Aug 6th, 2014 by Dave Reid
McKiernan’s, the Home Base of Bob Donovan
The alderman and mayoral candidate loves hanging out here, safe from those wine-sipping streetcar fans.
Aug 5th, 2014 by Michael Horne
A Walk Through Three Bridges Park
South siders and environmentalists join Mayor Barrett, as part of his "Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days" challenge.
Aug 5th, 2014 by Patrick Leary
Is Iron Block the Finest Historic Restoration Ever Done?
City officials are wowed at ribbon cutting ceremony.
Jul 29th, 2014 by Mac Writt
Media Thrilled, Donovan Will Run for Mayor!
Colorful, combative foe of Mayor Barrett will oppose him in 2016, which means far more fun for reporters covering the race.
Jul 29th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Let Us All Praise Downtown Employees
This week is the 9th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. So start feeling appreciated. And check our list of the events.
Jul 28th, 2014 by Brett Kihlmire
“Controversy” Over Swing Park?
Architect blasts city for altering her design. Are her complaints valid?
Jul 25th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Swings are Back — and Better than Before
Guerrilla urbanism triumphs, as “magical” swings re-installed under Holton Avenue Bridge.
Jul 23rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic
She’s running for assembly but wanted to continue as county supervisor and collect two full-time salaries.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Standard at East Library
Our photos take you inside the new library and apartment building on North Ave.
Jul 17th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The City of Orchards
Mayor Barrett and others attend groundbreaking of city’s 5th urban orchard on 1st and Locust.
Jul 15th, 2014 by Brett Kihlmire
A Tale of Two Cities
New city report reveals huge split between Milwaukee’s desperate poverty and wonderful amenities, neighborhoods. What are its solutions?
Jul 15th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Paving the Lakefront with Concrete
WisDOT deal with city will create a 10-lane roadway along the lake.
Jul 10th, 2014 by Tom Bamberger
Is Walker to Blame for Poor Job Growth?
Liberal and conservatives adamantly disagree. What does the data show?
Jul 9th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
Supreme Court May Disappoint Conservatives
Their past decisions may force them to rule against those appealing the John Doe investigation.
Jun 30th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground
The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.
Jun 19th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Hotel That Isn’t There
The downtown Marriott made so many compromises in design there's barely any left.
Jun 16th, 2014 by Tom Bamberger
Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex
His sided, south side home, in suburban-like Jackson Park, is a veritable pillar of middle-class respectability.
Jun 15th, 2014 by Michael Horne
St. Paul Bridge is Reopened
Key connection to Third Ward and Summerfest is completed on time and on budget.
Jun 12th, 2014 by Lisa Bonvissuto
Finally, a New Park East Plan
Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?
Jun 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
In Defense of Milwaukee
City is making progress on foreclosures and the report claiming 40% of mortgages are underwater is hogwash.
Jun 10th, 2014 by Josh Zepnick
Walk a Mile in the Mayor’s Shoes
Barrett wants residents to join him in walking 100 miles in 100 days.
Jun 2nd, 2014 by Lisa Bonvissuto
Zoning Committee Approves Adventure Rock Complex
Apartment complex and climbing gym would bring an “urban theater” to North Avenue.
May 29th, 2014 by Mac Writt
New Pocket Park for Lindsay Heights
Located at 14th and Wright, park is part of mayor's "Home Gr/own Milwaukee" initiative.
May 29th, 2014 by Brendan O’Brien
Training Program Builds New Homes in City
Christian Center's YouthBuild program has built a dozen new homes while training young workers.
May 28th, 2014 by Brittany Carloni
Marveling Over Maskani Place
New $10 million subsidized apartment complex provides a solution for 37 low-income families.
May 27th, 2014 by Brett Kihlmire
Barrett Blasts Suburbs on Low-Income Housing
Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee counties “systematically” keep out poor people, mayor charges.
May 27th, 2014 by Steven Walters
A New Park for the City
The city, Associated Bank and Newaukee cooperate on a new park being created at MLK Dr. and McKinley Ave.
May 22nd, 2014 by Brett Kihlmire
Winners & Great Photos of 2014 Mayor’s Design Awards
From the new Pizza Man to Radio Milwaukee to Junior House Lofts, the winners span many styles and neighborhoods. Photo Galleries of every winning design.
May 21st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Running For Good Food
Growing Power's 5K run supports organization and combats urban food deserts.
May 20th, 2014 by Jabril Faraj
Yes, Bike-Sharing Is Coming This Summer!
Mayor Barrett said not till 2015, but Midwest BikeShare promises 5-10 stations this summer.
May 14th, 2014 by Dave Reid
The Underwater City
New study ranks Milwaukee as 16th hardest hit city, with 40% of homes underwater. But that may understate the problem.
May 13th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Paul Jakubovich’s 1927 English Tudor
The city's preservation planner calls the shots on changes to historic buildings and districts -- as well as in his own home.
May 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
A Streetcar Named Cooperation?
Republicans force city to pay to relocate utilities for streetcar and Barrett calls for cooperation from We Energies to keep costs down.
Apr 27th, 2014 by Dave Reid
The Greening of Milwaukee
Year by year, city Sustainability Director Matt Howard is helping transform Milwaukee.
Apr 24th, 2014 by Joe Kelly
The March To Stop Violence
Rain didn't stop last weekend's march across the 16th Viaduct.
Apr 17th, 2014 by Karen Slattery
A Night At the MANDIs
The once-tiny awards show is now a prestige event that packed the Pfister ballroom while another crowd watched the show streamed.
Apr 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!
Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
Will Waukesha Be Less Hostile to Milwaukee?
Defeat of Mayor Jeff Scrima could mean better relations between the two cities.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why UWM Matters
It could be the key to transforming Wisconsin’s economy, but state leaders don’t seem to realize it.
Apr 1st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
