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 19
Get Your Vote On
Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.
Mar 26th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
New Champion of the City
New council president Michael Murphy is bluntly honest about state politicians in an interview.
Mar 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Republican Voter Suppression Bill
Cities already have less turnout and lower percent of early voters than rest of state, but bill will cut that even more.
Mar 13th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Walker Delays On Three Tough Issues
No decision before election on new Bucks arena, proposed Kenosha casino and how to fund new highway construction.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Teen Summit Targets Gun Violence
Last year Milwaukee had 106 homicides and 532 non-fatal shooting victims.
Mar 7th, 2014 by Karen Stokes
Why Didn’t Chisholm Go After Democrats?
Republicans say the John Doe probe proves bias. So does the federal suit against DA. Are they right?
Mar 6th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Long Arms of Uber
The upstart ride service company could replace cab companies across the globe, some predict. How will it change our city?
Mar 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
How Walker Handled Open Records Request
Emails show his staff irked by requests and responding slowly, except when it benefits Walker.
Feb 21st, 2014 by Bill Lueders
The City of Fresh Vegetables
New city program aims to turn empty lots into gardens grown by residents.
Feb 14th, 2014 by Scottie Lee Meyers
Will Water Technology Transform the City?
Badger Meter CEO says Milwaukee can remake itself as 15th century Florence once did, in speech at downtown GMC event.
Feb 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Stealth Investors Target City’s Foreclosed Homes
Somebody wants to buy all of Milwaukee’s foreclosed homes. Should we be glad -- or worried?
Feb 11th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Can City Save Boston Store?
City subsidy will keep declining store open, but leaves controversial questions about its downtown strategy.
Jan 28th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told
Younger residents far more important than empty nesters in driving city growth, and urban areas are surpassing suburbs, speakers at conference note.
Jan 14th, 2014 by Michael Horne
City Goes Into Demolition Business
DPW will now handle 20% of homes razed rather than hiring private contractors.
Jan 13th, 2014 by Scottie Lee Meyers
Does Downer Avenue Need a Tax Subsidy?
Developer Joel Lee claims the buzzing retail strip needs help from the city.
Jan 9th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Three More Neighborhoods Will Get City Loans
Pulaski Park, St. Joseph’s and Martin Drive neighborhoods now eligible for TIN loan program to increase property values and owner occupancy.
Jan 7th, 2014 by Brendan O’Brien
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Gwen Moore “Educates” Ted Cruz
Speaking at St. John's on the Lake, she talks about her conversation with Cruz, earmarks and voter ID.
Jan 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Ald. Bohl’s Suburban-Style Ranch Home
Bohl is under investigation and has lawyered up. But his home is awfully cozy.
Dec 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Remembering Donna Schlieman, Historic Preservationist
A longtime leader with Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, who helped defeat the Pabst City proposal, died on Friday.
Dec 23rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Barrett’s Birthday Party
The mayor's celebration is 11 days late. And Lakefront Brewery shatters its record for annual barrels manufactured.
Dec 22nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Campaign Season Kicks Off
Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Michael Horne
New Efforts to Upgrade Metcalfe Park Neighborhood
City government, foundations, non-profits and faith groups work together to improve housing and bring jobs.
Dec 17th, 2013 by Andrea Waxman
20 Years of Urban Farming
Will Allen and Growing Power celebrate two decades an an international leader in the field.
Dec 16th, 2013 by Maria Corpus
How Walker Worries About Polls
His book shows he frequently adjusts strategy based on poll results.
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Free Construction Trades Classes Fill Need
North side program has taught some 400 people, helping meet post-recession needs in the industry.
Nov 29th, 2013 by Andrea Waxman
Amtrak to Chicago Will Go Wireless
Finally, the line will get Wi-Fi (we hope), but Milwaukee's Amtrak station still lacks it.
Nov 29th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Can County Board Solve Taxicab Problem?
The board's resolution got media play, but will probably accomplish nothing.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Gwen Moore’s Modest Bungalow
The congresswoman's brick veneered, north-side duplex was converted into a less-spartan, single-family home.
Nov 17th, 2013 by Michael Horne
WNOV Expands Talk Radio Show
The city's only talk radio station serving a largely-black audience provides an alternative to Charlie Sykes.
Nov 15th, 2013 by Tom Momberg
2013 Veterans Day Parade
Politicians, patriotism and marching bands on parade, all captured in our photos.
Nov 11th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Ground Breaking Day in the Park East
A flock of public officials turned out to celebrate the Avenir, a $20.7 million, 104-unit mixed-use building that begins construction.
Nov 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Strip Club Coming to Downtown?
City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Dave Reid
The Nuclear Option
Supervisors nuke Chris Abele’s staff salaries. Will this hurt the county?
Nov 7th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Obama Official Lauds City’s Sustainability Programs
Energy Department official visits to praise Milwaukee's green efforts, which now save $500,000 annually. Our photos capture the event.
Nov 6th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
5 Candidates Running for Jeff Stone’s Assembly Seat
Four Republicans and one Democrat seek to win this heavily Republican suburban district.
Oct 31st, 2013 by Michael Horne
MPS Funding Continues to Decline
Loss of 19,000 students since 2003 and recent decline in its charter schools pushes revenue downward.
Oct 29th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
City and Churches Campaign for Safe Sleeping
Renewed effort targets co-sleeping, which causes 20% of infant deaths.
Oct 22nd, 2013 by Tom Momberg
How Republicans Will Hurt City Real Estate
Reacting to a smelly deal involving one school building, legislators are pushing a badly-flawed bill that worsens the problem.
Oct 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Did U.S. Bank Discriminate Against City Neighborhoods?
Federal complaint includes evidence of bias in how bank handled homes in black and Latino neighborhoods.
Oct 17th, 2013 by Brendan O’Brien
Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.
Oct 16th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail
Despite rainy weather, Mayor Barrett and a host of politicians celebrated the new bike trail.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Small Businesses Wanted
New Milwaukee program helps businesses "Scale Up" and expand, first of its kind in nation.
Oct 11th, 2013 by Andrea Waxman
Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail!
Celebration Saturday of newest part of trail whose origins go back more than a decade.
Oct 11th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
How to Nab Bad Guys
ShotSpotter has become a key tool for city police, but Walker says no to funding and Abele says yes.
Oct 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Rebuilding Another Library
Neighbors discuss plan to replace Forest Home Library with new mixed-use building modeled after East Side branch.
Oct 10th, 2013 by Maria Corpus
How to Kill a Democracy
Glenn Grothman’s proposal would shield 96% of all political donations, ending transparency in campaigns.
Oct 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Mayor’s Plan for Foreclosures
$11.6 million plan hopes to turn abandoned houses over to stable homeowners.
Oct 4th, 2013 by Scottie Lee Meyers
Targeting Black Infant Mortality
Despite disagreements, groups working on problem are making progress.
Sep 26th, 2013 by Rick Brown
The Problem of Poverty
Poverty is rising faster in Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee than nationally.
Sep 26th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The End of Suburbs?
So argues a new book. And former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist agrees. Are they right?
Sep 25th, 2013 by Terry Falk
First Look at NML’s New Skyscraper
The stunning, curved glass design for the 32-floor tower is by Pickard Chilton of New Haven, Connecticut.
Sep 25th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Walker Faces Tough Choice on Kenosha Casino
Any decision he makes will anger some, and could affect his potential run for president.
Sep 23rd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse
Court Commissioner Barry Slagle electrocuted in scary, unreported incident at courthouse.
Sep 19th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Community Celebrates Silver City
An international weekend in Silver City with food, soccer, and a new mural.
Sep 11th, 2013 by Dave Reid
New Violence Prevention Center Opens
Mayor calls it a "gigantic step" for the South Side.
Sep 4th, 2013 by Brendan O’Brien
Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill
Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?
Aug 28th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
MSOE Soccer Garage Debuts
MSOE unveils parking garage, athletic field complex.
Aug 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Republican Dog & Pony Show
Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Greater Milwaukee Committee to Move to Water Accelerator
All the news on the GMC's new home, as well as odds and ends around the East Side and beyond (plus a bicycle tour).
Aug 15th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board
All three appointees on little known, powerful labor board now appointed by Republican Governor
Aug 15th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Can Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?
A city task force hopes to revive the street but the obstacles are many.
Aug 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Bike Fed’s Glossy Mag a Success
The quarterly magazine now publishes 8,000 copies and has lots of advertisers, another sign of Milwaukee's bike renaissance.
Aug 7th, 2013 by Michael Horne
A Very Pleasant Opening
Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.
Aug 3rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Making the City Safer
Safe & Sound honors neighborhood leaders who make Milwaukee a safer place.
Aug 1st, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Daglas Does Dallas
After a brief stay as Milwaukee Magazine editor, Cristina Daglas is off to become editor of D Magazine!
Aug 1st, 2013 by Michael Horne
East Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
St Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt
Seventh bridge reconstructed on Barrett's watch will include streetcar tracks.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?
Analyzing this city’s key strengths and weaknesses.
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The $1 Million Art Project
Steve Marcus’ plan to bring world class sculpture to Milwaukee is expensive. Is it a good idea?
Jul 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Our Mounted Patrol
The history, costs and benefits of the police department's horse patrol.
Jul 17th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Bikes Can’t Lose in Cities
They're cheaper, require less spending by cities than on cars, and are often faster. Expect ever-more bicyclists in Milwaukee.
Jul 12th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
Unlock a B-Cycle Today!
Milwaukee's first bike-sharing station opened at Discovery World today, and our photos capture the event.
Jul 8th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Temporary East Library Opens
It's just a block and a half away from the old library, and as Mayor Barrett demonstrated at its opening, you can still check out books.
Jul 1st, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Over 2 Million Meals Served
Salvation Army summer food program has served 2 million kids since 1990.
Jun 20th, 2013 by Eric Oliver
The Decline of Sheriff Clarke
The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
We Want to Save the Warner
A non-profit trust hopes to restore a classic downtown theater as a concert hall.
Jun 12th, 2013 by Brian Jacobson
Packers Field Kicks Off at Mitchell Park
The neighborhood now is the only one in America with a former NFL playing field.
Jun 10th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Andy Nunemaker’s Dream Mansion
With 26 rooms, a pool and huge coach house, the entrepreneur and philanthropist Andy Nunemaker has plenty of room for company.
Jun 7th, 2013 by Michael Horne
World’s Straightest Parade?
No parade has a straighter route, or a gayer crowd, than the annual Pride Parade, coming Sunday.
Jun 6th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Jackie Robinson Middle School Remade as Senior Living Community
Gorman & Company recently completed the conversion of Jackie Robinson Middle School into the Sherman Park Senior Living Community.
Jun 3rd, 2013 by Shakara Robinson
The Story Behind the Strike
Thin reporting and overheated commentary have obscured the real story of why workers are striking against Palermo’s.
May 23rd, 2013 by Dominique Paul Noth
Why Dan Bice Should Resign
The Journal Sentinel columnist’s coverage of John Doe probe is a case study in journalistic malfeasance.
May 23rd, 2013 by George Mitchell
$350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors
GMC lands grant from ArtPlace America to create artistic corridors in Riverwest and Harambee and on West Wisconsin Ave.
May 20th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary
His salary rose by $114,000, to more than $886,000, and the explanations keep getting thinner.
May 20th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor Barrett’s Modest Mansionette
The home is reserved, restrained, dignified unto dull, not unlike its occupant.
May 17th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork
In violation of his campaign promise, Walker's budget has 58 policy or non-monetary items and 15 pieces of pork.
May 15th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!
Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.
May 13th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Transit Outrage
Alberta Darling says my way or the highway. Plus: the return of Jerry Kleczka!
May 10th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Arrogance of Summerfest
Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.
May 7th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Pleads for Businesses to Support Residency Rules
It's in your self-interest to lobby against this law, Barrett tells businesses.
May 1st, 2013 by Michael Horne
Peace Rally to Combat Crime
Rally special guest Ice T didn't show up as planned, but Mayor Barrett and Ald Hines spoke to the gathering.
Apr 22nd, 2013 by LouRawls Burnett
Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”
Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.
Apr 17th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Myths About a New NBA Arena
In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.
Apr 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Arrogance of Summerfest
Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.
Apr 9th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town
Baldwin offers an insider's look at the U.S.Senate. And Milwaukee Buck Samuel Dalembert buys a LOT of wine.
Apr 3rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Journal Sentinel Story Doesn’t Hold Water
Story slams Milwaukee water utility though it’s actually cheaper than others in the region.
Mar 26th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
