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 5
Reggie Moore Leaving Office of Violence Prevention
After 5 years on the job, Moore will shift focus from local to national change in new role.
Apr 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Habitat Building 80 Homes in Harambee
Backed by Bader Philanthropies, Habitat aims to transform the fortunes of neighborhood and families
Apr 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
88Nine’s Tarik Moody Joining City Plan Commission
Moody will put his background in architecture to good use in new role.
Apr 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Walk-In Vaccine Clinics Open to Everyone
Clinics at North Division and South Division high schools are now open to all city residents 16 years or older.
Apr 6th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Strikes Out On MLB All-Star Game
Denver, not Milwaukee, lands All-Star Game.
Apr 5th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Brewers Join COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign
Public service announcements feature Brewers players asking everyone to get vaccinated.
Apr 5th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee
But property owners will need to pay at least once.
Apr 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Makes Street Name Changes Easier
New rule requires four-fifths of council to approve. Cesar Chavez Dr. extension next?
Apr 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
FEMA Will Run Wisconsin Center Vaccinations
Federal pilot program will administer 3,000 vaccinations a day, seven days a week.
Mar 31st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Tool Could Bring 2,000 Jobs Downtown
City would provide up to $20 million to lure fast-growing company to Downtown.
Mar 31st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
16% of State Fully Vaccinated
State continues to ramp up vaccination. Milwaukee pushing resources into community clinics.
Mar 26th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Bay View’s Most Valuable House Has New Owner
Former alderman Tony Zielinski sells both of his houses, now lives in Florida.
Mar 26th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Fired Deputy Health Commissioner Questions Her Ouster
Dr. Griselle Torres was one of two department leaders fired when Commissioner Kirsten Johnson took over.
Mar 26th, 2021 by Matt Martinez
8 Ways Police Mishandled Protests
From Los Angeles to New York, Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, police made similar mistakes.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Council Wants Ann Wilson Off Fire & Police Commission
9-6 vote against her reappointment. But they lack the authority to remove her.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Scott Walker and Voter Suppression
The new GOP maxim: if they think you’re uninformed, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Mar 22nd, 2021 by Dominic Salvia
New Street Lighting Fee Will Be Levied
Look for it on your next water bill. Fee will pay for more city electricians.
Mar 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves New Deal for The Couture
After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.
Mar 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Deal on The Couture Pending
Common Council will review revised agreement for $188 million tower Friday morning.
Mar 18th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Attorney Blocking The Couture
Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.
Mar 17th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Is Wrong on I-94 Expansion
The proposal doesn't learn from history and contradicts the approach of Biden, Buttigieg.
Mar 16th, 2021 by John Norquist
City’s Largest Solar Installation Is Live
More than 7,000 solar panels produce enough energy to power 500 homes.
Mar 16th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Judge Blomme Arrested On Child Pornography Charges
Investigation led by Attorney General Kaul cites judge's alleged use of Kik messaging app.
Mar 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
FEMA Joins Wisconsin Center Vaccine Site
State is allocating 7,000 doses weekly to the site.
Mar 15th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Leadership Shakeup at Health Department
Two top officials pushed out by new city Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson.
Mar 13th, 2021 by Matt Martinez
Stimulus Bill Provides Major Funding to Local Governments
Bill will funnel millions into local services, housing assistance, health care, childcare tax credits and unemployment.
Mar 12th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
GOP Bill Cuts Funding for Cities that ‘Defund Police’
Any reduction in law enforcement spending would be matched by a reduction in state funding.
Mar 11th, 2021 by Laurel White
Senate Bill Threatens FPC Independence
Police and fire fighter unions handed power over Fire & Police Commission disciplinary hearings.
Mar 10th, 2021 by Paul Mozina
City Expands Vaccine Eligibility
With more vaccine available, health department expands range of people who can get treated at the Wisconsin Center.
Mar 10th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson
Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.
Mar 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Has More Vaccine For Educators Than Demand
Mayor says Wisconsin Center has 800 vaccine appointments still open for Wednesday.
Mar 9th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Supreme Court Brushes Off Trump Election Challenge
Trump filed the suit against Wisconsin Elections Commission and many state, local officials.
Mar 8th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Evers Wants Local Climate Change Plans
Governor's budget would require every local government in state to create a plan.
Mar 8th, 2021 by Steven Walters
MPS Should Offer In-Person Classes
Or else the Legislature should expand school choice.
Mar 7th, 2021 by Shannon Whitworth
New Faces in New Places
A look at people, places and personnel change over the last month.
Mar 6th, 2021 by Urban Milwaukee
Do New Apartments Lower Rents?
Study finds prices increase, or decrease, based on what price tier they're in.
Mar 5th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Aims To Vaccinate Every Educator In Two Weeks
City health department, Children's Wisconsin and Medical College will partner in effort.
Mar 3rd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
8.7% of State Now Fully Vaccinated
Next phase underway. Nation's addition of Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine will speed up efforts.
Mar 2nd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
City Pushes Century City to Make USPS Trucks
Council members and mayor urge Oshkosh Corporation to consider Milwaukee location.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
State Vaccination Rate Increasing
Weekly federal allocation increases. 6.3% of state now completely vaccinated.
Feb 24th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Nominations Open for 2021 Mayor’s Design Awards
City looking for "design excellence" across Milwaukee.
Feb 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Local Black History You Should Know
Including Marvin Pratt, Heal the Hood and the Young, Black & Opinionated podcast.
Feb 20th, 2021 by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
The Education of Sherwin Hughes
Talk show host for 101.7 The Truth talks about growing up in Milwaukee.
Feb 20th, 2021 by Tom Jenz
Group Fundraising for Vel Phillips Statue
Statue would be erected at state Capitol, the first person of color so honored.
Feb 19th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
It’s Official, Old World Third Will Be MLK Drive
Barrett and council members reflect on racial division and what the renaming symbolizes.
Feb 18th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Let Us Now Praise Rush Limbaugh
What was his impact on Wisconsin? Praise and condemnation and silliness offered.
Feb 18th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Biden Sells Pandemic Plan in Town Hall
Milwaukee chosen for his first official visit as president.
Feb 17th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Bucks Reopening Fiserv Forum To Fans
Team shows off phased reopening plan, beginning with 10% of capacity.
Feb 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Vaccine Distribution Shows Racial Inequity
Data shows stark disparities. State spending $6.1 million to improve racial and ethnic vaccine equity.
Feb 16th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
DeVougas Resigns From Fire & Police Commission
Attorney was subject of police video leak that resulted in ethics investigation.
Feb 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
38 Citations Issued for COVID-19 Violations
VIP Lounge received $11,000 of $28,000 in fines issued by the city.
Feb 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Appoints Jodie Tabak Chief of Staff
Communications director promoted, as Paul Vornholt takes job in Racine.
Feb 13th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
State Says Health Department Needs Improvement Plan
MHD is in trouble, but the blame goes back four commissioners.
Feb 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers’ Budget Proposal Would Allow Milwaukee Sales Tax
City and county officials have been pursuing option for over a year.
Feb 12th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Six Steps To Improve Fire Safety
After three fatal fires in two weeks, Fire Department and city officials offer safety tips.
Feb 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Report Finds FPC Ignored City Attorney’s Advice
City Inspector General blames, adds more troubles for Fire & Police Commission.
Feb 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New City Health Commissioner Approved
Kirsten Johnson's appointment sails through council.
Feb 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Reduces Mayoral Power
A Barrett slap down. 15-0 vote restricts mayor's power over Historic Preservation Commission.
Feb 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Old World Third St. Will Be MLK Drive
Council unanimously approves naming entire street to honor civil rights leader.
Feb 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Activists Demand Police Firings But Mayors Can’t
Barrett, McBride lament lack of control over police chief. Law insulates police from elected officials.
Feb 8th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Our Workload Is “Through the Roof”
How the closing of south-side station impacts Milwaukee Fire Department.
Feb 7th, 2021 by Edgar Mendez
Giving Schools a Shot in the Arm
Vaccinating teachers would enable schools to reopen. But it’s not that simple.
Feb 6th, 2021 by Terry Falk
Mayor Could Lose Control of Historic Preservation Commission
Bauman and council committee support council president appointing HPC members.
Feb 3rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?
Businesses offering good jobs having trouble finding employees.
Feb 1st, 2021 by John Torinus
New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement
Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Is the Eviction Moratorium Enough?
Some tenants may not be protected, and rental assistance still needed to pay back-rent.
Jan 29th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Study Released For 6.7-Mile 30th Street Trail
Plan envisions shared-use trail for bikers, pedestrians, perhaps commuter rail across the middle of city's North Side.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive
Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Campaign Underway To Improve, Extend Beerline Trail
Trail would be transformed into park with a goal of uniting neighborhoods.
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Que El-Amin Is Growing City’s Affordable Housing
The developer and Milwaukee native prioritizes affordable housing in his buildings.
Jan 21st, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
What Can City Do About Pension Crisis?
Milwaukee must find at least $90 million annually starting in 2023. All options are on the table.
Jan 20th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
How To Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re 65 Or Older in Milwaukee
County residents should use HealthyMKE.com website.
Jan 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides Mayoral Veto, Wants Power To Fire Police Chief
Council wants Legislature to give it firing power. Mayor's veto of this fails.
Jan 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Confirms Avalos, Adds Tie-Breaking Vote to Fire & Police Commission
But a potential issue awaits with looming rejection of Ann Wilson's reappointment.
Jan 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Federal COPS Grant, But…
Police department agrees to certain conditions for grant intended to reform operations.
Jan 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Seeks to Reverse Racial Disparity for Vaccines
Majority of vaccine doses have gone to white, young Milwaukee County residents.
Jan 18th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Leaders Commit To Addressing Homicide Pandemic
"There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and we will do it together," said Mayor Tom Barrett.
Jan 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Program Teaches Tenants Rights for Renters
Rent For Success gives renters information and practical advice for safely renting in Milwaukee.
Jan 15th, 2021 by PrincessSafiya Byers
Kirsten Johnson Appointed Milwaukee Health Commissioner
Current leader of joint Washington Ozaukee Health Department would take helm in Milwaukee, lead COVID-19 response.
Jan 14th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New City HR Director Impresses Alders
Makda Fessahaye's appointment as employee relations director wins unanimous committee approval.
Jan 13th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Shows Off Wisconsin Center Vaccination Hub
Public could be vaccinated there in future weeks. Effort starting with frontline workers.
Jan 11th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment
But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.
Jan 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Could Become Vaccine Hub
City working to set up COVID-19 vaccine distribution hub.
Jan 6th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New City Engineer Must Tackle Reckless Driving
Committee approves Kruschke to job. And alders want him to focus on safety.
Jan 6th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
2020 Mayor’s Design Awards Announced
23rd annual awards program goes virtual, but still finds 31 winners across the city.
Jan 5th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Willie Smith Named to City Plan Commission
Northwest Side CDC Director would replace Darryl Johnson, whose term expired
Dec 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Jerrel Kruschke Appointed City Engineer
Mayor Barrett finds a familiar face to replace Samir Amin.
Dec 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Opening Fourth COVID-19 Testing Site
It's Milwaukee's first mobile testing site, starting off at Custer Stadium on December 29th.
Dec 28th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside The Redevelopment of Viets Tower
MSOE is transforming its oldest residence hall, adding a 13-story addition.
Dec 28th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
New Program for Lead-Poisoned Children
Medical College of Wisconsin program seeks improved response to kids testing positive.
Dec 26th, 2020 by Matt Martinez
Mayor Barrett Is Asleep At The Switch
His handling of Fire and Police Commission is just one example of increasingly negligent leadership.
Dec 26th, 2020 by Jordan Morales
Why So Many Police Chiefs?
Milwaukee's police leadership has become a surreal version of musical chairs. What’s going on?
Dec 23rd, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Sticks With Ann Wilson for FPC
Reappointing her to Fire & Police Commission though she backed its reckless decision to demote Chief Morales.
Dec 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Morales Prepared to File Federal Lawsuit
Ousted Milwaukee police chief seeks damages, potential return to his position.
Dec 21st, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
The Election Official Behind Milwaukee’s Recount
How Claire Woodall-Vogg got through an unprecedented election.
Dec 18th, 2020 by Nora Eckert
Tony Snell Appointed Head of Equal Rights Commission
VISIT Milwaukee volunteer coordinator now leads city commission.
Dec 17th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Before Picking New Chief, Fix Policing
Milwaukee’s system of policing has been broken for years. We need to rethink it.
Dec 17th, 2020 by Emilio De Torre
Council, Mayor Clash Over Police Grant
Nine council members blast Barrett, claiming he's not committed to police reform.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Has Defunding Police Movement Failed?
Not entirely, but it’s fallen well short of its goals.
Dec 16th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout A Collaborative Effort in Milwaukee
Things are moving quickly, but officials say a best-case scenario is still mid-spring before widespread availability.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
