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 6
Barrett Picks Makda Fessahaye for Human Resources Director
Attorney to replace longtime Employee Relations director Maria Monteagudo.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs
Seeking changes to state law to give city's elected officials control.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Moves To Reject Federal COPS Grant
Means 30 fewer officers, leaving Milwaukee down by 150 officers in 2021.
Dec 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Tech Firm Opening Third Ward Office
The Expert Institute, a legal industry software firm, expects to create 75 jobs here.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Avalos Confirmation On Hold Because of FPC Misstep
Committee voted for her without necessary background check.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Backs Leon Todd to Lead FPC
Attorney gets council committee approval to run troubled Fire & Police Commission.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
New MPD Policy Bans Most Chokeholds, Adds “I Can’t Breathe” Rule
Changes reflect national "Eight Can't Wait" reform effort.
Dec 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Commission Ties Again on Picking Milwaukee’s Next Police Chief
Mahaley or Aziz? Commission still can't decide.
Dec 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Less Testing May Hide Rise In COVID-19
Rising rate of positive tests may show a post-Thanksgiving surge in pandemic, public officials warn.
Dec 9th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?
Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.
Dec 7th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Legislature Refuses to Change Absentee Vote Counting Law
This past election shows why election officials want to count absentee votes early.
Dec 5th, 2020 by Nora Eckert
Viets Tower’s Rise
MSOE redeveloping 1960s residence hall into modern complex accessible to all students.
Dec 4th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief
Will meet again on December 10th.
Dec 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Reduces Capacity for Restaurants, Bars
New health order restricts capacity further, effective December 3rd, ending January 15
Dec 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Will Issue Higher COVID-19 Fines
New maximum fine for businesses disobeying a health order is $5,000 per violation.
Dec 1st, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Amanda Avalos Named to Fire & Police Commission
Community organizer and policing critic named by Barrett to embattled oversight board.
Dec 1st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Waukesha, Milwaukee Celebrate Huge Water Project
$286 million, 36-mile-long project begun, will bring Milwaukee water to Waukesha.
Nov 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
South Side Group Builds COVID-19 Clinic
In heavy duty tents, Sixteenth Street Health Centers will offer drive-thru testing, follow-ups and urgent care.
Nov 25th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Council Delays on Federal COPS Grant
Would fund 30 positions, prevent more police reductions, but presents future fiscal issues.
Nov 25th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Picks Leon Todd to Lead Fire & Police Commission
Public defender would be fourth executive director in three years.
Nov 24th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides One of Two Barrett Vetos
Veto of added funding for lead abatement program was overriden on 11-4 vote.
Nov 24th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Couture to Start Construction in January
Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.
Nov 23rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Cities Across State Facing “Painful” Budgets
Pandemic slashes revenue streams for cities large and small.
Nov 21st, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Recount Will Be at Wisconsin Center, Streamed Live
Just where does that $2 million go? We examine.
Nov 18th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Issues Two Budget Vetoes
Mayor targets funding source for lead abatement, neighborhood watch programs.
Nov 18th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Will Accompany Health Inspectors
Inspectors need protection, city decides, after deaths threats and a physical altercation.
Nov 17th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Free COVID-19 Testing Expanded to Saturday
The city's Miller Park site will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Nov 17th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Michels Launching Marine Division in Milwaukee
Ever growing company could create up to 100 jobs at its second Harbor District site.
Nov 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Aurora Cuts Back Electives, Redeploys Staff
Healthcare provider feeling strain from surge in COVID-19 cases, but is optimistic.
Nov 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Three Businesses Fined for Violating COVID-19 Order
City cites businesses in Bay View, Bronzeville and the Lower East Side.
Nov 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
COVID-19 Violations Going From Max of $2,000 to $20,000
Health department hopes cost increase yields more voluntary compliance.
Nov 12th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Get A Free Flu Shot This Week
Free vaccinations available on Wednesday and Thursday.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Barrett Blasts Aurora for ‘Pausing’ Community Testing
They "have a responsibility" to continue partnering with city and county on testing.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Brown Appointed To City Plan Commission
City Hall veteran, former DCD Deputy Commissioner Martha Brown to fill vacant seat.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Troubles at Fire & Police Commission
12 staff vacancies, no director, three board vacancies. Committee grills Barrett aides for answers.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
$1.6 Billion Adopted Budget Raises Fees, Cuts Police
City's fiscal challenges continue to mount under state restrictions, rising costs.
Nov 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Alders Want Police Chief Search Paused Following FPC Resignations
City struggles to find stability in police oversight body.
Nov 5th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Absentee Ballots Give Biden Lead in Wisconsin
3 a.m. delivery of Milwaukee absentee ballots puts Biden in front of Trump.
Nov 4th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Election Results Expected Around 4 a.m.
In-person results are in, but majority of ballots are absentee and will be reported after all are counted.
Nov 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Processing Over 165,000 Absentee Ballots Under Watchful Eyes
Central count operation will last until at least 3 a.m. with three shifts of 400 workers each.
Nov 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
How To Follow Election Results
Where to check results. And why you should be patient. Election officials say it will take until Wednesday to count all votes.
Nov 2nd, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Biden Brings His Message of Controlling COVID-19 to Milwaukee
Says Trump has "waived the white flag" and surrendered to the coronavirus.
Oct 31st, 2020 by Madeline Fox
Absentee Ballots Must Be In Drop Boxes by 7:30 Election Night
Don't wait on returning your absentee ballot.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Budget Amendment Would Move Milwaukee Towards “Vision Zero”
Proposal start of an effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Over 20 Amendments To Milwaukee Budget
Amendments target violence prevention, housing, lead abatement and more.
Oct 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Almost Half of Budget Amendments Are Policy Footnotes
Footnotes call for a racial equity audit, benches in vacant lots, lead-safe property database and much more.
Oct 29th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
State Spends 15th Most on Police, Corrections
Heavily Democratic states spend bigger percentage of budget on this, study finds.
Oct 29th, 2020 by Henry Redman
President Must ‘Help Guide Us’ Mayor Declares
Addressing Press Club, urges more federal aid and clear message: "Wear the damn mask!"
Oct 28th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Lead Poisoning and a Listening Session
More funds needed to protect city’s children. And more media attention to the issue.
Oct 27th, 2020 by Carol Diggelman and Ann Batiza
Mayors of 5 Largest Cities Issue Voting Challenge
Barrett, four other mayors in state will compete for who gets most early and absentee ballots.
Oct 27th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
New City Health Order Limits Gatherings
Lower capacity limits for businesses, events without approved safety plans, but city has okayed 537 plans.
Oct 26th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Recall Effort Fails
Organizer says recall fell short of 668,000 signatures required.
Oct 26th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Service Union Rallies To Get Out The Vote
“Our work is essential and so are our votes." Union seeks Trump's defeat, $15 minimum wage.
Oct 26th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Getting More Aggressive On COVID-19 Order Fines
62 warning letters issued, but city only inspecting businesses on a complaint basis.
Oct 23rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Launches Voter Education, Ballot Counting Website
Voter education website provides daily update on number of ballots returned.
Oct 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Could Move To More Restrictive COVID-19 Health Order
City considering more restrictive options as positive case rate spikes to "red" level in city.
Oct 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee A Leader In By-Mail and In-Person Early Voting
But percentage of ballots returned trails state average.
Oct 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett, Others Stump for Biden-Harris
State's Democrats debut new "bus" today as part of get-out-the-vote push.
Oct 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Recall Effort Claims Enough Signatures
But organizer won’t give exact number, brags about misleading the media.
Oct 20th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Community Groups Propose Changes
Twelve groups invited to speak and push less spending on police and more on lead abatement, other programs.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Could Lose 30 More Police Officers
Federal grant rules could mean cutting 30 more than proposed cut of 120 cops.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
The Architecture of a Pandemic
New Miller Park testing site opens Monday at 11 a.m.
Oct 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Backs New Handling of 911 Calls
Wants MPD and FPC to develop approach where unarmed professionals handle non-violent social issues.
Oct 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Pence Touts Trump, Blasts Mayor Barrett
His speech in Waukesha calls it “Trump country.” Attendees not socially distanced.
Oct 14th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
The Return of Alternate Side Parking
Mayor insists. council agrees. Beginning in November, residents must again move cars each day.
Oct 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Milwaukee Stop The Hop?
Alderman proposes this, but suspending the service might cost more than it saves.
Oct 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
About That Proposed Street Lighting Fee
Average homeowner fee is $45 per year so city could replace 100-year-old circuitry
Oct 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Special Meeting in Police Chief Search Results in “Chaos”
Chair calls executive director out of order repeatedly, then another commissioner calls chair a dictator.
Oct 9th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Voting Access Ensures All Voices Are Heard
A new bipartisan coalition is working to promote safe, reliable voting in Wisconsin.
Oct 9th, 2020 by David Crowley
Absentee Ballots Again Must Arrive By Election Day
Also, court rules that poll workers also must come from the county they vote in.
Oct 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside Milwaukee’s Election Preparation Effort
Election Commission shows off voting equipment, ballot prep and other intricacies.
Oct 7th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Officials Prepping State Fair Park Care Facility
Hospitalization surge in COVID cases pushes northeast Wisconsin hospitals to their limits.
Oct 7th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
No Early Voting at Miller Park, Fiserv Forum
City fears legal challenges of sites not approved at June emergency meeting.
Oct 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
3 New COVID-19 Test Sites Include Miller Park
City opening new ones as National Guard testing sites will close October 17th.
Oct 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Search for Police Chief Goes National
5 of 6 candidates from outside Milwaukee. FPC to decide by December. Barrett will weigh in.
Oct 5th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
City Leadership Weak on Police Reforms?
Serious reform of race-based stops by Milwaukee police not happening, report on federal court settlement finds.
Oct 5th, 2020 by Gretchen Schuldt
Hmong American Peace Academy Leaders Celebrate New Building
New high school will serve growing charter school on city's northwest side.
Oct 1st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
National Guard Won’t Staff City Testing Sites
Guard being reassigned to other areas of state, local staff will replace them.
Sep 29th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Vision Zero Seeks No Traffic Fatalities
Swedish approach has been adopted by 35 cities in U.S. Why not Milwaukee?
Sep 29th, 2020 by Celia Jackson
How to Spend Less On Police
Milwaukee has a huge opportunity to consolidate law enforcement costs.
Sep 29th, 2020 by Josh Zepnick
Why Defunding Police Is Tough To Sell
Minneapolis politicians are abandoning the idea. What will happen in Milwaukee?
Sep 28th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
City On Pace to Break Homicide Record
138 homicides in Milwaukee, compared to 66 at this time last year.
Sep 28th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
Milwaukee Fire Chief Retires
Rohlfing criticized for how he handled black doll hung by its neck in station break room.
Sep 26th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
Have You Made Your Voting Plan?
City uses Voter Registration Day to encourage people to prepare for November election.
Sep 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Attorney General Barr Announces Drug Ring Bust in Milwaukee
26 suspects charged in alleged network running from city's South Side to California.
Sep 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Bond Rating Cut Two Levels
Change in rating by S&P Global will raise cost to borrow money, add to city's budget woes.
Sep 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Budget Proposal Cuts 120 Police
And makes other cuts. City's fiscal challenges exacerbated by pandemic.
Sep 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Made $8.6 Million Debt Mistake
Past Comptroller blamed. Mistake equivalent to all the salaries of health department staff.
Sep 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
COVID-19 Increasing in Milwaukee County, Again
Data shows a spike in cases and transmission of the coronavirus. Presumed cause is universities.
Sep 18th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Be Patriotic, Get Your Flu Shot
Mayor and Health Commissioner get their immunization, encourage others to do the same.
Sep 17th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
How Much Did DNC Cost Milwaukee?
Audit pending. Officials hope all security costs of convention are reimbursed by federal government.
Sep 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Assessor Wants No Assessments in 2021
Proposal would freeze property values for two years.
Sep 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
BMO Tower Officially Opens
Ceremony was delayed following water main break and then pandemic.
Sep 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Action Needed on Reckless Driving
Time is of the essence. Task force submitted report in June. City officials must act.
Sep 12th, 2020 by Celia Jackson
120 Officer Cut May Be Just The Beginning
The Milwaukee Police Department will have fewer officers in 2021, but the question is how many?
Sep 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Debuts New Ballot Drop Boxes
Approximately 150,000 people expected to vote absentee.
Sep 10th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Officer Accused Of Reckless Homicide Resigns
Michael Mattioli pleaded not guilty yesterday in death of Joel Acevedo and has resigned from police department.
Sep 9th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
High-End Hotel Planned Across From Fiserv Forum
Bucks and partners hope to break ground in 2021.
Sep 9th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Art Museum Won’t Recognize Union
Management refuses to recognize a worker supported union, forcing an NLRB election.
Sep 9th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Health Commissioner Says She Faced Racism, Sexism
"A constant power struggle from Day One," says outgoing commissioner Jeanette Kowalik.
Sep 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
