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 10
Meet the Candidates for City Offices
Packed spring election features 46 candidates for 19 city offices.
Jan 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Conservative in Mayor Race Ejected
Republican David King failed to submit enough valid signatures, vows court appeal.
Jan 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Why a Voter Purge Is So Critical
The goal is to reelect Trump. Even if that means purging some Republican voters, too.
Jan 14th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Bill Would Prohibit Free Campaign Rallies
Trump, Clinton campaigns still owe Eau Claire, other cities for security, sanitation costs.
Jan 14th, 2020 by Rich Kremer
City Attorney Guts Authority of FPC Board
The FPC board clearly has the power to oversee executive director and staff.
Jan 13th, 2020 by Paul Mozina
Homicides Down 33% Since 2015
New approach with many stakeholders paying off, but work nowhere near done, says mayor.
Jan 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
500 Media Members Get DNC Preview
Officials host national media for first look at city and convention venues.
Jan 7th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Seek Bay View Hit-and-Run Driver
Manuel Salazar-Gutierrez of La Crosse charged with second-degree reckless homicide.
Jan 7th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
Former Health Director Blames Barrett
Bevan Baker breaks his silence, slams Mayor and other city departments.
Dec 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
All They Want for Christmas
The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Mayor Bloomberg Comes to Town
Presidential candidate opens campaign office in Milwaukee and tours Public Market.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Barrett Says 35,000 City Voters At Risk
Mayor criticizes voter purge, pushes state officials to protect election system’s integrity.
Dec 21st, 2019 by Alana Watson
Green Project at ‘Tent City’ Site Finalized
City, state, MMSD cooperate on stormwater project. But its timing raises questions.
Dec 20th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Bader Funds 40 New Homes in Harambee
$1 million gift funds new Habitat for Humanity revitalization project.
Dec 19th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Chief Morales Reappointed for Four Years
Commission grants police chief a full term, requires public meeting, reports.
Dec 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Officer Ray Confirmed Without Debate
Former MPD officer is newest member of troubled Fire and Police Commission.
Dec 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Mess at Fire & Police Commission
Key city agency seems to be in very big trouble. Why?
Dec 17th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Man Arrested By ICE Reunited With Family
José Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinoza, 38, has lived in U.S. for decades.
Dec 13th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
FPC Fumbles Police Residency Points
Months of confused meetings fail to pass residency points for police promotions.
Dec 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Could Strauss Plant Deal Be Revived?
Ald. Johnson working to save deal, Barrett holds out hope, community meeting planned.
Dec 12th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Remembering Musician Mary Davis
A keyboard legend and singer who performed R&B, jazz, blues and soul dies at age 73.
Dec 10th, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
Trump Picks Camp David Over Milwaukee
G7 summit to be held at Presidential retreat, not downtown Milwaukee site Barrett offered.
Dec 6th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Stunned Council Grills FPC Director
"It all doesn't add up" two aldermen say, while Hamilton says questions were answered.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
“Officer Ray’s” FPC Appointment Okayed
Committee approves appointment of retired officer to police oversight board.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Taylor Blames FPC Problems on Mayor
Mayoral opponent accuses Barrett of mismanagement, corruption, cronyism.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
American Family Unveils Downtown Office Plan
Insurance company to redevelop century-old Mandel Graphics building near Fiserv Forum.
Dec 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council to Review Fire & Police Commission
Sudden review comes after FPC cancels meeting and troubles at commission reported.
Dec 4th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Grant Langley Will Run for Reelection
City attorney's decision sets up race against his old friend, attorney Vince Bobot.
Dec 2nd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Trouble at Fire & Police Commission?
Second public resignation and much staff turnover under new executive director.
Dec 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Creating Green Project Under I-794
MMSD-funded infrastructure on state land to capture 150,000 gallons of stormwater in a heavy rain.
Nov 27th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Who Lost the City Residency Rule?
Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?
Nov 27th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Council Bans Most Plastic Straws
Use by bars and restaurants prohibited unless customers request them.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Overrides Every Barrett Veto
Without debate Common Council overrides mayor, keeps 59 amendments to budget
Nov 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Summerfest Pays No Net Rent
Charges ethnic festivals more rent than it pays city, like “a greedy landlord,” alderman charges.
Nov 26th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
New MillerCoors Jobs Coming by June
But company, state vague on details, number of jobs to move from Denver.
Nov 25th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
RACM Okays $3.4 Million Reed Street Yards Fix
New sewers being built to help attract future tenants, possibly Rite-Hite HQ.
Nov 21st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Summerfest Got $48 Million in Gifts
Total donations from 2010 to 2018 helped pay for CEO Don Smiley’s "caviar lifestyle"?
Nov 21st, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Officially Declares Re-Election Bid
Mayor running for 5th term, hopes to serve 20 years as city's leader.
Nov 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bucks Beat Hiring Targets on Fiserv Forum
Team "won the championship" in hiring city residents, businesses says Mayor Barrett.
Nov 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett Issues 8 Budget Vetoes
Vetoes attack borrowing, garbage truck replacement, blight elimination.
Nov 19th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
John Norquist’s 70th Birthday Party
A host of Milwaukeeans and former city officials attend gala party in Chicago.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Michael Horne
Cafe-Cop House Coming to Clarke Square
Unique center is a partnership of city, non-profit Journey House and police department.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
St. Paul a Model for MPS Funding Effort?
That city's successful school funding referendum was backed by local officials.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Terry Falk
Milwaukee the Nation’s Worst City for Blacks?
Delaware-based financial company ranks Milwaukee worst, Racine second worst.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Alana Watson
Rite-Hite May Move to Reed Street Yards
Plus: Water leak delays BMO Tower, city exploring Plan B for former Schlitz tavern.
Nov 17th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Overtime Costs a Budget Problem
Council discusses how to trim annual cost of $17 million. Unfunded service for Summerfest an issue.
Nov 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Taylor Slams Barrett Over Residency
Mayoral candidate cites losses since residency requirement ended by Legislature.
Nov 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Aims To Eliminate Plastic Straws
Would prevent restaurants from providing straws, unless customers request them.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Security Will Be Tight At DNC
City officials working with Secret Service, security a primary concern.
Nov 14th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
The Brewery Celebrates Its Completion
New gateway tops off transformation from abandoned brewery to real neighborhood.
Nov 12th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Poll Shows Barrett Way Ahead
Zielinski, Taylor do poorly and more voters favor streetcar.
Nov 12th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
The Quiet Plan to Save Grand Avenue
Actually written 10 years ago. Civic leaders discuss how public private partnerships revived Downtown.
Nov 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Signs Homeless Proposal on Veterans Day
Development would house up to 48 veterans while providing supportive services.
Nov 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Park East Apartments Cleared for Takeoff
Plus: Why Molson Coors picked Milwaukee over Denver.
Nov 10th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Cuts Police, Adopts $1.6 Billion Budget
Council wrestles with huge fiscal challenges due to rising police costs, declining state aid.
Nov 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Summerfest CEO Awarded $2.33 Million
Don Smiley’s 2017 pay package includes $1.3 million deferred from prior years. City officials “shocked.”
Nov 8th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Construction Starts on Villard Commons
Five ACRE grads turn classroom project into reality.
Nov 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Deconstruction Effort Is Underway
After a year of false starts by the city, a $1.2 million, 50-home effort is underway.
Nov 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
State’s Talgo Trains Still Sit Idle
Since Republicans killed deal with manufacturer, trains have sat unused in Beech Grove, Indiana. Part 6 of series.
Nov 7th, 2019 by Bridgit Bowden and Shawn Johnson
Summerfest Blows Off City Meeting
No festival official attends scheduled meeting. Partnership with city “broken”, Ald. Murphy says.
Nov 7th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Man Charged With Hate Crime In Acid Attack
Clifton Blackwell accused of attack on Hispanic man, case has gotten national attention.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Street Safety Funding Passes Committee
DPW would get $1.2 million in new, dedicated funding for complete streets.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Full Council Approves Tiny Homes Project
Veterans rehabilitation project, 48 tiny homes, is cleared for spring construction.
Nov 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
How Hispanics Have Saved Milwaukee
Acid attack against man for “invasion” of Hispanics couldn’t be more wrong about their impact.
Nov 5th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor, Officials Denounce Acid Attack
Barrett says Trump’s rhetoric has fed anger leading to such attacks.
Nov 4th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Where the Gun Shot Victims Go
Froedtert Hospital treats 90 percent of city’s gun-related injuries, passed 320 this year.
Nov 4th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Journal Sentinel Complex Sold
Plus: Badger Mutual moving downtown, Northridge security deal, Lion House has a buyer and much more.
Nov 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Lands Second Streetcar Sponsor
Everstream, business internet provider, joins Potawatomi in backing The Hop.
Nov 1st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
$575,000 Building Helped By Streetcar
Long-vacant 1877 building on Milwaukee and Mason saw value hop partly due to streetcar.
Nov 1st, 2019 by Michael Horne
Remembering Mildred Harpole
Beloved activist for education equity, equal rights, dies in her 80s.
Oct 31st, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
MillerCoors Will Change Name, Add Local Jobs
In global shakeup Milwaukee a winner over Denver and could gain hundreds of jobs.
Oct 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Hamilton Keeping Door Open for Strauss
Council president halts move to officially kill deal. "Let's continue the process," he says.
Oct 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Asks Evers’ Help on Reckless Driving
Mayor Barrett, council ask governor for funding or more state troopers to combat problem.
Oct 29th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Evers, Barrett Kick Off 2020 Census
They were joined by "Captain Census." Milwaukee could lose millions if Census undercounts population
Oct 29th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Business Leader Blasts Council on Strauss Deal
Hamilton and council members are to blame for losing hundreds of jobs, Sheehy says.
Oct 28th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Lurie’s Bay View Proposal Revived
Plus: MPS unveils new schoolyards, Cambria hotel opens, Athea expanding chemical plant
Oct 27th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett, Moore to Lead Growing DNC Team
19 honorary chairs round out Milwaukee 2020 leadership.
Oct 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Lost the Strauss Brands Deal?
State Sen. Lena Taylor helped kill a deal bringing hundreds of jobs to depressed Century City area.
Oct 24th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Now A Holiday
Mayor signs legislation into law making it a holiday for city of Milwaukee.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
How Walker and Sykes Killed the Train
With constant support from talk radio, Walker rejected fully funded, $810 million rail project. Part 3 in a series.
Oct 23rd, 2019 by Bridgit Bowden and Shawn Johnson
Barrett Blasts Council On Strauss Deal
They let "malarkey" of disinformation campaign kill meat processing plant deal, he charges.
Oct 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Will Run for County Executive?
The list is long and could get longer. Handicapping the favorites.
Oct 22nd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Offers City for G-7 Summit
Urges President Trump to host 2020 meeting of leading industrial nations in Milwaukee.
Oct 22nd, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Calls Special Session on Guns
Governor says only Vos and Fitzgerald prevent common sense gun reforms.
Oct 21st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Lead Exposure Linked to Gun Violence
UWM study finds kids exposed to lead are more likely to later commit gun violence.
Oct 21st, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Anonymous Crime Reporting Service Launches
"Crime doesn't pay, but Crime Stoppers does," says Alderwoman Chantia Lewis.
Oct 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Community Outpouring Over City Budget
Dozens of residents object to nearly half of budget paying for police.
Oct 14th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Puerto Rican Cafe Opens in Walker Square
Johanna's Cakes & Desserts Cafe offers sweet treats, custom cakes and sandwiches.
Oct 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Seize Almost $1 Million From THC Vaping Operation
Department looking for a connection to the outbreak of vaping-related lung disease.
Oct 11th, 2019 by Alana Watson
Behind Wisconsin’s Abandoned High Speed Rail
Former Gov. Tommy Thompson laid groundwork for the project that Gov. Scott Walker killed.
Oct 9th, 2019 by Bridgit Bowden and Shawn Johnson
Milwaukee Becoming a Cruise Ship Destination
Milwaukee is an increasingly important port of call for cruising on the Great Lakes, visits to city up 100 percent this year.
Oct 9th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Deconstruction Program Expected to Restart Next Week
Contractor will start after months of delays.
Oct 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
State Republican Lawmakers Oppose Barrett’s Budget
Seven Republicans take aim at proposal to reduce police staffing, but don't mention sales tax request.
Oct 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Zielinski for Mayor Bus Ads Debut
21 MCTS buses now highlight Tony Zielinski's campaign for mayor.
Oct 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Hosts Tell Milwaukee To Play The Long Game
Cleveland and Philadelphia experienced long-term economic impacts following national conventions.
Oct 6th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Police Chief Touts Successes
City's homicide and non-fatal shootings are down, but chief faces reappointment with rumors swirling that he might not be retained.
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Is The City Ready to Plow Snow?
City has 28,405 tons of salt and 414 pieces of equipment ready to clear 1,472 miles of city streets.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Politicians and Impeachment History
From Mayor Tom Barrett to Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Wisconsinites involved in every presidential impeachment attempt.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Robin Bravender
Feds Award $5.6 Million for Lead Abatement
42-month grant can be used for paint and soil abatement in affected homes.
Oct 1st, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Municipalities Calling For Mass Violence Reform
League of Wisconsin Municipalities want Gov. Evers and the legislature to work together to find solutions.
Sep 26th, 2019 by Alana Watson
