Tom Barrett

Custer Playfield Reopens

New playground, basketball courts and walking path are part of $25 million city recreation plan.

Wangard Plans “Eagleknit” in Walker’s Point

Plus: Action-packed week of real estate includes new apartments, downtown HQ and more pizza.

Forging New Frontiers in AI Education – Diercks Hall Opens at MSOE

The 65,536-square-foot building, located at 1025 N. Milwaukee St., was made possible with a $34 million gift from MSOE alumnus Dwight Diercks and his wife Dian and features an NVIDIA GPU-powered supercomputer.

City Tops in TIF Money for Streetcar

State tax system forced Milwaukee’s dependence on TIF, WPF report finds.

MSOE Opens Diercks Hall, Boots Up “Rosie”

New computer science hall will keep MSOE at cutting edge of education and tech.

Ashanti Hamilton Ends Mayoral Bid

Common Council president will run for reelection to his council seat.

Why Talgo Stays in Milwaukee

Company's customers are on the West Coast, so why expand its Milwaukee facility?

The Hop Records 80,113 Rides in August

Third best month on record, but down from July high.

Alderman Donovan urges GOP legislative leaders to use caution on sales tax ask

Media alert and letter from Alderman Bob Donovan

Should Milwaukee Ban Plastic Straws?

Some alderman seem in favor. It's one of the few single-use plastics the city could ban.

Tom Barrett’s Black Voter Challenge

His support solid in black community. But 2020 could be different.

Milwaukee Area Elected Officials and Community Leaders Propose a New Revenue Solution to Invest in our Communities

An unprecedented partnership will move forward to pursue new revenue solutions that provide property tax relief to residents through a local option sales tax

Tax Hike Would Give City $50 Million Per Year

Barrett says proposed 1% sales tax hike would fund police, fire, streets, property tax relief.

Unique Coalition Seeks Sales Tax Hike

County officials, all 19 municipalities, business leaders back plan to net $160 million per year.

City Celebrates BID-NID Week

America's first such event. Spotlight on city's many neighborhood and business districts.

Mr. Mayor: Who in Heaven’s Name is Watching the Store?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 6, 2019

“Mystery Company” Is Strauss Brands

Franklin meat supplier bringing 250 jobs to Century City. Big win for neighborhood.

Strauss Brands to Build Headquarters and Processing Facility at Century City

Strauss will commence construction on the Century City project later this year with occupancy expected in 2021. The company will employ 250 workers at Century City, including headquarters staff and production personnel.

Hamilton Could Still Run for Mayor

Common Council president once again promises an announcement "pretty soon."

Council Okays Settlement to Sterling Brown

City would pay $400,000. But the Bucks guard isn't expected to accept the offer.

Mystery Company Bringing 250 Jobs

And even better, in Century City, as part of city's effort to redevelop Tower Automotive site.

Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor

"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.

Should Barrett Worry About Reelection?

Another easy win seems certain. Which may not be so good for Milwaukee.

Northridge Mall Lawsuit Filed

Battle over future of vacant mall headed to Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Good City Brewing Toasts New Location

Brewery's new headquarters in Century City seen as a spur to help revive area.

Will Factory-Made Affordable Housing Succeed?

A Chicago company could lead the way in constructing affordable apartments.

Brett Blomme Announces Campaign for Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Milwaukee Attorney and LGBTQ+ Activist to challenge Governor Walker Appointee

Mitchell Street Becoming Art Hub

Scout Gallery, the newest addition to the street, represents a range of local artists.

Columbia Playfield Reopens

Revamped north side park boasts a playground, basketball courts, splash pad and more.

Timber Tower Grows Taller

Plus: Convention center expansion advances, MSO moves 631-ton wall, Brewers invest in The Avenue

Barrett Kicks Off 2020 Budget Process

Numbers are daunting. City between a rock and a hard place when it comes to finances.

Streetcar expansion plans irresponsible in light of Mayor Barrett’s proposed 2020 budget

Statement of Alderman Tony Zielinski August 16, 2019

Inside the Good Hope Library

New library will open in November. See the progress in construction.

Spiker Wins Seat on Common Council

Legislative aide Scott Spiker will replace his former boss Terry Witkowski.

About That Mandela Barnes Controversy

Media firestorm about college degree part of wide-ranging Isthmus feature story.

City Will Double Number of Permitted Scooters, Ends “Pause”

Bird, Spin will be allowed to enter Milwaukee market.

The Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet to Host “Back to School Celebration”

Local restaurant community organization hosting carnival for MPS students

Milwaukee Losing As Summerfest Safety Costs Grow Quickly

Long-term lease agreement means the city has eaten $4 million in costs since 2011.

Historic Turner Hall Gets New Signs

Milwaukee landmark now sporting three new signs with historic appeal.

Bublr Unveils Adaptive Bikes

It's the first ever adaptive bikeshare in the U.S. that is fully integrated with the system.

Department of Public Works Restricts Additional Dockless Scooters in Pilot Study

Possibility of suspending pilot in near future, pending scooter user behavior

City Blocking New Scooters, 100+ Complaints About Bad Riders

City pushing pause on scooter pilot program to push for less sidewalk riding.

JoAnne Sabir Appointed to Wisconsin Center District Board

Sabir’s appointment was made by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Project Creates Tiny Homes for Veterans

$2 million project would build 48 tiny homes on a seven-acre site on Northwest Side.

Aldrete Will Lead Police-Fire Commission

Attorney, third FPC leader in three years, brings diverse background to challenging job.

Will He or Won’t He Run for Mayor?

Council president Ashanti Hamilton promises his decision by next week.

Outside Firm Auditing City’s Lead Program

Expert hired by Comptroller doing audit council originally wanted done by May 2018.

MKE Plays receives $500K from Burke Foundation

This is the second large donation to MKE Plays by The Burke Foundation

The Couture Changes Financing Plan

Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.

FPC Nominee Faces Cloud of Uncertainty

Council vote unclear on Griselda Aldrete, mayor's pick to lead Fire & Police Commission.

“Bridge the City” Helps People Take Action

Local podcast's creators work to change narratives, spur civic action.

Milwaukee Film Expands Festival Footprint

Cedarburg and the Third Ward Neighborhoods Added. Rivoli Theatre and Broadway Theatre Center Join as New Film Venues

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement regarding streetcar expansion

"Today’s decision makes it far more difficult for those benefits to ever fully reach the residents of Bronzeville, Walker’s Point and all of our other great neighborhoods."

No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC

Proposal held again. Marcoux, Hamilton fight over future of streetcar.

A Sherman Park Success Story

Developers rehab 104 city-owned homes in three years in the area.

Take It EZ, Donovan Urges

New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.

Clarke Square Rises

Two new apartment buildings will bookend park.

Streetcar Records Best Ridership Day

Bastille Days and Summerfest boost ridership to new high.

Bastille Days Caps Record-Setting Run for Hop Ridership

Streetcar averaging 3,821 riders per day since Summerfest kicked off June 26

Vive la Bastille Days

The showcase for French culture celebrated its 38th year. Our photos celebrate a little, too.

One Year Out: Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee Releases Video to Mark Countdown to Democratic National Convention

Video highlights diverse city undergoing economic transformation

Church Defends Banner of Accused Child Rapist

Residents upset south-side church promoting religious leader accused of dozens of crimes.

Council Protects Tenants Seeking Lead Hazard Remedies

Ordinance prohibits evictions of tenants seeking advice or service for lead hazards.

Scooters Legalized But Not on Sidewalks

City's action means scooters could be back on streets soon, but fined for using sidewalks.

Evers Signs Bill Legalizing Scooters

Mayor says scooters could be back on Milwaukee streets in a few weeks.

Mayor Barrett Nominates Griselda Aldrete to be Director of the Fire and Police Commission

Most recently, Aldrete has served as President and CEO of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Announces Dates and Locations for 18th Annual Back-to-School Health Fairs

Health fairs to be held August 2nd at Washington High School and August 9th at Journey House

State funding for youth summer jobs wisely restored by Governor Evers

A statement by Alderman Cavalier Johnson July 3, 2019

Talgo Hiring Events in Milwaukee, WI

Talgo is experiencing a lot of positive momentum driven by its success in winning new contracts.

To Curb Reckless Drivers, There is No Substitute for Police Officers

No plan can be considered comprehensive that neglects law enforcement

State Aids Convention Center Expansion

Plus: Affordable housing developer buys south side site, Irgens plan to redevelop M&I building

On the Use of Tax Dollars for the Streetcar, Mayor Barrett is Either Deceitful or Incompetent

Residents are Forced to Decide Which

Board of Health Appointments Sail Through

Public Safety & Health Committee approves Barrett's appointments, chastises Barrett for not creating board earlier

Washington Nominated To City Plan Board

Town Bank VP Ranell Washington would replace his former coworker on commission.

Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020

City hopes to maintain free rides to keep up ridership but this could leave funding gap.

Visions of a Redeveloped M&I Tower

Irgens unveils renderings of redeveloped 20-story building, long a bank headquarters.

BMO Celebrates Topping Off Tower

Workers lift signed steel beam to top of 25-story tower. What comes next?

Sas-Pérez Appointed to City Plan Commission

Mayor appoints south side leader to design and zoning oversight board.

Barrett Appoints First Board of Health

City's first health oversight board is proposed to be filled almost entirely with women.

Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension

DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.

Juneteenth Day 2019

State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.

Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?

Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.

City Attorney Grant Langley Retiring?

Vince Bobot announces for job, leading to speculation Langley may retire after 36 years.

Accused Polluter a Big Campaign Donor

Johnson Controls International’s subsidiary accused of releasing hazardous chemicals, contaminating drinking water.

PrideFest Boasted 120 LGBTQ Artists

45,787 people attended, making it the largest pride event ever held in Wisconsin.

15th Annual Pride Parade

Milwaukee's most colorful parade had tons of floats and a one-block-long rainbow flag.

Plans Released for Foxconn’s LCD Factory

Millwork company bringing 200 jobs to city, Bayside tower gets shorter, Sonag owner pleads guilty.

City Honors Historic Preservation Leaders

Cream of the Cream City awards 8 leaders in adaptive reuse, historic preservation.

City Is Repaving More Streets

But is focus on streets just creating a backlog of alleys and sidewalks needing work?

Say Hello to Postman’s Porch

Milwaukee Downtown leads the reinvention of small triangular park near 2nd and Wells.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters Spends Big

Since 2010, group spent $3.2 million on elections, mostly for Democrats, and $1.2 million on lobbying.

Urban Manufacturing Alliance hosts national event in Milwaukee

Gathering focuses on building new narratives for manufacturing

“The Blue” Gets $30 Million Upgrade

See the transformation of under-used office building on now booming W. Wisconsin Ave.

Mayor, Aldermen Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week

Elected officials lead rides to Downtown to tout city's improving cycling infrastructure.

Three Downtown Hotels Will Miss DNC

Plus: Former Toys R Us becoming grocery store, and Pabst Mansion plans auction.

Six Candidates Seek Aldermanic Job

With Ald. Witkowski resigning, special election has been called, with primary on July 16th.

Brew City Match to launch first round of small business competition

Applications for small business loans, technical support will open June 10

Barrett Must Rebuild Fire & Police Board

Powerful Fire & Police Commission needs new director and two new board members.

No Agreement on Streetcar Extension

Mayor's press conference touts $160 million expansion plan. Delay could hurt city, he says.

Council Rejects Barrett’s FPC Appointee

Fire and Police Commission appointee gives "petulant" presentation, rejected by council.

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100