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 18

City Hall: HUD Halts City Lead Treatment Program
City Hall

HUD Halts City Lead Treatment Program

Barrett requested review; temporary stop work order cites possible lead hazards.

Photo Gallery: Northwestern Mutual Show Draws Crowd
Photo Gallery

Northwestern Mutual Show Draws Crowd

Mayor Barrett, others attend opening of show by 17 artists honoring 25 local non-profits.

Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead

Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead

The Common Council, he says, was a “little like middle school.”

Murphy’s Law: Mayor Barrett’s Power in Decline?
Murphy’s Law

Mayor Barrett’s Power in Decline?

Council taking more power, mayor taking a beating.

Eyes on Milwaukee: More Apartments, Retail for Walker’s Point
Eyes on Milwaukee

More Apartments, Retail for Walker’s Point

Wangard development is compromise between city, developer and alderman.

Port Milwaukee Cargo Volume Grows in 2017
Press Release

Port Milwaukee Cargo Volume Grows in 2017

As Vessel Visits Climb Nearly 10%

Eyes on Milwaukee: Foxconn HQ In Downtown Milwaukee
Eyes on Milwaukee

Foxconn HQ In Downtown Milwaukee

Company building Racine area plant coming here to attract talent, grow new business line.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Appoints McManus Interim Health Leader
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Appoints McManus Interim Health Leader

She'll be interim commissioner. Says city's failure to send letters about lead was "deliberate."

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination

Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.

Friday Photos: Hammes HQ Takes Shape
Friday Photos

Hammes HQ Takes Shape

Building is a welcome change from a vacant lot.

Gag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor
Press Release

Gag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor

I am pleased that Mayor Barrett rescinded the policy, because whether in writing or not it is a culture that has existed for years in city government.

Resolution Aims to Take Down Milwaukee Health Department’s Restrictive Communication Policy
Press Release

Resolution Aims to Take Down Milwaukee Health Department’s Restrictive Communication Policy

This resolution will prohibit any policy which aims to stifle whistle-blowers.

Data Wonk: Why Can’t MPS Improve Results?
Data Wonk

Why Can’t MPS Improve Results?

Perhaps because our leaders ignore data on which schools work.

Key Details Missing from the Mayor’s Account of Lead Testing Crisis
Press Release

Key Details Missing from the Mayor’s Account of Lead Testing Crisis

He has not provided me with information about how many 7th District residents are affected by the notification errors.

The Administration has Lost the Common Council’s Confidence in Addressing the Lead Issue
Press Release

The Administration has Lost the Common Council’s Confidence in Addressing the Lead Issue

Unfortunately, we have a real problem and my district bears a huge burden because of poverty, density and the age of the housing stock.

Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing
Press Release

Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing

The sheer hypocrisy concerns me and should concern every citizen in Milwaukee.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems

Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader

Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Nominations Open for Mayor’s Design Awards
Eyes on Milwaukee

Nominations Open for Mayor’s Design Awards

21st annual program will honor everything from new towers to pocket parks.

Aldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position
Press Release

Aldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position

Mr. Nannis was appointed Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department by Mayor Tom Barrett and has reportedly already reported for work, but his appointment has not been confirmed by the full Common Council.

FPC launches Milwaukee Collaborative Reform Initiative Community Feedback Portal
Press Release

FPC launches Milwaukee Collaborative Reform Initiative Community Feedback Portal

The FPC and MPD are committed to continuing the community conversation started during the US DOJ Collaborative Review process.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Responds to Lead Crisis
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Responds to Lead Crisis

Following Health Dept fallout, nine bills introduced to address lead poisoning issues.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff

Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Launches Health Dept. Probe
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Launches Health Dept. Probe

In wake of Bevan Baker's ouster, council investigating Barrett administration decisions.

Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions
Press Release

Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 16, 2018

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Ousts Bevan Baker Over Lead Fiasco
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Ousts Bevan Baker Over Lead Fiasco

Failure to notify families of lead-poisoned children at issue; aldermen outraged.

Health Department mistakes worsen city’s lead crisis
Press Release

Health Department mistakes worsen city’s lead crisis

Statement of Alderman Mark A. Borkowski - January 12, 2018

Freshwater For Life Action Coalition (FLAC) to Hold Press Conference After Announcement Of Firing Health Commissioner Bevan Baker
Press Release

Freshwater For Life Action Coalition (FLAC) to Hold Press Conference After Announcement Of Firing Health Commissioner Bevan Baker

"...What FLAC wants to hear is when is the City going to release data regarding lead blood testing of Milwaukee infants..."

City’s Employer of National Service status offers promise for service agency vets
Press Release

City’s Employer of National Service status offers promise for service agency vets

News conference set for Wednesday, January 17 at City Hall

2018 Milwaukee Film Festival Opens Call For Entries
Press Release

2018 Milwaukee Film Festival Opens Call For Entries

Free Entry for All Films; Festival Offers To Pay for Work That Is Screened

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Awarded $1 Million Grant to Address Housing
Press Release

Community Advocates Public Policy Institute Awarded $1 Million Grant to Address Housing

The project was selected for its potential to drive systems and policy changes that could lead to equitable and sustainable improvements in health.

Donovan Says City Terrorized by Villains

Donovan Says City Terrorized by Villains

“I am not fabricating, falsifying,” he says, decrying current approaches to crime.

Eyes on Milwaukee: NM Tower Hired 800 City Residents
Eyes on Milwaukee

NM Tower Hired 800 City Residents

Tower project also gives $127 million in contracts to disadvantaged small businesses.

Campaign Cash: Walker’s Reliance on Outside Donations
Campaign Cash

Walker’s Reliance on Outside Donations

Governor decries them, but no candidate in state is more reliant on them.

New Season of ‘Around the Corner with John McGivern’ Kicks off with sold-out Preview party
Press Release

New Season of ‘Around the Corner with John McGivern’ Kicks off with sold-out Preview party

Highly-Anticipated 7th Season Launches with Screening Event on January 8

Murphy’s Law: 11 Sure-Fire Predictions For 2018
Murphy’s Law

11 Sure-Fire Predictions For 2018

How crazy will 2018 be? Let us count the ways.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 10 Most Popular Stories of 2017
Eyes on Milwaukee

10 Most Popular Stories of 2017

A second lakefront tower, a mini-High Line and other favorite stories.

Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy
Press Release

Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy

Ald. Murphy and Ald. Pérez look forward to further changes being implemented on the roadways to ensure safety.

Data Wonk: How Are Our Schools Doing?
Data Wonk

How Are Our Schools Doing?

Much worse than Chicago’s. And little difference between public and choice schools.

Martinsek & Krueger Elected MMSD Commission Chair, Vice Chair
Press Release

Martinsek & Krueger Elected MMSD Commission Chair, Vice Chair

Kris Martinsek is principal and owner of Martinsek & Associates.

Murphy’s Law: 22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs
Murphy’s Law

22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs

Nearly 1,000 workers have left city since state ended residency rule.

City’s Housing Fund Has Big Impact

City’s Housing Fund Has Big Impact

$7 million invested over 11 years has leveraged an additional $176 million in spending.

Milwaukee Film Celebrates 10th Anniversary; Announces 2018 Festival Dates
Press Release

Milwaukee Film Celebrates 10th Anniversary; Announces 2018 Festival Dates

Festival organizers hope the later dates will expand programming opportunities.

Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards

Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards

But Health Department leaders contend it doesn't really change how they operate.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Will Run for Mayor
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Will Run for Mayor

Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.

Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis?

Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis?

City has shortage of affordable housing, high eviction rate. Experts share ideas at panel.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Approves Waukesha Water Deal
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Approves Waukesha Water Deal

Only one alderman objects to 40-year, $286 million deal.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Overrides Most of Mayor’s Vetoes
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Overrides Most of Mayor’s Vetoes

Bauman accuses Barrett of false promises, Stamper calls mayor "disingenuous."

Mayor Barrett’s Statement on Today’s Council Action
Press Release

Mayor Barrett’s Statement on Today’s Council Action

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement after today’s Common Council meeting where the Mayor’s budget vetoes were addressed:

$100,000 Grant for Violence Prevention Plan

$100,000 Grant for Violence Prevention Plan

Bader Philanthropies grant helps fund effort pushed by Health Commissioner Bevan Baker.

City leaders and community partners collaborate to prioritize DOJ recommendations
Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Okays Waukesha Water Deal
Eyes on Milwaukee

Committee Okays Waukesha Water Deal

Key council committee approves largest collaborative deal in region's history.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Issues Three Budget Vetoes
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Issues Three Budget Vetoes

Will council override Barrett? They'll have to decide next Tuesday.

Photo Gallery: The 91st Milwaukee Holiday Parade
Photo Gallery

The 91st Milwaukee Holiday Parade

100 different marching bands, floats, costumed characters, huge balloons and more.

The State of Politics: Will Democrats Set Record for Governor Race?
The State of Politics

Will Democrats Set Record for Governor Race?

A record 16 candidates have registered, making predictions difficult.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Preservation Park Opens Downtown
Eyes on Milwaukee

Preservation Park Opens Downtown

The new park, located in The Brewery, honors area's blue ribbon history.

City of Milwaukee and Harbor District, Inc. Release Draft Water and Land Use Plan
Press Release

City of Milwaukee and Harbor District, Inc. Release Draft Water and Land Use Plan

Plan Calls for New Urban Development, Active Waterfront Uses, and Environmental Restoration Within a “Working Waterfront.”

Serve Marketing Celebrates 15 Years of Making a Difference Through Creative Advertising
Press Release

Serve Marketing Celebrates 15 Years of Making a Difference Through Creative Advertising

Milwaukee advertising agency best known for helping reduce city’s teen birth rate by 65 percent

Eyes on Milwaukee: BMO Harris Breaks Ground On 25-Story Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

BMO Harris Breaks Ground On 25-Story Tower

$132 million office tower across from City Hall will be Milwaukee's 12th tallest building.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Affordable Housing in Every Major Project?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Affordable Housing in Every Major Project?

Proposal would require it for any project with 20 or more units. Will developers oppose it?

Milwaukee’s Riverwalk Earns Prestigious International Award
Press Release

Milwaukee’s Riverwalk Earns Prestigious International Award

Urban Land Institute Names RiverWalk a Global Award of Excellence Winner

Amended 2018 budget restores police officers, moves disparity study forward, and honors a fallen city employee
Press Release

Amended 2018 budget restores police officers, moves disparity study forward, and honors a fallen city employee

The budget will now head to Mayor Barrett who will have until the close of business on November 27th to sign the budget.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget

Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Okays Disparity Study, More Cops
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Okays Disparity Study, More Cops

Compromise proposal funds study of gender, race disparities and five new police recruits.

Milwaukee’s Film Industry is Bigger Than Beer
Press Release

Milwaukee’s Film Industry is Bigger Than Beer

Film industry grew by 10% (2010-2015); double the rate of local economy

Murphy’s Law: Walker Retreats From Foxconn Deal
Murphy’s Law

Walker Retreats From Foxconn Deal

It was supposed to assure his reelection. What happened?

Murphy’s Law: The GOP Sales Tax Hypocrisy
Murphy’s Law

The GOP Sales Tax Hypocrisy

Favored Republican towns allowed to levy a local sales tax. But not Milwaukee.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn

10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.

House Confidential: Fire Fighter Lives Far Far Away
House Confidential

Fire Fighter Lives Far Far Away

Union leader Seager lives In McMansion Jr.-style home worth $475,000 in Town of Jackson.

Friday Photos: Classical Dome Appears Downtown
Friday Photos

Classical Dome Appears Downtown

Hammes Co.'s new headquarters distinctive design clearly visible.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Hyatt Place Hotel Tops Off
Eyes on Milwaukee

Hyatt Place Hotel Tops Off

Hotel will open near arena in July 2018.

Commissioner Cole honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
Press Release

Commissioner Cole honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful

Much of Cole’s record of success was created while working for the City.

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Two months after DOJ draft report on MPD released, groups demand recommended changes.

Public Policy Forum and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance to Merge
Press Release

Public Policy Forum and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance to Merge

Researchers at the new group will continue to focus on issues important to state government, local government, schools, Metro Milwaukee, and Wisconsin’s economy.

Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job

Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job

State bill would also let cops union grab power on Fire & Police Commission.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City To Sell Water to Waukesha
Eyes on Milwaukee

City To Sell Water to Waukesha

After years of debate, Waukesha and Milwaukee strike a historic, 40-year deal.

Mayor Barrett tells the Common Council not to politicize the Police Chief position, yet uses him for fundraising
$2.3 Million in Grants for Estabrook Dam Removal
Press Release

$2.3 Million in Grants for Estabrook Dam Removal

NEW Analysis Shows Project Would Take 50+ Homes Out of Floodplain

Name calling from Mayor’s Chief of Staff will not be tolerated
Press Release

Name calling from Mayor’s Chief of Staff will not be tolerated

Statement by Alderman Tony Zielinski

Eyes on Milwaukee: See Streetcar Floors Made Locally
Eyes on Milwaukee

See Streetcar Floors Made Locally

Mayor tours Cudahy factory that is making -- and donating -- the floors for Milwaukee's Streetcar.

Barrett and Farrow Call For Cooperation

Barrett and Farrow Call For Cooperation

Mayor and Waukesha County Executive share vision for region’s future at Marquette conference.

Murphy’s Law: Barrett Versus the Backdrop Boys
Murphy’s Law

Barrett Versus the Backdrop Boys

Or how police-fire benefits are driving the city budget crisis.

New poll shows Milwaukee area’s divided feelings on Foxconn, views on other topics as Marquette Law School launches expanded public policy program
Press Release

New poll shows Milwaukee area’s divided feelings on Foxconn, views on other topics as Marquette Law School launches expanded public policy program

54 percent of adults polled believe a new Foxconn factory will substantially improve the economy of the Milwaukee area.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar

And again his math doesn't add up.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn

And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."

Aldermen Peréz voices disappointment in Mayor Barrett’s veto decision
Record-breaking Milwaukee Film Festival Attendance; 9% Increase to 84,702
Press Release

Record-breaking Milwaukee Film Festival Attendance; 9% Increase to 84,702

The Blood is at the Doorstep wins Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award

Marquette Law School to launch Lubar Center with first look at new Milwaukee Area Project
Press Release

Marquette Law School to launch Lubar Center with first look at new Milwaukee Area Project

The Milwaukee Area Project thus seeks to examine and report on public opinion, public policy, and conditions throughout the region.

Alderman Zielinski takes action to save police and fire positions
Press Release

Alderman Zielinski takes action to save police and fire positions

Alderman Zielinski drafted a resolution that would allow residents and corporations to donate to Milwaukee’s Police and Fire Departments.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn

Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.

The Death of Jermaine Claybrooks

The Death of Jermaine Claybrooks

Police killed suspected drug dealer, but his family and lawyer say slaying unjustified.

UCC, Latino Arts, Pabst Theater Group and American Red Cross to Host Benefit Concert
Press Release

UCC, Latino Arts, Pabst Theater Group and American Red Cross to Host Benefit Concert

‘Los Sonidos Unidos’ Concert to Raise Funds for Relief Support in Puerto Rico and Mexico

Murphy’s Law: Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Murphy’s Law

Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?

Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.

Milwaukee Grows Its Green Program

Milwaukee Grows Its Green Program

Environmental program saving millions in taxes, winning private sector participants.

New Library Embraces the Future

New Library Embraces the Future

Mitchell Street branch is the city’s most technologically advanced.

Over $140,000 in Cash and Production Services Awarded at Milwaukee Film Festival
Press Release

Over $140,000 in Cash and Production Services Awarded at Milwaukee Film Festival

$87,000 in cash and over $60,000 in production services awarded

Eyes on Milwaukee: Potawatomi Gives $10 Million To Streetcar
Eyes on Milwaukee

Potawatomi Gives $10 Million To Streetcar

Streetcar will be known as The Hop; Potawatomi gift means no operation costs for city.

Family friendly weekend: Mitchell Street Branch Library Opening, and Harbor Fest
Press Release

Family friendly weekend: Mitchell Street Branch Library Opening, and Harbor Fest

Join Aldermen Perez and area residents as we celebrate two great events all in one weekend!

City and Potawatomi strike 12-year, $10 million streetcar presenting sponsorship agreement, includes free rides for the first 12 months
Press Release

City and Potawatomi strike 12-year, $10 million streetcar presenting sponsorship agreement, includes free rides for the first 12 months

City also announces the system name “The Hop, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino”

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City and Potawatomi strike 12-year, $10 million streetcar presenting sponsorship agreement, includes free rides for the first 12 months

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100