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 25
Super Reader Summer Reading Program Starts Today
Milwaukee Public Library Sets Goal to Enroll 25,000 Youth in the Reading Program
May 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Library
The Disappearance of Dan Bice
The state’s top political reporter has disappeared. Is the Journal Sentinel killing his column?
May 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Water Council Hires Matt Howard as New Director of Alliance for Water Stewardship, North America
Matt Howard, who has served the City of Milwaukee as the Sustainability Director for the last five years, will begin working for The Water Council on June 8.
May 14th, 2015 by The Water Council
Yes, Johnson Controls Wants to Build Downtown
The city will help pay for feasibility study of company building a high-rise near the lake and just west of Discovery World.
May 13th, 2015 by Dave Reid
For mayor, ignorance is bliss on MPD video snafu
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 12, 2015
May 12th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
MPD lost video report requires action, immediate response
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. May 11, 2015
May 11th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces New Wisconsin State Director
“I share Senator Baldwin’s strong commitment to public service and I am eager to put my experience to work for her in Wisconsin.”
May 11th, 2015 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
MMAC Plays Hardball on Bucks Arena
A misleading poll, pressure on legislators and more misinformation are all used to sell the NBA arena.
May 5th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
City violence hints at deeper problems
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. May 4, 2015
May 4th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
What If Racism Ended Today?
Results of poll by YWCA will be used to develop training sessions for companies in cultural sensitivity.
May 3rd, 2015 by Matthew Wisla
Where Will Sex Offenders Live?
Only a small percent are repeat offenders. Will local restrictions on residency force state to create uniform law?
May 2nd, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
No new taxes!
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 1, 2015
May 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Stand with Survivors: April 29th is Denim Day
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. This month, I am proud to stand alongside my colleague Dr. Darienne Driver, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, in raising awareness of the misconceptions around sexual assault.
Apr 28th, 2015 by Mayor Tom Barrett
De Blasio Descends on Milwaukee
New York's mayor and crew of handlers and security came for his speech to state Democrats. Later he partied with local pols and local brews at Nick's House.
Apr 27th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Housing Authority Expands Support for Homeless Veterans
"Members of our nation’s armed forces have served with courage and honor and should have a place to call home."
Apr 23rd, 2015 by Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Why Businesses Are Moving To The City
Many are moving from suburbs to Downtown and Walker's Point, seeking younger workers.
Apr 21st, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
$1 Million Plan to Upgrade Near West Side
Milwaukee Police, Marquette University and Harley-Davidson involved in project to redevelop area and cut crime.
Apr 19th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
An opportunity lost, and now we’re paying the cost
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. April 17, 2015
Apr 17th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
MANDI Awards Given at Gala Affair
More than 800 nonprofit, corporate and public-sector leaders attended event at Potawatomi Hotel.
Apr 17th, 2015 by Sharon McGowan
Continuing the search for solutions to tragic, senseless violence
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy April 16, 2015
Apr 16th, 2015 by Ald. Michael Murphy
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Ald. Davis demands Mayor use CDBG funds to address violence, poverty
“Instead, over my repeated objections and concerns, the Mayor uses it to fund city services year in and year out.”
Apr 14th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Where does the buck stop in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee on target for 200 homicides in 2015
Apr 14th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Kiva Already Funding City Entrepreneurs
In less than two months, 28 small businesses have gotten loans. Kiva hopes to increase that to 200.
Apr 13th, 2015 by Molly Rippinger
Officer injured in yet another car theft incident
Milwaukee’s auto theft rate 12 times higher than that of New York City
Apr 10th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Too Pure for Pork
Gov. Walker is a latest of state politicians from both parties who have an aversion to federal funds.
Apr 9th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s murder rate six times that of New York City
“I’m asking the mayor where the buck stops, because to me it sure doesn’t look like it stops at his desk.”
Apr 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Harley Davidson Arena?
Google shows the new NBA arena as the Harley Davidson Arena. But a Harley spokesperson says the description is "erroneous."
Apr 8th, 2015 by Dave Reid
Alderman Donovan asks for change in MPD vehicle pursuit policy
Current ‘no chase’ policy is emboldening criminals, Alderman Donovan says
Apr 7th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
The Boom in Walker’s Point
A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
New App Helps Domestic Violence Victims
Created by Sojourner center and UWM students, it's available to 99 percent of smartphone users.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Andrea Waxman
Mayor’s indecisiveness on the Downtown Arena project may cost the City of Milwaukee taxpayers millions!
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. April 3, 2015
Apr 3rd, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Common Ground to Wesley Edens: $30 Million for Our City
Mayor Tom Barrett and President Michael Murphy Meet with Nationstar Mortgage to Discuss Second Wave of Foreclosure Crisis
Apr 1st, 2015 by Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin
One more streetcar route change threatens Bastille Days, Jazz in the Park
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan March 30, 2015
Mar 30th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Milwaukee Public Library Selects HGA to Design New Forest Home Branch
HGA has a history of designing libraries and has worked with MPL on several previous projects.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Library
Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Unveils Street Sign for Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel
Wetzel was a door gunner for the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on January 8, 1968.
Mar 23rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
“Blessing of the Bublrs” Celebrates Bublr Bikes’ First Residential Station, on Brady Street
Bublr Bikes also announces $100,000 in new private donations
Mar 23rd, 2015 by Bublr Bikes
Seeking Strategies to Combat Violence
Unite Milwaukee Anti-Violence Summit, all-day event, gathered experts, politicians and city residents to talk about reducing violence in the city.
Mar 22nd, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
A Broken City
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. March 20, 2015
Mar 20th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Davis Sets, Cancels Meeting on Streetcar
His claim on streetcar turns out to be false. Meanwhile, new city assessor appointed with little fanfare.
Mar 17th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Summer Starts Today as Bublr Bikes Come out of Winter Hibernation, Ready for Riding
Bublr 2015 Bike-‐Sharing Season Starts Today With New and Cheaper Rates
Mar 16th, 2015 by Bublr Bikes
Neighborhood Leaders Applaud Barrett’s Speech
Mayor's state-of-the-city speech details plans for neighborhood development and partnerships with city.
Mar 13th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons creates more jobs for city residents
We’re proud to partner with Benson Industries on this important phase of our project.
Mar 10th, 2015 by Northwestern Mutual
St. Patrick’s parade is Saturday, March 14; event dates to 1843
The 140 units in the Irish celebration step off at noon on Wisconsin Ave. at Old World Third Street
Mar 9th, 2015 by Press Release
Joe Davis Announces Plan for NBA Arena
Actually, it wasn't really a plan. But it was a press conference.
Mar 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The City’s 2015 Take Root Milwaukee Homeownership Fair – “One-Stop Shop” for buying a home – Features Forgivable Loans for Renovation of City-Owned Properties.
“This is a good time for anyone considering homeownership to take a close look at the opportunities in our City.”
Mar 2nd, 2015 by City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee Housing Authority Earns ‘A+’ Credit Rating
Standard & Poor’s affirms strong management and value to community
Mar 2nd, 2015 by Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Join the Pothole Patrol
City's' free mobile app lets you report potholes and other problems.
Mar 1st, 2015 by Maria Corpus
Kiva Comes to Town
Global micro-loan program for small businesses expands to Milwaukee, and city fund will match its loans.
Feb 27th, 2015 by Andrew McCann
Milwaukee earns a dubious ranking while the Mayor basks in streetcar fanfare
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. February 20, 2015
Feb 20th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
We’ve been lulled into complacency – where is the outrage?
As violence skyrockets, Milwaukee now second poorest large U.S. city
Feb 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
John Shannon’s Marvelous Marietta Mansion
One of the great East Side homes, its history includes a remarkable cast of characters, almost a mini-history of Milwaukee elites.
Feb 19th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Jobs Program Struggles to Find Eligible Workers
City transitional jobs program for hard-core unemployed still has half of its positions unfilled.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
The Walker Economic Record
Crunching the numbers: How has Wisconsin’s economy fared in his first four years?
Feb 16th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Public Library Invites Community Input on Proposed Mixed Use Development for Mill Road Library
Community Meetings Scheduled for February 26th and March 4th
Feb 12th, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Library
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
A Tale of Two Cities
Milwaukee could learn from Auckland, which created a separate, non-profit authority to run the streetcar system.
Feb 5th, 2015 by Tim Jorgenson
Mayor Barrett Responds to Alderman Donovan’s Transit Option
Mayor Barrett released the following statement in regard to Alderman Donovan’s transit option press release today
Feb 3rd, 2015 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
New Arena Plan & Pabst Brewing Returns
Will legislature pass new arena plan? Will city and county have to contribute? Will Pabst brew here again?
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Dave Reid
Regarding the Tuesday community meeting hosted by Alderman Stamper
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. January 22, 2015
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes
Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Is Funding the Anti-Streetcar Effort?
Ald. Bauman and others are certain that dark money is pouring in for this, which streetcar opponents deny.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Prominent Business and Civic Leaders Urge Support for Milwaukee Streetcar
Open Letter in Support of The Milwaukee Streetcar
Jan 20th, 2015 by Press Release
It’s really hard to take JS, Mayor Barrett seriously these days
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan
Jan 16th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Community meeting about streetcar project next Tuesday
Mayor Barrett will join Alderman Stamper for meeting Tuesday at MAWIB
Jan 15th, 2015 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Why the Streetcar Won’t Work
The planned route will duplicate bus routes and won’t solve any of the city’s needs.
Jan 14th, 2015 by Samuel Jensen
The Bus Stop That Isn’t
The Bay View “art stop” is neither art nor a good bus stop. For one-tenth the price, the city could have done far better.
Jan 14th, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett goes “On the Issues” to discuss city’s upcoming streetcar project vote
On the eve of a pivotal Milwaukee Common Council vote, Barrett will make his case for the proposed Milwaukee streetcar project.
Jan 12th, 2015 by Marquette University
The Story Behind the Streetcar Referendum
Conservatives from outside Milwaukee hope to join forces with black city residents to oppose the streetcar.
Jan 8th, 2015 by Michael Horne and Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Miraculous Water Hub
Almost overnight, the city has become an international leader in water technology, says the national media. Are they right?
Jan 6th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Aldermen join forces to launch streetcar referendum petition drive
News conference set for 1 p.m. TODAY at City Hall
Jan 5th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Letter of Support for Milwaukee Streetcar
"I strongly support efforts to improve public transportation options, improve mobility, and create economic development in Milwaukee through the creation of a modern downtown street car."
Dec 23rd, 2014 by U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore
Avalon Theater’s Grand Opening is a Winner
Barrett salutes the theater’s and Bay View’s redevelopment, but is upstaged by the facility’s lovely redesign.
Dec 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Can Milwaukee Upgrade to Gold Ranking?
City officials pledge to work towards upgrading the city's national, bicycle-friendly ranking from bronze to gold.
Dec 19th, 2014 by Dave Schlabowske
Foundation Helps Herb Kohl Get $20 Million Windfall
His “$100 million gift” to Greater Milwaukee Foundation will gain him huge tax break for supporting new NBA arena.
Dec 18th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why the Swing Park Failed
It became a comedy of errors, but raises serious questions about the city’s strategy for “creative placemaking.”
Dec 16th, 2014 by Tom Bamberger
Council approves Milwaukee Promise funding to help city neighborhoods
News release and maps document from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Dec 16th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Walker’s Landing Coming to Commerce Street
The $19.5 million, 133-unit apartment complex along the river will fill in one of the last developable pieces of land on the Beerline.
Dec 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Public Library Recommends Development Partner for Mill Road Library
The developer team of Maures Development Group, Common Bond and Engberg Anderson was selected.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor looking to shut down public vote on downtown streetcar
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 8, 2014
Dec 8th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Construction Underway at The North End
Mandel Group is building the third phase of their "neighborhood by design" -- to plug "the doughnut hole in Downtown."
Dec 5th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Police-community discussion: Acknowledging basic conditions, facts first is vital
Statement from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton December 5, 2014
Dec 5th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Will New Facility Help Develop North Avenue?
St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, long successful on South Side, will build new facility and campus at 24th and North.
Dec 3rd, 2014 by Molly Rippinger
RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar
The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Washington Park Neighborhood and MPD Awarded National MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award
Mobilizing Residents/Partnerships leads to improved neighborhood safety
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Local Initiatives Support Corporation Milwaukee
How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promises a new arena will launch a Downtown renewal. Is he right?
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Community Input
Developers to Present Proposed Plans for Mill Road Library at Public Meeting
Dec 1st, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
How to Sell the Streetcar
Ald. Bob Bauman says mayor’s sales pitch lacks vision.
Nov 28th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Time to let the public decide on the streetcar
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. November 26, 2014
Nov 26th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Next Stops For The Streetcar
The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Alderman Donovan will seek petition drive for streetcar referendum
Alderman Bob Donovan to launch a citywide petition drive to trigger a binding referendum on the borrowing for the downtown streetcar project.
Nov 24th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
New East Library is a Jewel
Wow, what an improvement. Our photos capture the technology-rich and architecturally impressive new library
Nov 21st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Community Input
Developers to Present Proposed Plans for Forest Home Library at Public Meeting
Nov 21st, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Library
A big league city needs big league public transit options
Statement of Alderman Nik Kovac November 19, 2014
Nov 19th, 2014 by Nik Kovac
