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 26

City Program Could Sell Homes for $1

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100

City Program Could Sell Homes for $1

City Program Could Sell Homes for $1

New RICH program will sell city-owned foreclosed homes at very low prices.

Corridor of Dreams: Celebrating the First Homeowner in New Program
Corridor of Dreams

Celebrating the First Homeowner in New Program

Happy press conference as program combining government, banks and non-profits brings homeowners back to city.

Burke Supports Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Residents

Burke Supports Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Residents

Measure rejected by legislature would have particular benefit for Hispanics in Milwaukee.

Murphy’s Law: Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National
Murphy’s Law

Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National

New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.

City Business: Our Daily Salt
City Business

Our Daily Salt

Unique, South Side business creates handcrafted kitchen items that are beautiful and functional.

Corridor of Dreams: Putting the Pieces Together
Corridor of Dreams

Putting the Pieces Together

Can the 15 year project revive an area that’s been in decline for 50 years? Last story in a series.

Plenty of Horne: Is Barry Mandel the Michael Jordan of Development?
Plenty of Horne

Is Barry Mandel the Michael Jordan of Development?

Barrett rhapsodizes over developer at groundbreaking of North End III. And Fresh Thyme owner adds praise of Mandel style.

Murphy’s Law: Walker’s Curious Debate Strategy
Murphy’s Law

Walker’s Curious Debate Strategy

His strategy was to “largely ignore” Burke. That may have been a mistake.

Friday Photos: Posner Renovation Kicks Off
Friday Photos

Posner Renovation Kicks Off

Our photos capture a new start for an old building.

Plenty of Horne: Condos Will Replace Third Ward Leather Factory
Plenty of Horne

Condos Will Replace Third Ward Leather Factory

And Ald. Bauman's tough style of running Third Ward architectural review board.

Milwaukee’s First 24/7 Library

Milwaukee’s First 24/7 Library

Westlawn Garden's "vending machine" public library is the fourth of its kind in the nation.

Murphy’s Law: 10 Reasons To Build Bucks Arena on Wisconsin Ave.
Murphy’s Law

10 Reasons To Build Bucks Arena on Wisconsin Ave.

Building the new arena where Boston Store is located could have huge advantages for the team and the city.

Ald. Bauman calls Mayoral veto of home improvement loan program a “slap to the face” of Milwaukee homeowners
Friday Photos: Bay View ArtStop Opens
Friday Photos

Bay View ArtStop Opens

It's a bus stop, art work, and urban island. Grand opening is tonight, but we've already got photos of the new amenity.

Malcolm X fiasco could have been avoided
Press Release

Malcolm X fiasco could have been avoided

Barrett administration drops the ball once again

Alderman Zielinski to host Art Stop Unveiling event Friday
Press Release

Alderman Zielinski to host Art Stop Unveiling event Friday

Mayor Barrett, County Board Chairwoman Dimitrijevic also scheduled to participate

Murphy’s Law: Another Newspaper Attack on Chief Flynn
Murphy’s Law

Another Newspaper Attack on Chief Flynn

Has the Journal Sentinel renewed its war against the police chief or was its Sunday story simply botched reporting?

The State of Politics: What Will “No Recall” Voters Do on Nov. 4?
The State of Politics

What Will “No Recall” Voters Do on Nov. 4?

They didn’t believe a governor should be recalled in mid-term. But will they vote to reelect Walker?

Facebook can’t solve our infant mortality problem
Press Release

Facebook can’t solve our infant mortality problem

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 16, 2014

Plenty of Horne: MIAD Apartments Changes Irk Bauman, Who Demands Fix
Plenty of Horne

MIAD Apartments Changes Irk Bauman, Who Demands Fix

A planned community gathering space instead becomes an underwhelming staircase.

County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony
Press Release

County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony

Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and other local leaders will honor the victims of September 11, 2001.

Plenty of Horne: City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort
Plenty of Horne

City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort

With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’

Corridor of Dreams: Can 30th Street Corridor Be Reclaimed?
Corridor of Dreams

Can 30th Street Corridor Be Reclaimed?

The redevelopment effort includes a huge swath of the city, and countless players and plans. First of a series.

So Far, No Flight From Enderis Park

So Far, No Flight From Enderis Park

City workers remain rooted in Enderis Park neighborhood despite elimination of residency rule.

Murphy’s Law: Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?
Murphy’s Law

Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?

He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?

Bill Would Require Body Camera on Police

Bill Would Require Body Camera on Police

Ald. Milele Coggs will introduce legislation requiring Milwaukee Police Department to buy and use body cameras.

Great Plan Gets Even Better!
Press Release

Great Plan Gets Even Better!

1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan

MPS to ‘ring in’ traditional calendar year Tuesday at one of the district’s 14 Commitment Schools
Press Release

MPS to ‘ring in’ traditional calendar year Tuesday at one of the district’s 14 Commitment Schools

Local and state leaders to join MPS Board members, Acting Supt. Driver at MPS' Thurston Woods Campus

Eyes on Milwaukee: Developer Slays NIMBY Objectors
Eyes on Milwaukee

Developer Slays NIMBY Objectors

Why East Side development can move so slowly. And when developers can bypass the neighbors.

Murphy’s Law: Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
Murphy’s Law

Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?

It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.

Eyes on Milwaukee: MIAD Opens New Residence Hall, Celebrates 40 Years
Eyes on Milwaukee

MIAD Opens New Residence Hall, Celebrates 40 Years

Half-birthday bash, half-ribbon cutting, the ceremony unveiled MIAD's new six-story, Third Ward building.

Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Development Partners
Press Release

Milwaukee Public Library Seeks Development Partners

Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) is asking real estate developers to submit information on current and potential projects that could be compatible with a library near four neighborhood libraries slated for replacement.

Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?

Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?

New FCC rule may make it easer to track the many thousands of ads that will run this fall.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
Eyes on Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

Murphy’s Law: Is Walker Guilty — Or the Law Meaningless?
Murphy’s Law

Is Walker Guilty — Or the Law Meaningless?

After the latest Doe document dump, no other conclusion is possible.

News From Elsewhere: Is Milwaukee One of the World’s Greenest Cities?
News From Elsewhere

Is Milwaukee One of the World’s Greenest Cities?

So says OnEarth magazine. Is it right?

Ald. Zielinski: Body cameras should be included in city’s 2015 budget
Press Release

Ald. Zielinski: Body cameras should be included in city’s 2015 budget

Wearable body cameras for Milwaukee police officers should be included in Mayor Tom Barrett’s proposed 2015 executive budget

Donovan to Mayor Barrett: Quit deceiving the public – there are no extra patrols!
Murphy’s Law: The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke
Murphy’s Law

The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke

A stunning election increases his power. What does it mean for Milwaukee?

Join Ald. Dudzik and Mayor Barrett for a Neighborhood walk
Press Release

Join Ald. Dudzik and Mayor Barrett for a Neighborhood walk

Alderman Joe Dudzik will be joined by Mayor Tom Barrett for a neighborhood walk in the 11th Aldermanic District on Thursday, August 21, as part of the “Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days” initiative launched by the Mayor earlier this summer.

City of Milwaukee Preliminary Budget Hearing
Press Release

City of Milwaukee Preliminary Budget Hearing

The City of Milwaukee will hold a 2015 Preliminary Budget Hearing to ensure the 2015 City of Milwaukee Budget addresses the needs of our community

Mayor Barrett to lead Ribbon Cutting of TWO50TWO – MIAD’s new res hall – at college’s 40th birthday party
Press Release

Mayor Barrett to lead Ribbon Cutting of TWO50TWO – MIAD’s new res hall – at college’s 40th birthday party

Ribbon Cutting for TWO50TWO, MIAD’s new residence apartments; Wednesday, August 27, 3:30 p.m. Reception to follow. 252 E. Menomonee St., Historic Third Ward. Rain or shine.

Entry Level Manufacturing Skills Foundry Training Class to Graduate, Friday, August 8th
Press Release

Entry Level Manufacturing Skills Foundry Training Class to Graduate, Friday, August 8th

On Friday, August 8th WRTP/BIG STEP in partnership with MAWIB will honor 19 graduates from the Mayor's Manufacturing Partnership.

Murphy’s Law: Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General
Murphy’s Law

Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General

Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?

EPA Announces $1 Million Grant to Clean Up Contaminated Sites in Milwaukee
Press Release

EPA Announces $1 Million Grant to Clean Up Contaminated Sites in Milwaukee

“This EPA brownfield grant is a solid investment in the future of Milwaukee that will help transform contaminated sites into redevelopment opportunities”

Historic Mitchell St. walk with Alderman Pérez and Mayor Barrett
Press Release

Historic Mitchell St. walk with Alderman Pérez and Mayor Barrett

Alderman José G. Pérez will be joined by Mayor Tom Barrett for a walk down Historic Mitchell Street.

Eyes on Milwaukee: “Bublr” Bike Share System Is Launched
Eyes on Milwaukee

“Bublr” Bike Share System Is Launched

The $3 million system is now installing 10 bike sharing stations and could expand to 100 stations and 1,000 bikes.

Taverns: McKiernan’s, the Home Base of Bob Donovan
Taverns

McKiernan’s, the Home Base of Bob Donovan

The alderman and mayoral candidate loves hanging out here, safe from those wine-sipping streetcar fans.

Sheriff Clarke is right on the money
Press Release

Sheriff Clarke is right on the money

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 5, 2014

A Walk Through Three Bridges Park

A Walk Through Three Bridges Park

South siders and environmentalists join Mayor Barrett, as part of his "Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days" challenge.

Bronzeville Week 2014 offers enrichment for the mind, body and soul
Press Release

Bronzeville Week 2014 offers enrichment for the mind, body and soul

Festival set for first day of family-oriented and fun week of events in Bronzeville

Is Iron Block the Finest Historic Restoration Ever Done?

Is Iron Block the Finest Historic Restoration Ever Done?

City officials are wowed at ribbon cutting ceremony.

Back In The News: Media Thrilled, Donovan Will Run for Mayor!
Back In The News

Media Thrilled, Donovan Will Run for Mayor!

Colorful, combative foe of Mayor Barrett will oppose him in 2016, which means far more fun for reporters covering the race.

Let Us All Praise Downtown Employees

Let Us All Praise Downtown Employees

This week is the 9th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. So start feeling appreciated. And check our list of the events.

Back in the News: “Controversy” Over Swing Park?
Back in the News

“Controversy” Over Swing Park?

Architect blasts city for altering her design. Are her complaints valid?

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Swings are Back — and Better than Before
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Swings are Back — and Better than Before

Guerrilla urbanism triumphs, as “magical” swings re-installed under Holton Avenue Bridge.

Murphy’s Law: The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic
Murphy’s Law

The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic

She’s running for assembly but wanted to continue as county supervisor and collect two full-time salaries.

Hard Hat Tour: The Standard at East Library
Hard Hat Tour

The Standard at East Library

Our photos take you inside the new library and apartment building on North Ave.

Plenty of Horne: Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Plenty of Horne

Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board

Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?

The City of Orchards

The City of Orchards

Mayor Barrett and others attend groundbreaking of city’s 5th urban orchard on 1st and Locust.

Murphy’s Law: A Tale of Two Cities
Murphy’s Law

A Tale of Two Cities

New city report reveals huge split between Milwaukee’s desperate poverty and wonderful amenities, neighborhoods. What are its solutions?

Mark Kessenich to Lead Organization
Press Release

Mark Kessenich to Lead Organization

Mark Kessenich has been named interim President and CEO of WRTP/BIG STEP.

County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Toast Opening of Red Arrow Park Beer Garden
Press Release

County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Toast Opening of Red Arrow Park Beer Garden

Veterans and Active Military Members Receive Discount

In Public: Paving the Lakefront with Concrete
In Public

Paving the Lakefront with Concrete

WisDOT deal with city will create a 10-lane roadway along the lake.

Data Wonk: Is Walker to Blame for Poor Job Growth?
Data Wonk

Is Walker to Blame for Poor Job Growth?

Liberal and conservatives adamantly disagree. What does the data show?

Wisconsin Progress Endorses Marina Dimitrijevic for State Assembly
Juvenile crime problems go up, and curfew enforcement goes down
Press Release

Juvenile crime problems go up, and curfew enforcement goes down

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 1, 2014

Data Wonk: Supreme Court May Disappoint Conservatives
Data Wonk

Supreme Court May Disappoint Conservatives

Their past decisions may force them to rule against those appealing the John Doe investigation.

Why we can no longer wait to remedy “The Wait”
Press Release

Why we can no longer wait to remedy “The Wait”

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan June 26, 2014

Mayor Tom Barrett and the Department of Public Works Announce New Advanced Parking Guidance System in Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council Endorses Dimitrijevic for State Assembly
Eyes on Milwaukee: New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground
Eyes on Milwaukee

New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground

The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.

Mayor Barrett released the following statement regarding the possibility of double-decking Interstate 94 on the west side of Milwaukee:
Press Release

Mayor Barrett released the following statement regarding the possibility of double-decking Interstate 94 on the west side of Milwaukee:

"I’m mystified as to why the Governor has not taken the Stadium Interchange's double deck option off the table."

Mayor Barrett grasping at straws
Press Release

Mayor Barrett grasping at straws

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 17, 2014

In Public: The Hotel That Isn’t There
In Public

The Hotel That Isn’t There

The downtown Marriott made so many compromises in design there's barely any left.

Where’s the Plan?
Press Release

Where’s the Plan?

Another weekend of violence leaves two more innocent children wounded

House Confidential: Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex
House Confidential

Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex

His sided, south side home, in suburban-like Jackson Park, is a veritable pillar of middle-class respectability.

Clean Wisconsin Action Endorses Marina Dimitrijevic for the State Assembly
Press Release

Clean Wisconsin Action Endorses Marina Dimitrijevic for the State Assembly

Marina is a Proven Champion for Protecting Our Environment

St. Paul Bridge is Reopened

St. Paul Bridge is Reopened

Key connection to Third Ward and Summerfest is completed on time and on budget.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Finally, a New Park East Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee

Finally, a New Park East Plan

Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?

Op-Ed: In Defense of Milwaukee
Op-Ed

In Defense of Milwaukee

City is making progress on foreclosures and the report claiming 40% of mortgages are underwater is hogwash.

New Partnership Will Spark Park East Development
Press Release

New Partnership Will Spark Park East Development

City, County, State, Federal Government and Private Sector Working Together

Milwaukee Public Library Hires Sam McGovern-Rowen to Manage Library Development Project
Press Release

Milwaukee Public Library Hires Sam McGovern-Rowen to Manage Library Development Project

Sam McGovern-Rowen will oversee the $21.5 million library branch redevelopment program.

Business forum tomorrow to highlight U.S. – Indonesia opportunities
Press Release

Business forum tomorrow to highlight U.S. – Indonesia opportunities

Milwaukee will play host to a business forum tomorrow that will highlight the opportunities for investment in and trade with the Southeast Asian nation.

Milwaukee is out of control
Press Release

Milwaukee is out of control

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. June 3, 2014

Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday
Press Release

Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday

Southeast Wisconsin Regional Heroin/Opiates Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 4.

Walk a Mile in the Mayor’s Shoes

Walk a Mile in the Mayor’s Shoes

Barrett wants residents to join him in walking 100 miles in 100 days.

Dimitrijevic for Assembly: Gains Endorsement of Public Educators in Wisconsin
Press Release

Dimitrijevic for Assembly: Gains Endorsement of Public Educators in Wisconsin

MTEA and WEAC Agree that Marina is the Best Choice

Port of Milwaukee Reports Net Income of $1.4-Million in 2013
Press Release

Port of Milwaukee Reports Net Income of $1.4-Million in 2013

Positive Financial Results Benefit Local Government

Affiliate of Five Mile Capital Partners Buys Downtown’s 411 East Wisconsin Building for $74.3 Million; Anchor Tenant Quarles & Brady Commits Until 2025
Zoning Committee Approves Adventure Rock Complex

Zoning Committee Approves Adventure Rock Complex

Apartment complex and climbing gym would bring an “urban theater” to North Avenue.

New Pocket Park for Lindsay Heights

New Pocket Park for Lindsay Heights

Located at 14th and Wright, park is part of mayor's "Home Gr/own Milwaukee" initiative.

Training Program Builds New Homes in City

Training Program Builds New Homes in City

Christian Center's YouthBuild program has built a dozen new homes while training young workers.

City of Milwaukee Hosts Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale – June 7th
Press Release

City of Milwaukee Hosts Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale – June 7th

The City of Milwaukee will host a one-day-only, first-come first-served backyard compost bin and rain barrel sale on Saturday, June 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Washington Park parking lot at N. 40th St. and W. Galena St.

Marveling Over Maskani Place

Marveling Over Maskani Place

New $10 million subsidized apartment complex provides a solution for 37 low-income families.

Maskani Place Opens in Harambee Neighborhood
Press Release

Maskani Place Opens in Harambee Neighborhood

Homeless families get a fresh start in empowering and green environment

The State of Politics: Barrett Blasts Suburbs on Low-Income Housing
The State of Politics

Barrett Blasts Suburbs on Low-Income Housing

Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee counties “systematically” keep out poor people, mayor charges.

Photo Gallery: A New Park for the City
Photo Gallery

A New Park for the City

The city, Associated Bank and Newaukee cooperate on a new park being created at MLK Dr. and McKinley Ave.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Winners & Great Photos of 2014 Mayor’s Design Awards
Eyes on Milwaukee

Winners & Great Photos of 2014 Mayor’s Design Awards

From the new Pizza Man to Radio Milwaukee to Junior House Lofts, the winners span many styles and neighborhoods. Photo Galleries of every winning design.

Running For Good Food

Running For Good Food

Growing Power's 5K run supports organization and combats urban food deserts.

<< See Newer - See Older >>