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 28

The Mayor’s Plan for Foreclosures

Contribution to Justin Bielinski of $100

The Mayor’s Plan for Foreclosures

The Mayor’s Plan for Foreclosures

$11.6 million plan hopes to turn abandoned houses over to stable homeowners.

Milwaukee County Residents Encouraged to Sign Up for Affordable Health Care
Press Release

Milwaukee County Residents Encouraged to Sign Up for Affordable Health Care

Elected officials, others to highlight new health care options coming Oct. 1

Targeting Black Infant Mortality

Targeting Black Infant Mortality

Despite disagreements, groups working on problem are making progress.

Murphy’s Law: The Problem of Poverty
Murphy’s Law

The Problem of Poverty

Poverty is rising faster in Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee than nationally.

The End of Suburbs?

The End of Suburbs?

So argues a new book. And former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist agrees. Are they right?

First Look at NML’s New Skyscraper

First Look at NML’s New Skyscraper

The stunning, curved glass design for the 32-floor tower is by Pickard Chilton of New Haven, Connecticut.

Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons Unveiled
Press Release

Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons Unveiled

Signature structure, public spaces reflect growth of the company and confidence in the city

Walker Faces Tough Choice on Kenosha Casino

Walker Faces Tough Choice on Kenosha Casino

Any decision he makes will anger some, and could affect his potential run for president.

Plenty of Horne: Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse
Plenty of Horne

Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse

Court Commissioner Barry Slagle electrocuted in scary, unreported incident at courthouse.

Photo Gallery: Community Celebrates Silver City
Photo Gallery

Community Celebrates Silver City

An international weekend in Silver City with food, soccer, and a new mural.

Digital Billboard Art Month Brings Ten-Day Art Exhibit to All of Milwaukee
Press Release

Digital Billboard Art Month Brings Ten-Day Art Exhibit to All of Milwaukee

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has issued a proclamation recognizing October 1-10 as “Digital Billboard Art Month”(DBAM).

Nothing substantive has changed, and nothing substantive will change
Press Release

Nothing substantive has changed, and nothing substantive will change

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 9, 2013

In Milwaukee, Mayor Rybak Unveils New Ad Campaign to Attract Same-Sex Weddings to Minneapolis
Press Release

In Milwaukee, Mayor Rybak Unveils New Ad Campaign to Attract Same-Sex Weddings to Minneapolis

“I Want to Marry You in Minneapolis” campaign running in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago publications

New Violence Prevention Center Opens

New Violence Prevention Center Opens

Mayor calls it a "gigantic step" for the South Side.

Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill

Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill

Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?

MSOE Soccer Garage Debuts

MSOE Soccer Garage Debuts

MSOE unveils parking garage, athletic field complex.

Murphy’s Law: Republican Dog & Pony Show
Murphy’s Law

Republican Dog & Pony Show

Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?

Plenty of Horne: Greater Milwaukee Committee to Move to Water Accelerator
Plenty of Horne

Greater Milwaukee Committee to Move to Water Accelerator

All the news on the GMC's new home, as well as odds and ends around the East Side and beyond (plus a bicycle tour).

Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board

Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board

All three appointees on little known, powerful labor board now appointed by Republican Governor

IN:SITE Announces Digital Billboard Art Month
Press Release

IN:SITE Announces Digital Billboard Art Month

Milwaukee billboards will get a little bit more pleasing in October.

Community violence concerning, proposed solutions lacking
Press Release

Community violence concerning, proposed solutions lacking

Ald. Hamilton offers alternative to Mayor’s plan

Mayor’s MPD overtime math doesn’t add up
Press Release

Mayor’s MPD overtime math doesn’t add up

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan August 12, 2013

Murphy’s Law: Can Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?
Murphy’s Law

Can Wisconsin Avenue Be Saved?

A city task force hopes to revive the street but the obstacles are many.

Plenty of Horne: Bike Fed’s Glossy Mag a Success
Plenty of Horne

Bike Fed’s Glossy Mag a Success

The quarterly magazine now publishes 8,000 copies and has lots of advertisers, another sign of Milwaukee's bike renaissance.

Photo Gallery: A Very Pleasant Opening
Photo Gallery

A Very Pleasant Opening

Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.

Making the City Safer

Making the City Safer

Safe & Sound honors neighborhood leaders who make Milwaukee a safer place.

Plenty of Horne: Daglas Does Dallas
Plenty of Horne

Daglas Does Dallas

After a brief stay as Milwaukee Magazine editor, Cristina Daglas is off to become editor of D Magazine!

Photo Gallery: East Library Groundbreaking
Photo Gallery

East Library Groundbreaking

Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.

Where’s the Outrage? Wake Up Milwaukee!
Press Release

Where’s the Outrage? Wake Up Milwaukee!

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 29, 2013

Plenty of Horne: St Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt
Plenty of Horne

St Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt

Seventh bridge reconstructed on Barrett's watch will include streetcar tracks.

Murphy’s Law: Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?
Murphy’s Law

Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?

Analyzing this city’s key strengths and weaknesses.

Murphy’s Law: The $1 Million Art Project
Murphy’s Law

The $1 Million Art Project

Steve Marcus’ plan to bring world class sculpture to Milwaukee is expensive. Is it a good idea?

Plenty of Horne: Our Mounted Patrol
Plenty of Horne

Our Mounted Patrol

The history, costs and benefits of the police department's horse patrol.

Mayor Barrett Launches New Citywide Sustainability Initiative
Press Release

Mayor Barrett Launches New Citywide Sustainability Initiative

Mayor Tom Barrett launched a new initiative, ReFresh Milwaukee, on Tuesday, July 16. ReFresh Milwaukee provides a vision for community sustainability over the next 10 years and seeks to make Milwaukee a center for sustainability innovation and thought leadership.

Bike Czar: Bikes Can’t Lose in Cities
Bike Czar

Bikes Can’t Lose in Cities

They're cheaper, require less spending by cities than on cars, and are often faster. Expect ever-more bicyclists in Milwaukee.

Photo Gallery: Unlock a B-Cycle Today!
Photo Gallery

Unlock a B-Cycle Today!

Milwaukee's first bike-sharing station opened at Discovery World today, and our photos capture the event.

Midwest BikeShare installs Milwaukee’s first bike share kiosk.
Press Release

Midwest BikeShare installs Milwaukee’s first bike share kiosk.

This kiosk, funded with the support of the City of Milwaukee, local businesses, institutions and foundations, is the first of 24 kiosks that are scheduled to be installed throughout the City of Milwaukee.

City of Milwaukee to Defend State Constitution
Press Release

City of Milwaukee to Defend State Constitution

Joint statement of Mayor Tom Barrett, Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. and Alderman Michael J. Murphy

Photo Gallery: Temporary East Library Opens
Photo Gallery

Temporary East Library Opens

It's just a block and a half away from the old library, and as Mayor Barrett demonstrated at its opening, you can still check out books.

Barrett & Council to Walker and Legislature: “Give me my ball, I’m going home”
Press Release

Barrett & Council to Walker and Legislature: “Give me my ball, I’m going home”

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 1, 2013

Global Anti-Bigotry Campaign Makes U.S. Debut in Milwaukee
Press Release

Global Anti-Bigotry Campaign Makes U.S. Debut in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Jewish Federation collaborates with U.S. Department of State to launch Hours Against Hate

Over 2 Million Meals Served

Over 2 Million Meals Served

Salvation Army summer food program has served 2 million kids since 1990.

Fatherhood event this week will include young men in panel discussion
Press Release

Fatherhood event this week will include young men in panel discussion

“To Be or Not To Be… A Father @ This Time” – an important panel discussion about fatherhood and related issues – will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, June 21, 2013 at Parklawn YMCA, 4340 N. 46th St.

Murphy’s Law: The Decline of Sheriff Clarke
Murphy’s Law

The Decline of Sheriff Clarke

The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.

Milwaukee Recognized as ‘Playful City USA’ Community
Press Release

Milwaukee Recognized as ‘Playful City USA’ Community

Sign unveiling event Monday will feature Alderman Murphy, Mayor Barrett and MPS representative

We Want to Save the Warner

We Want to Save the Warner

A non-profit trust hopes to restore a classic downtown theater as a concert hall.

Packers Field Kicks Off at Mitchell Park

Packers Field Kicks Off at Mitchell Park

The neighborhood now is the only one in America with a former NFL playing field.

House Confidential: Andy Nunemaker’s Dream Mansion
House Confidential

Andy Nunemaker’s Dream Mansion

With 26 rooms, a pool and huge coach house, the entrepreneur and philanthropist Andy Nunemaker has plenty of room for company.

Plenty of Horne: World’s Straightest Parade?
Plenty of Horne

World’s Straightest Parade?

No parade has a straighter route, or a gayer crowd, than the annual Pride Parade, coming Sunday.

Jackie Robinson Middle School Remade as Senior Living Community

Jackie Robinson Middle School Remade as Senior Living Community

Gorman & Company recently completed the conversion of Jackie Robinson Middle School into the Sherman Park Senior Living Community.

Business moving from Milwaukee = wake up call
Press Release

Business moving from Milwaukee = wake up call

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan May 31, 2013

The Story Behind the Strike

The Story Behind the Strike

Thin reporting and overheated commentary have obscured the real story of why workers are striking against Palermo’s.

Op-Ed: Why Dan Bice Should Resign
Op-Ed

Why Dan Bice Should Resign

The Journal Sentinel columnist’s coverage of John Doe probe is a case study in journalistic malfeasance.

Eyes on Milwaukee: $350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors
Eyes on Milwaukee

$350,000 Grant Funds Art Corridors

GMC lands grant from ArtPlace America to create artistic corridors in Riverwest and Harambee and on West Wisconsin Ave.

Back in the News: Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary
Back in the News

Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary

His salary rose by $114,000, to more than $886,000, and the explanations keep getting thinner.

House Confidential: Mayor Barrett’s Modest Mansionette
House Confidential

Mayor Barrett’s Modest Mansionette

The home is reserved, restrained, dignified unto dull, not unlike its occupant.

Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork

Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork

In violation of his campaign promise, Walker's budget has 58 policy or non-monetary items and 15 pieces of pork.

Photo Gallery: Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!
Photo Gallery

Mayor Barrett Bikes to Work!

Mayor Barrett kicked off Bike to Work Week with his annual bike ride, and announced new city funding for bike-sharing.

Plenty of Horne: Transit Outrage
Plenty of Horne

Transit Outrage

Alberta Darling says my way or the highway. Plus: the return of Jerry Kleczka!

Celebrate Bike to Work Week with Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderpersons, and The Wisconsin Bike Federation
Historic Preservation Honored Wednesday at Cream of Cream City Awards Ceremony
Press Release

Historic Preservation Honored Wednesday at Cream of Cream City Awards Ceremony

Annual preservation honors event to be held at Best Place at the Pabst

Back in the News: The Arrogance of Summerfest
Back in the News

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.

Alderman Donovan calls for increasing police overtime funding, adding 20 new officers
Plenty of Horne: Barrett Pleads for Businesses to Support Residency Rules
Plenty of Horne

Barrett Pleads for Businesses to Support Residency Rules

It's in your self-interest to lobby against this law, Barrett tells businesses.

City of Milwaukee Brings Back Popular Compost Bin Distribution Event on May 4th
Press Release

City of Milwaukee Brings Back Popular Compost Bin Distribution Event on May 4th

Residents encouraged to reduce waste, save money, learn more about composting

Peace Rally to Combat Crime

Peace Rally to Combat Crime

Rally special guest Ice T didn't show up as planned, but Mayor Barrett and Ald Hines spoke to the gathering.

Plenty of Horne: Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”
Plenty of Horne

Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”

Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.

Murphy’s Law: Myths About a New NBA Arena
Murphy’s Law

Myths About a New NBA Arena

In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.

Abele, Barrett and Other Milwaukee Leaders Urge Legislature to Restore Transit Funding
Press Release

Abele, Barrett and Other Milwaukee Leaders Urge Legislature to Restore Transit Funding

A coalition of Milwaukee leaders are sending a letter to lawmakers in Madison asking them to restore cuts in transit funding and requesting that they maintain the segregated Transportation Fund.

Milwaukee Jobs Act components get boost from Council
Press Release

Milwaukee Jobs Act components get boost from Council

The Common Council has approved changes that will make it easier for groups and businesses to help implement key components of the Milwaukee Jobs Act, which could help put dozens of city residents in new jobs this summer.

Murphy’s Law: The Arrogance of Summerfest
Murphy’s Law

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.

Plenty of Horne: Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town
Plenty of Horne

Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town

Baldwin offers an insider's look at the U.S.Senate. And Milwaukee Buck Samuel Dalembert buys a LOT of wine.

Milwaukee Public Library’s East Library Will Relocate to Temporary Facility This Summer and Hold Public Meeting on Design in April
Murphy’s Law: Journal Sentinel Story Doesn’t Hold Water
Murphy’s Law

Journal Sentinel Story Doesn’t Hold Water

Story slams Milwaukee water utility though it’s actually cheaper than others in the region.

Barrett Seeks Business Supporters for Residency Requirement

Barrett Seeks Business Supporters for Residency Requirement

Mayor addresses 300 business execs, says ending residency requirement could depress city property values.

Murphy’s Law: Can Fallone Beat Roggensack?
Murphy’s Law

Can Fallone Beat Roggensack?

Pat Roggensack leads the Supreme Court's conservative bloc and may be its most powerful justice. Ed Fallone blames a "dysfunctional court" on her.

Girls’ Day at City Hall showcases public service careers for young women
Press Release

Girls’ Day at City Hall showcases public service careers for young women

The palette of speakers and role models for young women interested in public service continues to expand in the third annual Girls’ Day at City Hall, hosted TOMORROW, March 20, 2013 by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.

House Confidential: Rocky’s Throne of Stone
House Confidential

Rocky’s Throne of Stone

Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?

New Front Door for Lakefront

New Front Door for Lakefront

Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.

Alderman Donovan calls for hiring 300-400 new police officers; points to New York City’s example
Press Release

Alderman Donovan calls for hiring 300-400 new police officers; points to New York City’s example

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan March 11, 2013

Just Six Days Left to Vote Milwaukee in Mayors Challenge Fan Favorite Contest
Press Release

Just Six Days Left to Vote Milwaukee in Mayors Challenge Fan Favorite Contest

Mayor Barrett launches “Twitter Flash Mob” and encourages all proud Milwaukeeans to tweet at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Murphy’s Law: Super Scott
Murphy’s Law

Super Scott

Democrats continue to underestimate Walker, even as he radically transforms the state.

Common Council approves two new facets of Milwaukee Jobs Act
Press Release

Common Council approves two new facets of Milwaukee Jobs Act

The Common Council enabled the Milwaukee Jobs Act to take two more significant steps toward putting city residents back to work Wednesday, approving funding that increases the number of positions in the LEAP program and dramatically expands the Neighborhood Ambassador program.

Eyes on Milwaukee: A Historic Milwaukee Celebration
Eyes on Milwaukee

A Historic Milwaukee Celebration

Plus: A national green award for The Brewery; and bringing fruit trees to Walker's Point.

Wilson confirmation could be start of better, more open, inclusive and accessible process
Press Release

Wilson confirmation could be start of better, more open, inclusive and accessible process

I would like to congratulate 6th District resident Anna Wilson on being confirmed today by the Common Council to serve on the Fire and Police Commission.

Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address
Press Release

Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address

Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building

Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement regarding the Derek Williams Inquest:
Press Release

Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement regarding the Derek Williams Inquest:

“I want to thank Special Prosecutor John Franke for his professionalism while presenting the case and I want to thank the jury panel for their service.”

If residency requirement is lifted, Mayor Barrett needs to look in the mirror to see who’s to blame
Milwaukee residents have new ways of applying to serve on city boards and commissions
Press Release

Milwaukee residents have new ways of applying to serve on city boards and commissions

New City of Milwaukee online features enable residents to quickly and easily place their names in nomination for appointments to serve on city boards and commissions.

Plenty of Horne: Every Politician in Town
Plenty of Horne

Every Politician in Town

Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.

City People: Marina Lee
City People

Marina Lee

The creator of Snail's Crossing park in Riverwest brings her art directly to the people.

Urban home ownership, maintaining neighborhood vitality to be discussed during City Hall event Friday
Press Release

Urban home ownership, maintaining neighborhood vitality to be discussed during City Hall event Friday

A City Hall event on Friday (February 1) entitled “Panel on Urban Home Ownership and Neighborhood Vitality during the Foreclosure Crisis,” will feature Alderman Nik Kovac.

Ald. Dudzik: Streetcar utility concerns are nothing new
Press Release

Ald. Dudzik: Streetcar utility concerns are nothing new

I am absolutely sure this same information, and even maps of potentially problematic utilities, were available to Alderman Donovan.

Two more reasons to say “NO!” to the downtown streetcar
Press Release

Two more reasons to say “NO!” to the downtown streetcar

Alderman Donovan outlines potential huge cost overruns

Murphy’s Law: America Discovers Sheriff Clarke
Murphy’s Law

America Discovers Sheriff Clarke

Clarke appears on Piers Morgan with Tom Barrett and gets beat up by both Morgan and the mayor.

Murphy’s Law: Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power
Murphy’s Law

Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power

Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.

Plenty of Horne: Evers Vs. Pridemore
Plenty of Horne

Evers Vs. Pridemore

The battle between State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers and challenger Don Pridemore.

MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit back for a second year
Press Release

MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit back for a second year

Event showcases resources available to aspiring business owners.

FPC confirmation starts with committee hearing tomorrow
Press Release

FPC confirmation starts with committee hearing tomorrow

For the first time in city history, on Thursday citizens will be able to indirectly ask questions of and comment on an appointee to the Fire and Police Commission.

Murphy’s Law: Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely
Murphy’s Law

Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely

Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.

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