Welcome to the Office of Mayor Tom Barrett

Highlights 

 

2008 State of the City AddressMayor Barrett on the City of Milwaukee's Residency Requirement

The Wisconsin State Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance is currently considering the Governor's budget proposal to prohibit Wisconsin municipalities from imposing residency requirements on their employees.  If approved, the Governor’s budget will remove the residency requirement for City of Milwaukee employees.  The City’s residency requirement has been in place since 1938. 

The City of Milwaukee’s residency requirement has provided many benefits to the taxpayers.  Our employees have a stake in the community for which they serve.  The work they perform each day adds value to the city and that added value is a benefit to them too.  City employees invest in our neighborhoods, their children attend local schools, they participate in local civic activities, they assist in charitable events, they help fuel our local economy and they pay taxes. 

I believe the City, and cities and villages across Wisconsin, should be allowed to continue to set its own terms and conditions of employment.  The residency policy helps stabilize and build confidence in our neighborhoods and promotes public safety and property value for our residents and businesses.

In the coming weeks, you will be hearing a lot about this extremely important issue and my hope is that you will take the time to engage and make sure your voice is heard. To learn more about this issue, click here to visit the Residency webpage and please share this information with your friends, co-workers and family.

Thank you for all you do to help make Milwaukee great.

Tom Barrett

Tom Barrett
Mayor


 

2013 State of the City Address

February 25, 2013 – Mayor Barrett delivered his ninth annual State of the City Address to Milwaukee residents businesses, and community leaders today.


Mayor Barrett and Common Council President Willie Hines Jr.

Announce New Ways of Applying to Serve on City Boards or Commissions

Apply to Serve on City Boards or CommissionsResidents can submit their names for consideration for boards and commissions online via the Mayor’s Office and the Common Council President’s web pages.

"I've always encouraged residents to be involved in boards and commissions and I’m pleased this new mechanism makes it even easier for Milwaukeeans to get engaged. We welcome civic involvement and are hopeful this online process generates significant interest,” Mayor Barrett said.

Council President Hines said he is hopeful the new online nomination options empower residents to seek service on city boards and commissions. “The new options allow residents to apply more easily to serve on boards that are involved in making important decisions and recommendations that will affect the future of Milwaukee, and I welcome the ease and transparency that the new options offer.” President Hines said.


Mayor Barrett's Statement on
President Obama's Proposed Gun Reform Initiative

 

Watch Mayor Barrett's remarks
Watch Mayor Barrett's remarks

I want to applaud President Obama and Vice-President Biden for their bold initiative today. It’s something that has been a long time coming, and something that I believe a majority of Americans have long felt is overdue in this country. The president and the vice president have acted decisively and responsibly. I call on Congress to take up these measures and pass them immediately.

This is a watershed moment in American politics, because the question is going to be, will the forces that have worked tirelessly to defeat common sense gun legislation win again? Or will the American people win?

I urge you to contact your members of Congress and let them know that you want them to support the President’s recommendations. Please share this note with your friends and family. We must ensure that the voice of our community is heard loud and clear.

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Washington, DC Office
1 Russell Courtyard
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-5653

District Office
14 West Mifflin Street, Suite 207
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-264-5338

Senator Ron Johnson

Email Senator Johnson
Washington, D.C. Office
386 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5323

District Office
517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 408
Milwaukee, WI 53202(414) 276-7282

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner

Email Congressman Sensenbrenner
Washington, D.C. Office
2449 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515T
(202) 225-5101

District Office
120 Bishops Way, #154
Brookfield, WI 53005T
(262) 784-1111

Congressman Paul Ryan

Email Congressman Ryan
Washington, DC Office
1233 Longworth House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3031

District Office
20 South Main Street
Suite 10
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 752-4050

Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Email Congresswoman Moore 
Washington, DC Office
2245 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4572

District Office
219 N Milwaukee St
STE 3A
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 297-1140

 


The City Milwaukee Wins National Praise for the
Management of its Pension System

2008 State of the City AddressMayor Barrett Congratulates Fellow City Leaders for the Honor

January 16, 2013 - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett today congratulated members of the Milwaukee Common Council and other elected and appointed city officials for the recognition the city received for the management of its pension obligations.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, in a study released this week, noted Milwaukee has met its pension obligations in a sustainable and affordable way. David Draine, senior researcher at the Pew Center on the States, says this approach benefits both taxpayers and employees.

“Having studied 61 cities and the 50 states, the better-funded plans all share one characteristic; they have the discipline to pay their annual pension bills,” Draine said.

Mayor Barrett noted the leadership of Alderman Michael Murphy who has been instrumental in making certain the city has taken appropriate steps to maintain the pension fund’s strength.

“Our annual city budgets take our pension obligations seriously. We have responsibly addressed the annual funding needs of the pension system; we have made changes to the system by requiring that newly hired employees make additional contributions to their pensions; and, the pension board has carefully managed the assets in the pension fund,” Mayor Barrett said. “None of these steps were easy, but they all reflect responsible actions on the part of city leaders.” Read more...


Milwaukee Named as Top 20 Finalist in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge

City’s idea selected from more than 300 submissions to compete for $5 million grand prize

Milwaukee Named as Top 20 Finalist in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors ChallengeNov. 5, 2012 - Milwaukee has been selected as a finalist for the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge, a competition created to inspire American cities to generate innovative ideas that solve major challenges and improve city life – and that ultimately can be shared with other cities across the nation.

Milwaukee was selected based on its innovative idea to transform foreclosed properties into community assets that improve public health and spark economic opportunity. HOME GR/OWN is Milwaukee’s bold, revolutionary idea that empowers residents and community organizations to transform foreclosed properties into community assets that improve public health and nutritional outcomes, revitalize neighborhoods, and spark economic opportunity. The City owns nearly 4,000 vacant lots and foreclosed homes and will designate a significant portion of them for other creative uses including urban agriculture and urban homesteading.

Milwaukee will now compete against 19 other cities across the country for the $5 million grand prize as well as one of four additional prizes of $1 million each. Press Release...


Mayor Barrett Delivers 2013 Budget to Common Council

Mayor Barrett Delivers 2013 Budget to Common Council 

Sept. 27, 2012 - Mayor Tom Barrett presented his 2013 Executive Budget to the city’s Common Council and in his budget address he highlighted achievement, innovation, and realignment in city departments along with a slightly lower cost for city services for the average homeowner.


 

Mayor with First Lady on a Visit to Oak Creek High School

Mayor Tom Barrett listens with First Lady Michelle Obama and other community leaders at Oak Creek High School in support for the victims of the attack at the gurdwara and to the community of Oak Creek.  Visit Mayor Barrett’s Photo Gallery

Mayor Tom Barrett listens with First Lady Michelle Obama and other community leaders at Oak Creek High School
First Lady Michelle Obama and Mayor Barrett are pictured facing: from left, Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Secretary of Board of Trustees for the Sikh Temple; Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi; Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis.; County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County; and Tonette Walker, Governor Scott Walker's wife. Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert

2012 State of the City Address

 

On February 13, 2012, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his eighth annual State of the City Address to Milwaukee residents, businesses, and community leaders at Ingeteam.


Thank You From Mayor Barrett and Our Troops

Mayor Barrett thanks all who donated to our 2011 Holiday Troop Drive. Your gifts were able to bring a piece of home to the men and women protecting our freedoms overseas. 

Read a thank you message from Badger DUSTOFF

Badger Dustoff - KFOR 15 MEDEVAC

Mayor Barrett Sets Historic Goal to Impact Infant Mortality

 
Mayor Tom Barrett and Bevan Baker, Commissioner of Health, announce infant mortality rate reduction goal.

Mayor Barrett recently announced a goal to reduce the overall infant mortality rate (IMR) by at least 10% by 2017. In order to focus efforts on the population that is most impacted by infant mortality, and to begin to reduce Milwaukee’s unacceptable racial disparities in infant mortality, he set a simultaneous goal of reducing infant mortality among African-Americans by at least 15%.

 


 

Mayor Barrett Delivers 2012 Budget to Common Council

Mayor Barrett Delivers 2012 Budget to Common Council 

Sept. 27, 2011 - Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his 2012 budget for the City of Milwaukee this morning to the Common Council which includes no new layoffs, innovative changes that boost service, appropriate maintenance of city infrastructure, and steady involvement in job-creating economic development activities.


Mayor Barrett Accepts Good Government Award

The Public Policy Forum presented two of its highest awards to the City of Milwaukee Thursday morning in the Forum's annual "Salute to Local Government." The City of Milwaukee honored for two innovative programs: Milwaukee Foreclosure Partnership Initiative and Milwaukee Public Library's green roof project. Read more... 


 

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin

Honors Mayor Barrett With Top Leadership Award

Mayor Tom Barrett received the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin’s highest leadership award at the agency’s annual Make A Promise Gala, April 17, at the Midwest Airlines Center.
Read more …


 
 

Mayor Tom Barrett Welcomes Talgo to Milwaukee 

On March 2, 2010, Mayor Tom Barrett welcomed Talgo, the high-speed train manufacturer, to Milwaukee. The Spanish company is establishing its North American manufacturing facility in Milwaukee and will buid high speed trains for Wisconsin and other states.


 
 

Mayor Barrett Delivers 6th Annual State of the City Address

On February 15, 2010 Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his annual State of the City address at Manpower International Headquarters in Downtown Milwaukee. The speech focused on the Mayor’s goals of creating and attracting new jobs to Milwaukee, reducing crime, and preparing Milwaukee for the future.

 
 

Milwaukee Helps Haiti - Earthquake Relief Donations

The City of Milwaukee is partnering with The American Red Cross and World Mission Ministries to collect monetary donations for humanitarian relief in Haiti. Please give what you can at American Red Cross (1-800-236-8680) or World Mission Ministries.


 
 

Mayor Barrett’s 2010 Proposed Budget Speech

On Sept. 24, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his 2010 proposed budget for the City of Milwaukee to the Common Council.


 
 

Watch Mayor Barrett's 2010 Budget Hearing

Held on July 15, 2009


 
 

Barrett Provides Criteria for Next Superintendent

Mayor Barrett recently sent a letter to MPS School Board President Michael Bonds detailing his thoughts on the search for the next Superintendent. In his letter Barrett states, “As Mayor and Chair of the MPS Innovation and Improvement Advisory Council, I know that one of the most important decisions that will be made in this community in the near future is the selection of the next Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. “

Barrett encourages the Advisory Council’s participation in the process stating, “It’s clear to me, it’s absolutely critical that the Advisory Council participate in selecting the next superintendent given the role Council members play in working with the district to achieve greater fiscal efficiency, monitoring the Corrective Action Plan and working to maximize federal dollars.”

To review the letter and the list of characteristics deemed essential in the next Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, please follow the link below.

Mayor Barrett Letter to Director Bonds


 
 

Building Stronger Neighborhoods

The City of Milwaukee is building stronger neighborhoods through an initiative to address rising mortgage foreclosures. Visit www.milwaukeehousinghelp.org to learn more.


 

 
 

Port of Milwaukee Showcases Commercial Potential

Secretary Leinenkugel listens to business leaders who want to expand their ability to move commerce by water
Secretary Leinenkugel listens to business
leaders who want to expand their ability to
move commerce by water
 

Mayor Tom Barrett met with Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Richard Leinenkugel and the Board of Harbor following a showcase of the Port Milwaukee businesses last Friday to discuss bringing more businesses and international attention to Milwaukee. At the meeting, Secretary Leinenkugel agreed to organize a summit with various state departments to generate commerce growth ideas and legislative options that will help draw more businesses to Wisconsin. By offering pipelines, barges, lake ships, ocean ships, two main railroads and immediate freeway access, the commercial port of Milwaukee contains more forms of transportation than any other port in the Midwest. This will be a focal point for promoting Milwaukee at the summit dedicated to increasing Wisconsin’s commercial potential.


 
 

Mayor Barrett Advocates for Reprioritization of State Transportation Spending

Mayor Barrett sent a letter to the Joint Committee on Finance urging them to amend the state transportation budget, and prioritize the maintenance of existing infrastructure before building new transportation projects.

 
 
 
 

Mayor Barrett Travels to Washington

Mayor Tom Barrett met with Vice President Biden and testified before the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment when he traveled to Washington, D.C., this week.

On March 18, Barrett attended a White House Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementation Conference hosted by Biden. The conference addressed questions from state, county and local government officials on how to effectively oversee the spending of Recovery Act funds.

 
 
 
 

Mayor Barrett Welcomes Teach for America to Milwaukee

Teach For America logo
Teach for America recently announced it will have program participants in Milwaukee schools this fall. Mayor Barrett participated in the announcement on February 27th at Westside Academy.

"Milwaukee is fortunate to have Teach for America in Milwaukee," Barrett said. "Our children will benefit greatly from this program that has proven to work so well throughout the country."

 
 
 
 

Mayor Tom Barrett Delivers

2009 State of the City Address

Mayor Barrett delivers 2009 State of the City address. Mayor Tom Barrett praised the city’s past achievements and outlined his plan to increase green jobs, economic development and workforce training in the coming year in his State of the City address this morning.

Speaking at the state-of-the-art Harley-Davidson Museum, Barrett called on the citizens of Milwaukee to remain optimistic during the international economic downturn. He pointed to the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Menomonee Valley and the Brewery project as examples of growth and job creation in the city.

“I am fully confident that Milwaukee will withstand the current economic downturn,” Barrett said. “We will make smart investments, continue to build strong partnerships, provide training to our workforce and improve our public schools. We will emerge as a stronger and more competitive city.”

 
 
 
 

2009 City of Milwaukee Budget

Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his 2009 budget for the City of Milwaukee to the Common Council, one he called the most difficult he has ever faced.

 
 
 
 

9th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail Run/Walk

Mayor Barrett and Hank Aaron at the 9th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail Run/WalkOn Saturday August 9, 2008, Mayor Tom Barrett participated in the 9th Annual Hank Aaron State Trail Run/Walk.  Hank Aaron has expressed excitement of what is happening in the Valley.  He has an appreciation for the tremendous investment of the City and State to make the Trail and the economic revitalization a reality.  Hank has expressed great enthusiasm for what these efforts can do for kids in Milwaukee.

 
 

Gift Presentation from Ningbo, China

Mayor Barrett and Vice Mayor Wu HeminOn Monday July 21, 2008, the City of Milwaukee was formally presented with a gift from the City of Ningbo of two stone lions.  Stone lions are traditionally used to guard a building and those within.  These lions will be a lasting and powerful symbol of the friendly relationship between the City of Milwaukee and the City of Ningbo. Pictured here are Mayor Barrett and Vice Mayor Wu Hemin.

Watch video of official unveiling ceremony

 
  2008 State of the City Address
  2008 State of the City Address Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his fourth State of the City address on Feb. 14 at Direct Supply on Milwaukee's northwest side.
Mayor Barrett focused his remarks on the positive direction Milwaukee is headed and delivered good news on job growth, population increases and efforts to fight crime.
In addition to announcements regarding employment, education and business development initiatives, the Mayor focused on water and transportation issues as they affect the future of our City.
 
 
  Milwaukee Earns $15,000 School Safety Award Milwaukee partners will receive a $15,000 award for exemplary School Safety. Latino Community Center and Milwaukee Police Department were selected from more than 400 applicants nationwide to receive just one of 11 MetLife Foundation Awards.
 

  Senior Living Program Earns National Award for Excellence

Senior Living Program Earns National Award for Excellence
The City of Milwaukee has earned a Gold Award for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities for a cutting edge senior assisted living initiative that provides a superior quality of life for hundreds of residents and saves taxpayer dollars.

 
  Milwaukee Earns Top Honors in 2007 'Most Patriotic City' Contest
Milwaukee has been named the 2007 "Most Patriotic City" by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) in the fourth year of the annual contest recognizing the efforts on behalf of veterans and service members in cities and communities across the United States.
 
   Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative

Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative
Children who have an active father are more inclined to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Children with an active father are more likely not to engage in criminal activity. Also, research has shown a direct correlation between teen pregnancy and absentee fathers.That is why I have partnered with leaders in our community – from business and education to social services and faith organizations – to launch the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative. --Mayor Tom Barrett

 
  New Milwaukee Job Corps Center Unveiled
  After years of advocacy, planning and waiting, a new educational and vocational opportunity emerges.
 
  2008 City of Milwaukee Budget
  Mayor Tom Barrett introduced his 2008 City of Milwaukee budget to the Common Council today, emphasizing increased investment in public safety and job creation while holding the line on property taxes.
 
  Letter from Mayor Tom Barrett to Governor Jim Doyle
Adoption of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.
 
  Dedication of US Flag over Milwaukee City Hall

Restoring City Hall and Honoring Milwaukee's Workers 
On Labor Day I celebrated the City Hall Restoration Project and honored Milwaukee laborers with the dedication of the American flag over City Hall.

 
  Back to School for a Year of Promise and Hope Back to School for a Year of Promise and Hope 
On Tuesday, September 4, I joined Superintendent William Andrekopoulos to greet thousands of students as they headed back to classes in Milwaukee Public Schools.
 
  Neighborhood Safety Initiative extended
On September 7, I was joined by Common Council President Willie Hines, Finance & Personnel Committee Chair Alderman Michael Murphy and Milwaukee Police Chief Nan Hegerty to announce the extension of the very successful Neighborhood Safety Initiative (NSI) through the end of September.
 
  Manpower opens its doors on new Milwaukee Global HQ Manpower opens its doors on new Milwaukee Global HQ 
Milwaukee is home to many great things, including a number of catalytic, groundbreaking companies from the Fortune 500 to small employers igniting our neighborhood main streets and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of our community.
 
  Local governments demand budget from legislative leaders
 
 
  Update: Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Barrett and others, BP has rescinded their proposal to dump additional toxic sludge into Lake Michigan.
 
  Wisconsin Mayors Urge Protection of Great Lakes
A coalition of Wisconsin mayors, led by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, is petitioning the State of Indiana, British Petroleum (BP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a recent decision by the State of Indiana to allow BP to discharge more pollution and sludge into Lake Michigan.  The coalition is also urging the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation to help.
 
 
  Mayor Barrett on The Newshour with Jim Lehrer Mayor Barrett appeared on The Newshour with Jim Lehrer
On July 11, Mayor Barrett talked about the need for responsible gun laws that work in conjunction with his efforts to reduce violence in our City, not against them.  Specifically, Mayor Barrett addressed the need to repeal the Tiahrt amendment, federal legislation that prevents law enforcement from sharing data about guns used in crimes.
 
 
 
 
  Leadership Summit Report Strategies for a Prosperous Milwaukee
In December 2006, Mayor Tom Barrett brought together policymakers, business and community leaders for a two-day summit on community and economic development in the City of Milwaukee. 
 
 
  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett spoke at the Law School about the city's challenges and public image.

Mayor talks safety, education at Marquette University Law School
"We have to put more of an emphasis on talking about the good things about Milwaukee," Barrett said.

 
 
 

Mayor Tom Barrett during his State of the City address unveiled his plan to create a Mayor's Office of Workforce Development to provide leadership on the issue of high unemployment and needed job training in Milwaukee. 

 
 
     
  Transit Strategy

Milwaukee demands a Comprehensive Transit Strategy that creates jobs, meets the various demands of different users and provides seamless connectivity. My plan accomplishes these critical goals and moves Milwaukee forward, and I am proud to share this vision with you.

 
 
  Play Video Watch Sustainable Boulevards, Milwaukee's strategic boulevard plan video, using Window's Media Player. (3.5 mins 10MB)
 
 

Mayor Barrett Delivers 2007 State of the City Address
On Monday, Feb. 12, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his third State of the City address before an audience of 500 people at Tramont Corporation in Riverwest.

 
  Mayor's Summer Youth Internship Program Mayor's Summer Youth Internship Program
In 2007, we will continue our efforts to help young people in Milwaukee gain meaningful workforce experience.
 
  Mayors Against Illegal Guns Barrett Heads to DC to Continue Fight Against Illegal Guns
Mayor Tom Barrett left today for Washington, DC to attend a National Summit convened by the Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a group he has been involved with since its inception last year.
 
 

Mayor Barrett's Economic Development Summit  was a tremendous success. Over 700 participants gathered, demonstrating their commitment to the shared goals of creating jobs, growing our economy and improving our quality of life.

To review video presentations of the featured presenters, including keynote speakers Henry Cisneros and Paul Grogan, please visit: http://www.mkedcd.org/LeadershipSummit/

 
 

10,000 Jobs Since 2004
Mayor Tom Barrett sets the record straight on Milwaukee's economic development efforts. "Let me just start by saying Milwaukee's programs and investments have impacted more than 10,000 jobs since I took office in 2004. And there's more."

 

 


 

 

Mayor Tom Barrett

Mayor Tom Barrett
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Office of the Mayor
200 E. Wells Street
City Hall Rm.201
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
Phone:
(414) 286.2200
FAX:
(414) 286.3191
 
 mayor@milwaukee.gov

 

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