People-powered news on your local government.

We’re putting every public meeting on the record in

Who we are

A network of newsrooms and community organizations committed to participatory civic media.

What we do

We train and pay hundreds of people to attend under-reported public meetings and publish the results.

We’re building a new public record

Your elected officials are making big decisions. Keep tabs with original notes, live-tweet threads and multimedia reports from Documenters in your area—updated daily

Wichita


Nov. 19, 2024

Key council actions included deferring the downtown parking plan for revisions, approving funding for the Holocaust Memorial, and addressing financial challenges tied to the Medical School parking infrastructure and city deficits.

Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops Wichita City Council Meeting

Notetaking by

Ty Davis

Wichita


Nov. 19, 2024

The board decided to improve meeting efficiency instead of forming subcommittees and approved bringing legal counsel to review the feasibility of a proposed reparations ordinance. They also confirmed a December meeting to discuss the strategic plan, with a focus on setting goals.

Wichita City - Diversity Inclusion & Civil Rights Advisory Board Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Brett Foraker

Wichita


Nov. 13, 2024

The meeting covered updates on the Rockwell Library's renovations, city infrastructure projects, and notable topics that included approval of a controversial storage facility near a school, and a resident's request to build a retirement home, all efficiently addressed.

Wichita City - District Advisory Board 2 District 2 Advisory Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Wyatt Barmann

Wichita


Nov. 13, 2024

The board meeting covered updates on sustainability, water conservation, and growth challenges in the area. Topics included drought response measures, greywater reuse, the impact of growth on water resources, and the potential for decentralized water systems to enhance resilience

Wichita Sustainability Integration Board Sustainability Integration Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Ayshia McCray

Wichita


Nov. 7, 2024

Troy Anderson discussed parking plans and funding options including a new Option E. The city council will vote on a paid parking system on November 19, with public concerns including business impacts, accessibility, and the need for more transparency and improved transit options.

City of Wichita Parking Meeting

Notetaking by

Ayshia McCray

Wichita


Nov. 7, 2024

Zoning changes and short-term rental requests stirred debates, with significant opposition to changes in residential areas. Despite concerns from residents, most proposals were approved, including a controversial short-term rental and new zoning requests for commercial use.

Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Metropolitan Area Planning Commission - Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

Notetaking by

Paige Koeppen

Wichita


Nov. 6, 2024

Board members approved a zoning request for the Sedgwick County Child Advocacy Center’s expanded parking lot, despite a recommendation to deny from MAPC staff. Reports included safety reminders from both fire and police as the holidays approach.

Wichita City - District Advisory Board 3 District 3 Advisory Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Nancy Davis

Wichita


Nov. 6, 2024

The board approved a conditional use request for an entertainment venue and a rezoning for Goodwill Industries’ new warehousing site. Updates included a 500% rise in auto thefts reported by the Wichita Police, upcoming library events, an invitation to the Vet’s Powwow.

Wichita City - District Advisory Board 4 District 4 Advisory Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Mike Swan

Wichita


Nov. 6, 2024

The WAMPO-ICT Safe Coalition held an online meeting to discuss efforts to reduce traffic fatalities, including a Comprehensive Action Plan focused on proven countermeasures, enforcement, and public education. Updates included progress on Safe Routes to School and others.

Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization – ICT Safe Executive Committee Meeting

Notetaking by

Sharon Ailslieger

Wichita


Nov. 4, 2024

Wichita Fire Department reported a steady decline in Narcan administrations for drug overdoses since 2021, while Thanksgiving remains the top day for cooking fires. The District Advisory Board also reviewed two zoning cases, approving one and denying the other.

Wichita City - District Advisory Board 6 District 6 Advisory Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Cecilia Rogers

See all of our public meeting reports →

What our network is saying

Get involved in our community of practice.

A unique civic education

“How are your tax dollars spent? What are your elected officials doing? Are they listening to you? What is the process? That, as a Documenter, is what you have to show people.”

Picture of Susan Carlotta Ellis Susan Carlotta Ellis

Find upcoming workshops

Community reporting

“In almost every case for a meeting that I’ve covered, I’ve been the only person connected to the media that has been in the room.”

Picture of David Palmer David Palmer

View public meeting schedules

Local connections

“I've learned from other Documenters… I’ve learned skills that helped me to not just be a better citizen but also inform the type of work that I want to do.”

Picture of Isabel Sophia Dieppa Isabel Sophia Dieppa

Become a Documenter

About this project

Journalists

How our public meeting coverage supports local reporting.

Organizers

How our public meeting coverage tracks policy trends and public input.

Educators

How our training modules build civic knowledge and action.

Curious Citizens

How anyone can become a Documenter in one of our local programs.