Wichita Citizens Review Board Citizen Review Board Monthly Meeting
The Board discussed ongoing complaints, finalized the gunshot detector policy, and planned future agenda items on immigration, strategic planning, and racial profiling. Public comment raised concerns about police influence and the board’s lack of independence.
Wichita City - Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Metropolitan Area Planning Commission - Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
Most cases at the MAPC meeting were approved on consent. Three were presented with public comments, including a Derby horse-riding academy, a party venue near residential homes, and an apartment plan on Volutsia that drew strong neighborhood opposition.
Wichita Sustainability Integration Board Sustainability Integration Board
Public notice of cancellations is critical! The April 23 Sustainability Board meeting was canceled but not posted online or shared with the library. A Documenter and a new board member showed up, discovering it was cancelled due to unfilled seats.
Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops City Council Workshop
Residents raised concerns about tree removal delays and animal services. The Council approved a $ 700 K+ playground upgrade at Central Riverside Park, leaving the rocket. A request for a City Manager search consultant was approved. A $3M tax incentive for Lange was denied 7-0.
Wichita City - Transit Advisory Board Transit Advisory Board Meeting
Public comments urged input on the future City Manager hire and a more accessible meeting location. Staff shared updates on ridership drops during the NCAA tournament and hiring needs. The Strategic plan includes pilot routes, timed transfers, fare capping & multilingual signage.
Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners
County Commissioners discussed crime tools to inform citizens, gun safety, and a property fraud alert. Bonds will fund road, bridge, and building projects. A land vacation for lake access was passed. Federal grant losses raised concern. Plus: 2 new baby elephants at the Zoo!
Wichita City - Diversity Inclusion & Civil Rights Advisory Board Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board Meeting
The board discussed a proposed reparations ordinance that is now set for a vote next month. Their additions to the survey video deadline are now June 1. The strategic plan may need review due to federal changes in DEI. Cowtown and other museums are looking at diversity boards.
Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops City Council Meeting
Council recognized several events. High school student, Aydan Neinhuis was recognized for his heroic action at Kanopolis. Public speakers raised concerns about mold, accessibility, and women’s rights. Confusion was raised regarding $500,000 spent on two bathrooms for downtown.
Wichita City - District Advisory Board 6 District 6 Advisory Board Meeting
The DAB6 met on April 14 at Evergreen Library. Key topics included water conservation amid Stage 2 drought, police oversight and RTM concerns, and a new bike path plan. The DAB approved housing funds, two zoning cases, and heard updates tied to Earth Month and the Big Read.
Wichita City - Ethics Advisory Board Ethics Board meeting
The meeting consisted of two executive sessions; therefore, our documenter could not cover the details.
Wichita City - Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Metropolitan Area Planning Commission - Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
MAPC approved zoning changes for signs, a backyard apartment, and a vehicle storage yard—with new limits. "Man-cave condos" drew concerns over noise, property values, and illegal dwellings. The MAPC discussed policies for better enforcement to prevent people from living in units.
Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops City Council Meeting
The council approved over $8M for the fire department upgrades and equipment. Public comments urged support for transgender constituents after the proclamation situation earlier this month. The city manager search will move forward with public input and a consultant.
Wichita City - District Advisory Board 5 District 5 Advisory Board Meeting
DAB 5’s meeting covered City Manager Layton’s upcoming retirement, zoning for a new hotel and parking lot behind the Walmart in New Market Square, burn ban for April, & complaints about parked RVs. WAMPO shared long-term transit goals and a discussion of the Northwest Expressway.
Wichita City - District Advisory Board 4 District 4 Advisory Board Meeting
A split vote on a storage facility proposal, a $3.2M housing plan, new crime prevention efforts, and tech issues led a full District 4 meeting. Other highlights: City Manager Layton’s retirement, equity concerns, a successful town hall, and savings from encampment cleanups.
Wichita City - District Advisory Board 1 District 1 Advisory Board Meeting
The April 7 District 1 Advisory Board meeting covered WFD's new storage facility, cancer prevention efforts, and an active shooter drill. WPD introduced a new violent crime strategy (RTM) with concern being expressed. Library, housing, and tree giveaway updates were also shared.
Wichita City - District Advisory Board 3 District 3 Advisory Board
Updates were given on crime reduction efforts, fire & police recruitment, and library & park projects. WPD highlighted gun violence and a program giving away free gun locks. Crown Uptown moves closer to historic designation, and WAMPO presented the 25 year plan starting in 2025.
Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops City Council Meeting
The meeting covered several topics that warranted debate, including the mayor's response to the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation, the possible outcomes for the Crown Uptown Theatre, regulations enforcement of food trucks, and the police location in Old Town.
Wichita City - Affordable Housing Review Board Affordable Housing Review Board Meeting
The Review Board discussed proposals for the Affordable Housing Fund and approved projects from HOPE and Habitat for Humanity. Debate arose over property sales and funding sources. The board also promoted the Wichita Housing Conference and discussed city housing projects.
SoCe Safety Summit
Neighbors gathered for a SoCe safety summit to discuss concerns like trespassing, homelessness, and dumping in the South Central neighborhood. Solutions included lights, cleanups, & advocacy with actions that include a neighborhood wide walk, safety meetings, and cleanups.
Wichita Citizens Review Board Citizen Review Board Monthly Meeting
The Chief of Police and City Manager joined the meeting to discuss the board focus and address the concerns regarding ALPR, tracking of complaint data, and prioritizing cases. Focus for the future will include managing the 22 backlogged cases and processes for police pursuit.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Metropolitan Area Planning Commission - Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
Rezoning at West 53rd & Gow for self-storage was denied (8-2), but another self-storage behind Kohl’s on West Kellogg was approved. The big news centered around Towne West Mall rezoning which was approved. Plans include a $35 million remodel and maintenance and security crews.
Wichita Sustainability Integration Board Sustainability Integration Board
The Sustainability Integration Board discussed the ongoing drought conditions, a climate action plan update, and Earth Day events. Chair Abdallah proposed a decentralized greywater system, which raised regulatory concerns and the definitions between grey and black water.
Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners
A burn ban is in effect through April. A measles vaccination clinic is set for April 5. A private airstrip was approved near Cheney with no lighting restrictions. Legislative discussions covered tax and justice bills. The meeting ended with praise regarding the NCAA tournament.
Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops City Council Workshop
Council approved items on biological nutrient renewal, city property rental fees, & unsafe structure processes. They reviewed ongoing dirt road paving priorities and the city's continued efforts in drought response. The meeting concluded with an executive session on litigation.
Wichita City - Transit Advisory Board Transit Advisory Board Meeting
The board discussed a new Code of Conduct, with concerns about free speech, but city legal assured it's only guidelines. WAMPO presented its 2050 plan, highlighting suburban growth, traffic, and major road projects, sparking debate on the sustainability of car-focused investments