Category: Wichita city government
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Wichita’s pursuit of convention business: a wise strategy?
One of the reasons Wichita city leaders say we need to provide subsidy to a proposed hotel in the downtown WaterWalk development is that the rooms are needed to support the city’s effort to gain convention business. On its face, this pursuit of convention business seems like a noble effort by city leaders. Vast streams…
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Arizona case rules on economic development subsidy
In its press release titled Arizona Supreme Court Strikes Down Future Taxpayer Subsidies, the Goldwater Institute reports on a ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court that dealt a blow to government subsidies for the purpose of economic development.
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Urban planning to be explored in Wichita
As Wichita is presently engaged in a downtown planning process that holds the promise of more centralized planning, more government spending, and tax increases, Wichitans need to be aware of alternatives. Noted author and Cato Institute Senior Fellow Randal O’Toole will be in Wichita next week for several events. O’Toole is author of The Best-Laid…
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With downtown Wichita hotels doing well, why the need for subsidy?
At a recent presentation by Wichita’s downtown revitalization planning firm Goody Clancy, data was presented that is at odds with the city’s plans.
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More questions surround WaterWalk hotel proposal
Yesterday the Wichita Eagle printed a letter from citizen activist John Todd concerning the proposal for City of Wichita subsidy for a hotel in the downtown WaterWalk development. This is the unabridged version of the letter. In 2002 elected city officials leased a prime 20-acre parcel of city owned downtown land known as the East…
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At Wichita city council, does the field tilt?
At the January 12 meeting of the Wichita City Council, several citizens and one council member addressed the “unlevel playing field” and its implications for development in downtown Wichita.
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Concerning Wichita’s WaterWalk, I have a few questions
As the City of Wichita decides whether to offer subsidy to a hotel in the downtown WaterWalk development, there are a few questions that deserve answers. Most of these questions are my own, but some are questions that people have told me I should ask.
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Public forum on WaterWalk hotel proposal
On Monday January 25, a group of citizens will hold a public forum concerning the proposal for a hotel in the WaterWalk development in downtown Wichita.
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Estes Park repeals TIF district
A city in Colorado has voted to repeal a TIF district. Wichitans ought to take notice. Randal O’Toole, the author of the post, notes the complexity of the TIF mechanism. This is in line with testimony I’ve delivered to the Wichita City Council, in which I characterized TIF districts as “a confusing arrangement that hides…
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Goody Clancy market findings presented to Wichita audience
Last Wednesday Boston planning firm Goody Clancy presented some preliminary findings regarding the planning process for the revitalization of downtown Wichita. While the presentation contained some material specific to Wichita, those looking for a preview of how the planning process will deliver its promised benefits were likely to be unsatisfied.
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Waterwalk hotel issue receives public input
Tuesday’s meeting of the Wichita city council featured a lengthy discussion of a proposal that in the past, might have been passed without much public discussion. Instead, some useful information emerged, and the meeting opened the possibility of more citizen input not only on this item, but future city initiatives.
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WaterWalk deal not good for city, public policy
There are several aspects of the proposed hotel in the WaterWalk development that I find troubling. Perhaps most important to public policy, the city has now recognized that when it provides subsidy to one business, it may harm other businesses. As you may recall, I’ve spoken to the council several times on this topic over…