Category: Wichita city government
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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…
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Waterwalk hotel deal breaks new ground for Wichita subsidies
On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council will consider an agreement with a hotel developer that, besides awarding the usual subsidies to politically-favored developers, breaks new ground in the use of subsidy. Additionally, the deal contradicts recent promises made by a top city official.
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Wichita makes case for tax credits
At yesterday’s meeting of the South-central Kansas legislative delegation with government officials, the City of Wichita spent most of its time presenting the case that cuts made to a program of tax credits for historic buildings should be restored.
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Mark Gietzen should be compensated by Wichita
In 2000, a bridge was built by the City of Wichita near Mark Gietzen’s house. Vibration from the construction process damaged Gietzen’s house. Nearly ten years later, Gietzen has not been compensated for damages. It’s not that Gietzen hasn’t tried to receive payment for his damages. The mayor of Wichita at the time assured Gietzen…
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Wichita’s economic development strategy: rent seeking
As Wichita embarks on our planning for the revitalization of downtown Wichita — or as we look back at actions the Wichita city council takes almost every week — we ought to take a look to see if these actions produce an increase in wealth for our community. It is wealth, after all, that defines…
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Wichita city council discusses economic development incentives, again
At this week’s meeting of the WichitaCity Council, underperforming companies that have received economic incentives was at issue.
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Wichita Municipal Court judges should be elected
At today’s meeting of the Wichita City Council, John Todd makes the case that Wichita Municipal Court judges should be elected by the people rather than appointed by the council.