Category: Wichita city government
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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.
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‘MyWichita’ a useful service
The City of Wichita has a feature on its website that lets citizens receive timely and useful information by email, instead of requiring citizens to continually check the site for updates
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Oklahoma City sales tax passes; model for Wichita
On Tuesday, voters in Oklahoma City passed a new sales tax to fund downtown improvements. It passed by a vote of 54 percent to 46 percent. Wichitans can count on a similar sales tax being proposed for whatever projects the year-long downtown planning process calls for.
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Wichita city council discusses economic development incentives
Last week a Wichita company that’s expanding made an application for industrial revenue bonds and accompanying property tax abatements. The company’s application wasn’t timely, and for that reason is not likely to receive the requested help. The discussion surrounding the item provides insight into city council members’ ideas about the role of the city in…
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Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau should follow Kansas Open Records Act
Mr. Mayor, members of the council, I’m recommending that the city not renew its contract with the Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau until that organization decides to follow the Kansas Open Records Act.