The Wichita City Council voted 7-0 on December 16, 2025, to place a controversial 1% sales tax initiative on the March 2026 ballot, capping a marathon meeting that lasted over nine hours and included emotional tributes to retiring City Manager Robert Layton, heated debates over city spending priorities, and multiple development approvals totaling hundreds of millions in private investment. The special election will cost taxpayers approximately $150,000 and ask voters to approve the largest tax increase in Wichita’s history to fund public safety, homelessness services, property tax relief, and new performing arts facilities. Assistance from Claude AI.
Meeting Participants
City Council Members:
- Lily Wu, Mayor
- JV Johnston, Vice Mayor
- Brandon Johnson, Council Member
- Becky Tuttle, Council Member
- Mike Hoheisel, Council Member
- Dalton Glasscock, Council Member
- Maggie Ballard, Council Member
City Staff:
- Robert Layton, City Manager (retiring)
- Jennifer Magana, City Attorney
- Shinita Rice, City Clerk
- Mark Manning, Finance Department
- Troy Anderson, Assistant City Manager
- Multiple department heads and staff
Honoring Robert Layton’s 16-Year Tenure
The meeting opened with extensive tributes to City Manager Robert Layton, who is retiring after 16 years of service to Wichita and 47 years in public service. Kathy Sexton from the Kansas Association of City/County Management presented Layton with recognition for his leadership, joined by city managers from Towanda, Valley Center, Andover, Maize, and Park City.
Council members read a detailed resolution highlighting Layton’s major accomplishments, including:
Economic Development:
- Leading Wichita to be named an All-American City twice
- Overseeing development of Equity Bank Ballpark
- Expanding Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Creating the Advanced Learning Library
- Achieving a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s
Infrastructure:
- Guiding East Kellogg expansion and the I-135 47th Street interchange
- Adding 70 miles of bike and pedestrian paths
- Introducing electric buses and building the Hub Multimodal Facility
- Completing the Bleckley Street drainage improvements and Lincoln Bridge and Dam
Public Safety:
- Building three new fire stations with a fourth underway
- Eliminating pre-employment EMT certification requirements for firefighters
- Completing the Law Enforcement Training Center and Patrol East Substation
- Creating the Real-Time Information Center
Community Services:
- Supporting Second Light homeless campus development
- Creating the Wichita Management Fellowship program, mentoring 35 fellows
- Leading park revitalization including Naftzger Park and Clapp Park
- Developing Pracht Wetlands Park and creating five dog parks
Layton responded humbly: “It’s nice that I have to get to the end of my career to get a plaque… I thank the entire City team. Obviously, the City Manager doesn’t do all of the things that you heard. It takes a really professional team to be able to accomplish things on a daily basis.”
The Council also presented Layton with the Key to the City, with Council Member Johnson noting: “We present this key to the City as a symbol of our appreciation for his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership.”
1% Sales Tax Vote: Contentious 7-0 Approval
After hours of public comment and debate, the Council voted 7-0 to place a 1% sales tax on the March 3, 2026 ballot. The measure would generate approximately $840 million over 7 years for:
Funding Breakdown:
- $225 million for public safety (not to exceed)
- $150 million for homelessness and affordable housing
- $150 million for property tax relief
- $250 million for Century II revitalization and convention center improvements
- $75 million for a new downtown performing arts center (requiring matching private funds)
Key Provisions:
The sales tax would begin collection in July 2026 if approved by voters. Property tax relief would take effect in the 2027 budget, with an estimated 4-mill levy reduction according to Mark Manning from the Finance Department.
Mayor Wu insisted on adding a resolution requiring private dollars to be raised first before public funds for the performing arts center could be spent. City Attorney Sharon Dickgrafe drafted language stating: “Public funds shall not be expended until such time a matching amount of private funds have been raised for the development and construction of a new downtown public performing arts center.”
Oversight Committee:
The measure includes creation of a citizen oversight committee to monitor spending and ensure accountability.
Substitute Motion Fails:
Council Member Hoheisel attempted to split the proposal into five separate ballot questions, allowing voters to choose each funding category independently. His motion, seconded by Council Member Ballard, failed 3-4, with opposition from Johnston, Johnson, Tuttle, and Glasscock.
Hoheisel argued: “I wish we had more time to look at this as a community and gather the buy-in from our community. Not only does this harm the trust from the community, but it also puts the potential funding for many programs that I care about at risk for not passing… However, I can’t see any other way with the intent of Council to come up with funding for the issues that are most pressing to our community, namely homeless services and affordable housing.”
Wichita Forward Coalition:
The proposal was championed by Wichita Forward, a coalition led by three family businesses: Fidelity Bank (Aaron Bastian), Hutton Construction (Ben Hutton), and Thrive Restaurant Group (John Rolfe).
Matt Burchett, representing Wichita Forward, testified: “We recognize there are a number of budget items that have urgency, including investments in public safety… and the expiration of the current ARPA funding in October of 2026 for Second Light.”
Public Opposition:
17 citizens spoke during public comment, with vocal opposition from several community members:
John Whitmer criticized the rushed timeline: “A banker, a businessman and a developer come to the City council for a billion-dollar tax increase. It sounds like a bad joke and frankly it is. There are no details to this plan… Where are the details? Where are the schematics? You’re asking Wichita voters to commit to a 7-year plan that by the time inflation factors in will be over a billion dollars.”
Faith Martin from District 2 said: “Not one single person said, this is a great idea, we should go ahead and do this… I strongly oppose this. I don’t know why it’s rushed… good ideas don’t require force and this feels forced upon me.”
LaWanda DeShazer from District 1 questioned: “We talk about a rebate for maybe 27,000 people, maybe. But there are so many other people that are living right above the poverty line… A $50 rebate is a slap in the face.”
Joseph Tex Dozier, District 1 Advisory Board Chair, raised concerns about ballot language: “You have now for a second time approved on record to force a vote of a guaranteed new tax with optional tax relief… You need language that will say, quote, City mill levy shall be reduced by X mills.”
Support from Business Community:
Jeff Fluhr, President of Greater Wichita Partnership, endorsed the measure: “The allocations really do address several things in our community, needs in our community… critical funding for Second Light, the modern public safety infrastructure needed for business confidence… property tax relief for families in our community, and high impact quality of place projects.”
Heather Schroeder, Executive Director of Downtown Wichita, emphasized the performing arts need: “When Yo-Yo Ma performed in Wichita he had to take his break on a stair landing of Century II because our current performing arts facility lacks a green room… it’s embarrassing especially for a top-50 U.S. City.”
Steve Dixon, Board Chair of Second Light, urgently pleaded: “Federal HUD funding under the current NOFO has the potential to be reduced from $2.7 million to roughly $900,000 in the next year to 2 years… At risk is over 200 persons that are currently in housing being supported in permanent supportive housing. This is a tidal wave that potentially will hit our City that we are not prepared to deal with.”
Property Tax Relief and LIEAP Rebate:
To offset the sales tax impact on low-income residents, the Council discussed implementing a $50 rebate for those qualifying for LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program). Sally Stang from Housing and Community Services reported fewer than 10,000 applications for LIEAP in 2025, down significantly from previous years.
Council Member Johnson suggested expanding eligibility: “Trying to catch as many people who are paying into the sales tax as possible at that lower income rate… looking at multiple programs because you also have other folks who are lower income and the Kansas Property Tax Relief for low-income seniors, the Kansas Homestead Refund Program, the Kansas Disability or Disabled Veteran Relief Programs, SNAP, KanCare, Free and Reduced Lunch.”
Election Timeline and Costs:
Laura Rainwater, Election Commissioner, confirmed the deadline: “We have to have the ordinance in our possession by this Friday [December 19] with the wording of the language… UOCAVA ballots go out January 17 if this election is called.”
The in-person election will cost approximately $150,000, funded from the City Manager’s contingency budget. An all-mail ballot would cost $450,000. If held in August or November 2026, the cost to Wichita would be zero as it would coincide with countywide elections.
State law prohibits private entities from paying for the election, City Attorney Jennifer Magana confirmed.
Final Votes:
Mayor Wu emphasized: “While this is not my vision or my plan, I believe in the citizens of Wichita, and I believe that the citizens should have the final say on what should happen to the City of Wichita.”
Council Member Glasscock stated: “I believe the people of Wichita deserve a choice and deserve a choice for themself. This is not a decision that should be made from this dais alone.”
Council Member Tuttle added: “This is people letting people in a representative republic have a say in a vote… Direct democracy is the will of the people, and that’s what we’re voting on today.”
The Council voted 7-0 to change next week’s consent-only meeting to a regular meeting to adopt the resolution about private fundraising requirements for the performing arts center.
Douglas Avenue Redesign: Road Diet Approved 6-1
In another contentious vote, the Council approved 6-1 (Mayor Wu voting no) a design concept for Douglas Avenue from Washington to Grove that reduces traffic lanes from five to three, adds protected bike lanes, and implements parallel parking.
The project, budgeted at $4.77 million, will proceed as a 6-month pilot beginning in spring 2026 using pavement markings before permanent infrastructure is installed.
Project Details:
Paul Gunzelman from Public Works presented the design:
- Three traffic lanes (two eastbound, one westbound to accommodate heavy morning commuter flow)
- Parking-protected bike lanes on both sides
- Parallel parking replacing some angled parking
- Improved pedestrian crossings at East High School
The design addresses heavy traffic patterns: southbound to eastbound in mornings, and westbound to northbound in evenings.
Business Owner Opposition:
Jeff Browe, who owns multiple properties on Douglas, led opposition: “I and dozens of Douglas business owners have been screaming at the top of our lungs since 2018 that we believe cutting down the lanes from four to two will be hugely detrimental to our business activities… This is a road diet as a proposed fix in search of a problem that doesn’t exist.”
Adam Stiles from Superior Signs worried: “A lot of people can’t parallel park. What’s that going to do to traffic? It’s going to stall traffic… What’s FedEx going to do? What’s UPS going to do? If there’s no parking there for them to parallel park, they’re going to stop in the lane of traffic holding up traffic.”
Tim Devlin from Devlin Rod and Customs questioned: “Six accidents in the stretch from Grove, six accidents in one year. That is very few. So if we’re talking about safety and numbers, we’re just not seeing it.”
Support from Safety and Bike Advocates:
Holly Terrell, Executive Director of Bike Walk Wichita, countered: “Road diets are one of the most well-documented safety tools used by cities across the country. They reduce speeding, lower crash severity and make outcomes safer for everyone, including drivers… Parking protected bike lanes create a physical buffer between moving vehicles and people on bikes.”
Randy Eaton, a 35-year property owner on Douglas, supported the changes: “The street has not been changed. Where I’m at… it’s a racetrack. My concerns are the motorcycles… My tenants, customers, employees are scared… I like the traffic. I like the crosswalks. I like the decorative part.”
Bruce Rowley, developing a boutique hotel on Douglas, testified: “We’re excited about slowing things down… If you’ve spent any time on that stretch of Douglas, east of Washington, it is crazy. The motorcycle groups, the cars racing up and down that particular stretch.”
Alan Kailer, Vice Chairman of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, praised staff: “Paul and James came back with what I think is some significant safety improvements for everybody using it, motorists as well as people biking and walking. The Bike Ped Board unanimously recommended it.”
Mayor Wu’s Opposition:
Mayor Wu explained her “no” vote: “The Douglas Street redesign concept was not my vision and not my plan, and I believe the City has much more pressing street issues that should be addressed first… over a hundred individuals seem to agree with that comment.”
She also highlighted infrastructure needs discovered while running Douglas Street: “There were broken sidewalks. There were areas even in the intersections that really needed to be repaired.”
Traffic Law Clarification:
Gary Janzen from Public Works clarified a key concern: Under City Ordinance 11.38.240, drivers can legally use the center turn lane to pass vehicles stopped for parallel parking or deliveries, as long as the lane is clear. This addressed business owner worries about traffic flow.
Final Vote:
Council Member Johnson made the motion: “I like the idea of going forward with this as a pilot… When we did the re-striping in 2019, I think that started off as a pilot to see how traffic would be impacted, diagonal parking would work, and it worked.”
The vote was 6-1, with only Mayor Wu opposed.
Major Development Approvals
$17 Million Bodhi Wichita Mental Health Housing
The Council voted 7-0 to commit eight Project-Based Vouchers to Bodhi Wichita, a partnership between Breakthrough Wichita and Vecino Group converting the former Christian Faith Center at 944 South Topeka into 49 units of supportive housing for severely mentally ill individuals.
Father Andy Holtberg from Breakthrough explained: “We’re looking at serving individuals with severe mental illness who need that wraparound support to maintain housing stability.”
The $17 million project (approximately $347,000 per unit) will utilize Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and represents a 9% LIHTC application to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
Sally Stang from Housing and Community Services explained the high per-unit cost: “LIHTC projects are always more expensive on the per unit cost. There are a lot of legal expenses related to the partnerships… 4% projects have bond issuances that really raise the costs… In the end though because many of that investment comes to the project as equity, that’s what helps to make it affordable in the long run.”
The project received strong community support. Steve Falke from Crestview Lakes HOA testified: “I’ve worked very closely with Adam Barlow-Thompson’s wife, Reverend Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson. I’ve known the family for 5 years. There are no finer people working in south Wichita.”
Christopher Swanson from The Neighboring Movement added: “Obviously the Christian Faith Center property has been a big puzzle in the neighborhood for a long time. It’s really hard to figure out what to do with such a massive space… we’re really excited to see this be used creatively and to provide housing.”
Council Member Hoheisel initially raised concerns about stacked units being a fire hazard, but staff clarified that two-story buildings are permitted as long as units don’t exceed the fire suppression requirements.
$39 Million Fagron Sterile Services Expansion
The Council approved 7-0 Industrial Revenue Bonds for Fagron Compounding Services to build a $39 million cleanroom facility for manufacturing IV bags and syringes for operating rooms nationwide.
Fagron, whose global headquarters is in Rotterdam, Netherlands, operates the most important plant for their business in Wichita, employing 598 people with 67 current openings.
A Fagron representative testified: “We produce medication that’s made here in Wichita that’s distributed to all 50 states and also Puerto Rico… We’re contracted out with Cleveland Clinic, NYU, Boston Mass General… This is going to allow us to have a higher level of service to them, but also help protect against market shortages.”
The project expects to create at least 40 new jobs, with the representative noting: “This job estimate is very conservative.”
Council Member Tuttle, who toured the facility, praised the investment: “You could be anywhere in the country anywhere in the world and you’re choosing Wichita, Kansas. And that’s not lost on me or my colleagues.”
The company produces approximately 19 million doses annually serving hospitals nationwide including Ascension Via Christi and HCA locally.
Wichita Business Park Development Agreement
The Council approved 7-0 a development agreement with Wichita Maple LLC for the former Towne West Square mall transformation.
Chris Salata, partner in the ownership, provided an update: “We are well along the way on the interior demolition of the mall… All those small shops have been removed. We anticipate that interior demolition will be completed by year-end.”
The project signed its first major tenant: PROtect, a local Wichita business and the fourth-largest revenue producing company in the city, will occupy 42,000 square feet and bring 50 to 75 jobs, consolidating from other locations.
Council Member Glasscock, who toured the facility, praised the transformation: “It is completely transformed from what it used to be to what it is now… It’s great to see new life breathed into an old building.”
The development utilizes a pay-as-you-go TIF structure with no risk to taxpayers, as Troy Anderson confirmed: “Any debt that the owner, the developer incurs will only be repaid to them through the increase in the tax obligation that is created and subsequently rebated back to them.”
K-96/Greenwich STAR Bond Phase III: $17+ Million
The Council voted 7-0 to approve a development agreement with Family Destination Development LLC (led by Marty Cornejo) for Phase III of the K-96/Greenwich STAR Bond District.
The project includes:
- Wichita State University National Tennis Center (partnership with WSU Athletics)
- Resort hotel (flag not yet determined)
- Electric go-kart facility
- Amphitheater
- Additional recreational amenities
Timeline:
- Infrastructure: First phase
- WSU Tennis Center: 2027
- Hotel and additional facilities: December 2028
Kevin Saal, WSU Director of Athletics, testified: “This facility represents a top 20 collegiate facility in the country for tennis, that would result in elevated recruiting, enhanced student athlete experience, and expanded programming. This facility would immediately be in contention to host NCAA preliminary rounds, regionals, and national championships.”
Addressing Cemetery Concerns:
Grant Daily, whose father is buried at adjacent Kensington Gardens Cemetery, raised concerns about noise and traffic impacts. Hillard Cozine, fourth generation of Cozine Memorial Group which owns the cemetery, responded:
“Kensington Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful place and maintaining its safety, dignity and sense of privacy is very important to us… Our plans along the west and north borders of the cemetery will continue the same approach, utilizing tree barriers, fencing, berming and gates that will be locked at night.”
Marty Cornejo addressed concerns: “Regarding the go-karts, we’re all electric, so you won’t have the engines… The main entrance will be off Greenwich… There will be roundabouts throughout the development, which will keep traffic at a great pace.”
Development Timeline Penalties:
Cornejo emphasized commitment to deadlines: “The urgency for us to hit deadlines is pretty important, and my reputation means everything… We spent quite a bit of time with City legal and the state to go over these deadlines… we do not disappoint.”
Troy Anderson explained: “If all of a sudden for whatever reason, we start seeing some stagnation in the development timeline, there are some terms and conditions in the development agreement that start to address how the City can respond.”
County Support:
Pete Meitzner, Sedgwick County Commissioner, testified: “This is the second most successful [STAR bond] other than the racetrack. $36 million could be paid back over 20 years, and it was paid back in six or seven… You’ve just got incredibly positive things that you all should be proud of.”
Council Member Tuttle summarized: “I truly appreciate it, and it’s a true reflection of your character and your investment in our great City.”
301 Meridian Partners Multi-Family Housing
The Council approved 7-0 a Letter of Intent to Issue Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds for 301 Meridian Partners LLC (developer Jeff Englert) to build 32 new construction units adjacent to the renovating Maple Elementary School building (23 units).
Workforce Housing Rents:
- One-bedroom: $900-$950/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,200-$1,250/month
Englert explained these rents are $150 lower than comparable new construction in northeast Wichita due to infill development challenges, making the incentives necessary for feasibility.
At approximately $106,000 per unit, the project costs significantly less than federally-funded affordable housing projects recently approved.
Mayor Wu noted: “Last week we had a project where people were asking why is it costing so much more per unit to rehab historic buildings or even housing that requires federal dollars… your per unit rate is much lower than the 200,000 plus that we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
Englert replied: “200,000 plus seems very high to me.”
Council Member Glasscock thanked Englert: “Thank you for investing in West and Southwest Wichita. This was coming to my neighborhood and I’m looking forward to having some new neighbors at a great intersection in town that needs development.”
Additional Council Actions
2026 Budget and Salary Ordinances
The Council approved first reading of:
- 2026 Exempt and Non-Exempt Classification Ordinances
- 2026 Exempt and Non-Exempt Salary Ordinances
Mayor Wu moved to exempt the mayor’s salary from the increase, fulfilling a campaign promise. The motion passed 7-0.
Wu explained: “I promised this on the campaign trail. I did this last year, and I’m doing it again… I will not be taking that raise.”
Council Member Tuttle noted: “Even if this passes and I am given a raise, I will make sure that the money goes back to the community” through charitable donations.
Special Liquor Tax Allocations
The Council approved 7-0 the 2026 Special Liquor Tax Coalition funding recommendations, totaling allocations to multiple service providers including:
- SACK (Substance Abuse Center of Kansas) for outpatient treatment
- Recovery Concepts Inc.
- DCCCA for case management and inpatient services
- Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters for youth mentoring
- Prime Fit Youth Foundation
- Other prevention and treatment providers
Nathan Emmorey from Municipal Court explained SACK stepped in to fill a gap after ComCare chose not to continue providing outpatient services in the substance abuse continuum.
Mayor Wu requested that other youth mentoring organizations like Youth Horizons, Heroes Academy, and Masters and Mentors be informed of future RFP opportunities.
2026 Street Maintenance Programs
Aaron Henning from Public Works presented the 2026 Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3) totaling $4.77 million, including:
- Microsurfacing seal projects
- Ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing
- Chip and fog seal (pilot program)
- Crack seal and concrete repair
The Council approved 7-0 supplemental concrete mitigation funding of $2.1 million distributed proportionally by district, after rejecting 3-4 Council Member Johnson’s substitute motion for a Citywide worst-first approach that would have focused primarily on Districts 1 and 3.
Mayor Wu emphasized: “Equity matters and there are six districts in this City of Wichita, and it’s important that all six districts feel like they are getting something when it comes to investment, especially when it comes to infrastructure.”
Council Member Hoheisel countered: “Those are where the worst streets are. So equity does matter, and making sure that people who live outside the worst streets in the City make sure that they actually get taken care of before people who have streets a little better.”
City Manager Layton highlighted street investment progress: “When I arrived in 2009, we were putting about $4 million into contractual street repair work. We’re at now 14 million… going to rise to 20, 21 million through the next 10 years.”
Dirt Street Paving Program
The Council approved 7-0 the 2026 Dirt Street Paving Program allocating funds primarily to Districts I and VI, with 22nd Street receiving paving.
Council Member Johnson requested: “Can we make sure that Senator Faust-Goudeau finds out that 22nd Street will get paved? Because she has let us all know about that for a number of years now.”
First Street Bridge Update
The Council approved 7-0 Amendment No. 2 for the First Street Bridge over Arkansas River project, now budgeted at $14 million including $600,000 for public art.
Public art concerns:
Mayor Wu pressed for cohesion with adjacent developments including Exploration Place’s EP2 Playscape and existing River Vista art installations.
Vice Mayor Johnston suggested: “As I go to other cities over the river, there’s some really cool LED lighting on bridges and structures… really good opportunities here since it’s so prevalent right in the middle of our City.”
Paul Gunzelman confirmed coordination with Exploration Place and noted the City’s $1 million contribution for sidewalk improvements and parking lot expansion supporting the playscape.
The bridge design includes:
- Three traffic lanes (two eastbound, one westbound)
- Protected pedestrian/bike lanes on both sides
- Connection to Exploration Place pathways
2026 Insurance Program
The Council approved the 2026 Insurance Program with several significant cost increases:
- Property insurance: 34% increase (includes planned coverage for new water treatment center, though facility won’t transfer to City ownership in 2026)
- Cyber insurance: 17% increase (potentially related to previous cyber incident)
- Federal excess liability: 10% increase
Heather St. Pierre from Finance explained: “As with most things, especially where property is concerned, it’s hitting us all. The property market is still pretty hard.”
The City recovered approximately 80-90% of claims from the previous cyber attack.
State Legislative Lobbying Contract
The Council approved 7-0 selection of Gencur Svaty Public Affairs as the City’s state lobbyist for 2026.
Mayor Wu confirmed adding grocery sales tax exemption to the legislative agenda: “I know that Council Member Hoheisel and I talked about this, regarding the grocery sales tax and the exemption of it being one of the items to be discussed.”
Planning and Zoning Actions
The Council approved multiple zoning and development items:
Conditional Use Override (7-0):
- 15 North Crestview Lakes Drive group residence for youth, adding condition requiring Home Plus state licensing
Zone Changes Approved:
- Trinity Park PUD (Northeast corner of Hoover/47th) – modified to require 47th Street paving before building permits, creating traffic alternative to 46th Street
- 749 North Arapaho duplex development
- South Oliver multi-use district
- 944 South Topeka PUD for Bodhi Wichita (approved with custom parking and screening requirements)
Council Member Hoheisel explained his additional conditions for the Topeka project: “In order to mitigate the visual aesthetic of containers from properties to the east, additional screening and landscaping are required. A six foot screening fence shall be installed… An evergreen tree landscape buffer shall be planted.”
Public Comment Highlights
The meeting featured extensive public testimony on various issues:
Housing and Development Support
Dr. Donna Castillo-Garcia from Grassroots Bridge Builders presented the Community Housing Restoration and Ownership Pathways (CHROP) program concept, proposing to use the Kansas Abandoned Housing Act to restore vacant properties for individuals exiting homelessness.
Tim McQuary supported the Bodhi Wichita project: “This group through The Neighboring Movement reached out to neighbors in the surrounding area and has involved us from the very beginning. We’ve seen this plan and we are in full support.”
Affordable Housing Concerns
Andrew Crane advocated for disability community housing: “I wanted to address the downtown apartments that are not Section 8 housing. And what you guys are going to do about the big long list of disability and blind community people that are on the Section 8 voucher… if you want the disability and blind community to move around your City you’re going to have to put a Section 8 housing downtown.”
Council Member Hoheisel responded: “We had the groundbreaking of 75 new units last week outside the multi-agency center. I believe ten of those are all access, built for accessibility. Also, in January we will be having a workshop on potential affordable housing fund.”
Non-Discrimination Ordinance Concerns
David Braddock raised issues with the City’s non-discrimination ordinance enforcement: “My case involved Walgreens Boots Alliance revealed critical flaws in both the litigation framework established by the City council and the procedures implemented by the law office… The arbitration process collapsed without any agreement.”
He criticized: “We’re putting out a wonderful new anti-discrimination ordinance. If you want a PR stunt that’s great. But instead I’m asking for financial accountability and for transparency.”
Personal Legal Concerns
Bridget Eby presented extensive allegations regarding family court proceedings and police department interactions spanning 700+ days of separation from her child, claiming systemic corruption. She provided documentation to council members.
Mayor Wu directed her to file complaints through proper channels via the Professional Standards Bureau.
Cemetery Development Concerns
Grant Daily emotionally testified about the K-96/Greenwich STAR bond development near his father’s burial site at Kensington Gardens: “I have visited this plot of land multiple times a year. It is the one space in Wichita that I’m still able to grasp and hang on to a relationship I never really got to have.”
He requested:
- Physical border beyond tree buffer to protect cemetery privacy
- Traffic directed to Greenwich rather than 21st Street
- Noise mitigation from amphitheater and go-karts
The Cozine family responded with commitments to enhanced screening, fencing, berming, and locked gates at night.
Various Opposition Testimony
Celeste Racette, former bank examiner and fraud investigator, criticized the sales tax proposal and cited multiple failed development deals including:
- Wichita Water Partners – $20 million over budget
- Ball Stadium – revenue projections overstated, $42 million STAR bond debt
- Wichita Riverfront LP – released from obligations
- Town Street Partners – $3 million profit flipping properties before ball stadium announcement
She concluded: “I cannot believe you’re asking us to trust you but not verify. So we’ve started a group. Save taxpayers, vote no and we will fight against this rushed, vague, too big project.”
Benny Bowman, former state legislator, warned: “When you take this money, there’s only a certain amount of money in the economy in Wichita. And you can’t take this amount of money out of the economy without affecting it… We call it government taxation.”
Performing Arts Center Opposition
Greg Kite, president of Historic Preservation Alliance and Save Century II Committee, challenged: “I have yet to hear Wichita Forward explain why they think they need a new performing arts facility. Nothing. What about the performing arts facility? We don’t know what it looks like. No plans. No drawings. How large. How much seating… Where it would be located.”
He warned: “17,000 petition signatures will translate into 17,000 votes just for starters… If the City Council believes that rushing this 1% sales tax initiative through without proper planning will decrease mistrust it has gravely miscalculated.”
Carl Dennett agreed: “We had a vote on the Intrust Arena and the City voted it down. So what happened? The county came back and said, we’re going to build it anyway… I liken the Wichita Forward proposal to a child’s wish list sent to Santa.”
Notable Procedural Moments
Marathon Meeting Length
The meeting lasted approximately 9.5 hours, beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding at 6:33 PM, with only a brief break.
Vice Mayor Johnston joked to County Commissioner Pete Meitzner: “I don’t think they put the clock on you because they thought you were going to be brief.”
Council Member Johnson quipped about food: “I think the real question we’re all wondering is when do you guys eat lunch? I don’t know how you do this.”
Meeting Schedule Changes
The Council voted to change the December 23 meeting from consent-only to regular meeting to vote on the performing arts private funding resolution.
Substitute Motion on Sales Tax
Council Member Hoheisel’s attempt to split the sales tax into five separate ballot questions led to extended debate about emergency meetings and timeline feasibility.
Election Commissioner Rainwater confirmed: “We have to have the ordinance in our possession by this Friday [December 19].”
The substitute motion ultimately failed 3-4, with supporters Hoheisel, Ballard, and Wu, and opponents Johnston, Johnson, Tuttle, and Glasscock.
Ex Parte Communications
Council Member Hoheisel disclosed regarding the Topeka PUD: “Just to be clear, I have had ex parte communication with the applicant. I think most of us up here have as well.”
Public Art Discussion
Extended discussion about First Street Bridge public art led Mayor Wu to emphasize: “I feel like oftentimes people won’t know about it until we come to final approval of the actual art. I want the process to be now where people are engaged in it.”
She specifically requested Exploration Place be included as a stakeholder given their adjacent $1 million investment.
Budget and Financial Context
Budget Deficit Forecast
Mark Manning explained upcoming challenges: “The initial year we would expect to be about $3.9 million out of balance, which I believe is 2028. And then 2029, I think we would expect that to be a little closer to about getting close to $8 million.”
Primary factors:
- Wage base increasing significantly due to public safety salaries
- Revenue portfolio diminishing as interest earnings plateau
Property Tax Context
The Council reduced the mill levy in 2025 for the first time in decades, taking $2.7 million out of the budget annually.
Council Member Hoheisel noted the irony: “We just then cut property tax and are pushing a billion-dollar tax increase.”
Contingency Fund Usage
Mark Manning revealed the election’s $150,000 cost would come from the City Manager’s contingency fund ($288,000 available), which hasn’t been used in approximately 8-10 years.
AAA Bond Rating Achievement
City Manager Layton highlighted: “Implementing an improved CIP process that developed debt metrics and enhanced strategic alignment which contributed to the City reaching a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s.”
Historical Context
Street Investment Transformation
City Manager Layton reflected on infrastructure progress: “When we first put this model together we basically had a plateauing and then a drop-off, so that we were losing remaining acceptable service life… We have really turned the corner in terms of our approach and the amount of money that has been invested in our street assets.”
Investment grew from $4 million annually in 2009 to $14 million currently, projected to reach $20-21 million over the next decade.
Thermal Crack Repairs
Aaron Henning explained the 2017 spike in street spending: “We identified thermal crack repairs being that [high impact opportunity]… We did not cover it with a new surface, which dramatically reduced the cost… public reaction wasn’t the greatest… it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing.”
The Hyatt Hotel sale in 2016 contributed $10 million to street funding during this period.
Those repairs, expected to last 7-10 years, are now beginning to fail and need readdressing.
STAR Bond Success
County Commissioner Meitzner praised Wichita’s STAR bond performance: “$36 million could be paid back over 20 years, and it was paid back in six or seven… this is the second most successful other than the racetrack.”
All-American City Recognition
Under Layton’s leadership, Wichita was named an All-American City twice, recognizing civic excellence and community engagement.
Looking Forward
Upcoming Elections and Decisions
March 3, 2026: Special election on 1% sales tax (if Council approves final ordinance December 23)
January 2026: Workshop on affordable housing fund
Spring 2026: Douglas Avenue road diet pilot begins
2027: WSU Tennis Center completion
December 2028: K-96/Greenwich hotel and facilities completion
Transition of City Leadership
Robert Layton’s final regular meeting as City Manager marks the end of an era. His successor will inherit:
- Strong financial position with AAA bond rating
- Increased street maintenance funding
- Potential sales tax revenue (if approved)
- Budget deficits looming in 2028-2029
- Multiple major development projects underway
Community Engagement Questions
The sales tax debate raised fundamental questions about:
- Public participation timelines – rushing vs. adequate community input
- Trust in government – addressing past development deal concerns
- Equity in taxation – sales tax impacts on low-income residents
- Project prioritization – needs vs. wants in public spending
- Transparency requirements – detailed plans before voter approval
Cultural Facilities Future
The performing arts center discussion highlighted Wichita’s arts infrastructure challenges:
- Century II requires approximately $12.66 million in maintenance over 10 years (current CIP allocation)
- Convention Center needs modernization to compete for regional conferences
- Performing arts groups (Symphony, Opera, Music Theater) deserve world-class facilities
- Downtown master plan identifies multiple potential sites east of Arkansas River
Heather Schroeder from Downtown Wichita cited consultation with FisherDachs Associates identifying eight potential sites for a performing arts center, including:
- First and Waco (City-owned, currently under contract)
- Broadway and Waterman (privately-owned near arena)
- WaterWalk site
- Coleman Lot (county-owned)
Conclusion
The December 16, 2025 Wichita City Council meeting will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the city’s recent history – honoring the legacy of a transformational City Manager while charting an ambitious course for Wichita’s future through the largest proposed tax increase in city history.
The 7-0 vote to let residents decide on the 1% sales tax represents both consensus that voters should choose, and deep divisions about whether the proposal is ready for that choice. With $840 million at stake over seven years, the March 2026 election will test whether Wichitans embrace an accelerated investment strategy or demand more time for planning and community input.
Meanwhile, development continues to reshape Wichita’s landscape, with hundreds of millions in private investment approved for mental health housing, advanced manufacturing, mixed-use developments, and recreational facilities. The city’s infrastructure also receives renewed attention, with street maintenance budgets tripling since 2009 and contentious debates about balancing traffic flow, business access, pedestrian safety, and bicycle infrastructure.
As Mayor Wu noted in closing the meeting: “I appreciate everyone’s feedback” – a sentiment that captures both the democratic engagement on display and the challenging work of governance in a diverse, growing city.
Source
City of Wichita City Council Meeting Minutes, December 16, 2025. Wichita, Kansas.