Watch Wichita Win
Vote March 3rd for A Plan to Invest Wisely and Keep Wichita Moving Forward.
The Problem:
The City of Wichita is broke, and it’s getting worse.
There’s no secure funding for our future public safety needs. The homeless problem is growing worse, and funding is going away. And property taxes are already too high. We could raise them again to fix the funding problems… or we can choose a wiser and more affordable path.
Wichita Forward is a plan to relieve our property tax burden, support our first responders, and have resources to address homelessness. A one cent local sales tax will create a sustainable funding solution and reinvest in property tax savings for Wichita families.
Learn more about the Wichita Forward plan, and mark your calendars for March 3rd to vote.
Will Wichita Forward cut your taxes?
Say Yes to Invest
Vote March 3rd to Watch Wichita Win!
Moving Forward withPUBLIC SAFETY
The Wichita Police Department and Wichita Fire Department have seen flat funding but rising demand for public safety and first responders. Our first responders require key investments in technology, facilities, and training to address the safety concerns of the community.
Investing in the Future of Those Who Keep Us Safe
The Police Department and Fire Department are relying on overtime, and they deserve adequate funding to meet their staffing needs. A study determined that the Fire Department needed 10 new fire stations back in 2008, and we’re just now breaking ground on the first one in early 2026. They are still hoping to add two additional fire stations to address the needs of a growing city, but they don’t have funding to accomplish that.
Morale is low in both departments, as underfunding leads to outdated facilities, shoddy equipment, and heightened security risks for the heroes who keep us safe.
Moving Forward withPROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Property taxes in Wichita are far too high. This year’s property tax statements just hit mailboxes, and Wichitans are not happy. Seniors are being taxed out of their homes, and working-class families can’t even afford a home because of how high taxes are. Assessments continue to skyrocket, and people are feeling the strain of rising bills at tax time. That strain will only get worse if we don’t change course.
The people of Wichita need major property tax relief.
Will Wichita Forward cut your taxes? Try this Homeowner Impact Calculator.
Moving Forward withHOMELESS SERVICES
The number of homeless individuals in Wichita is on the rise, and the economic impact of the homelessness crisis is estimated at over $20 million. Key federal funding for the Second Light program expires in October 2026, and the problem will only get worse as Washington, DC continues to tighten funding for housing programs. Wichita currently has no line-item in the budget to replace that funding, so the problem will only grow worse.
All homeless service providers are having to tighten their belts due to lack of resources. We should have adequate resources to treat these people with dignity while ensuring and maintaining public safety.
Moving Forward withECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Wichita’s economic growth is slow. Visitation is far from what it could be, and we’re missing out on the opportunity for over $30 million in additional direct spending because visitors aren’t coming here. Our convention spaces are outdated and in need of renovations and facility updates.
Century II is not receiving enough funding to be appropriately maintained, and lack of funding will cause this disrepair to fall further behind. If we can’t even afford appropriate funding for our first responders, then we simply do not have the resources to maintain these important facilities.
Moving Forward withREVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
Wichita’s sales tax rate is 1% less than every other first-class city in the state of Kansas and the surrounding communities (i.e. Andover, Valley Center, Goddard, Maize, Derby, etc). 20 to 30% of our sales taxes are paid by visitors, meaning we are leaving huge amounts of potential revenue on the table – which could adequately address all of these concerns.
These neighboring communities are using our road and parks – and they should be paying our sales taxes.
The Solution:
Stabilizing Wichita’s Budget
Wichita Forward invests in public safety, addresses homelessness, spurs a new generation of economic development and tourism, and provides major property tax relief for the people of Wichita. This is a four-pronged plan to reinvest in Wichita, improve public safety, and reduce property taxes for Wichitans.
Project 1: Building a Safe and Resilient Community ($375 million)
Public safety and our first responders will receive needed support:
- This investment will cover the next ten years of needed capital improvement projects for our
- Police Department and Fire Department.
- Our first responders will be able to reinvest in existing and new initiatives to keep Wichitans
- safer.
The homelessness problem will be addressed in several ways:
- Expiring federal funds will be replaced with recurring annual revenue to fund the multi-agency center.
- Investments will be made in diversion programs and affordable housing to reduce homelessness overall.
Project 2: Revitalization of Century II and Convention Space Complex ($250 million)
Wichita’s historic, iconic convention center is in need of major repairs and renovations:
- The building needs renovated, modern facilities, including accessibility upgrades, improvements to the exterior and common areas like restrooms and lobby spaces, and more versatility to attract a wider range of events. This will ensure it remains a great civic asset
- This project will attract additional events and visitors to Wichita, delivering an estimated $40 million in additional annual sales tax revenue.
Project 3: Property Tax Relief ($150 million)
Wichitans deserve real relief from skyrocketing property taxes:
- Sales taxes are paid largely by visitors, allowing non-Wichitans to help us lower our property
- taxes.
- This proposal will reduce the city share of property taxes by 12% annually through 2033.
- Property taxes have gone up by nearly 4% annually over the last 5 years, making this relief sorely needed.
- This would be the largest property tax reduction since 1985.
Project 4: Education & the Arts New Performing Arts Facility ($75 million)
This would lead to the construction of a new performing arts center in Downtown Wichita and will be matched by at least $75 million in private philanthropy. A proposal is in front of the City Council to hold on spending taxpayer dollars on this project until after the private funds are raised.
Public Safeguards
The Wichita City Council can still put additional guardrails on these funds, which will guarantee integrity in the use of these taxpayer dollars. Additionally, a citizen oversight committee will ensure transparency and accountability in these projects.