City of Wichita Kansas

Tune in live to the weekly media briefing: https://lnkd.in/gmAV34Kp

ICYMI: The Council approved the 2026 Budget and 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan. The mill levy in 2026 is reduced by a half mill - now 32.316 mills. This is the first mill levy reduction in over 30 years. The total general fund budget is $342M. Other highlights: ➡️ Wichita Police Department Budget: $141M, including funding for the Real Time Information Center ➡️ Wichita Fire Department Budget: $78M, including retaining 42 previously grant-funded positions ➡️ Street Maintenance: roughly 16.1 will be spent on street maintenance in 2026 ➡️ Economic Development: $1.6M ➡️ Tree Planting: Funding for tree planting is fully restored now that drought conditions have abated. The Council also moved to reallocate $2 million in transient guest tax funding for the renovation of the former downtown library building so the building can realize a future use as an event space for Century II. The City will recognize savings in the budget from process improvements, employee benefit and staffing optimization, and more.

International Dog Day was a perfect day to unveil the newest works in the City of Wichita’s Public Art Collection. These two joyful rovers, created by local artist Conrad Snider, playfully welcome pups and their owners to the brand-new Country Acres Dog Park in District 5. #publicart 

Are you ready to serve on the front lines of public safety and justice? The City of Wichita is seeking a dependable and disciplined Municipal Court Bailiff. ⚖️ https://lnkd.in/gXz_FfsH

Make a 90-second intro video, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. And guess what… it was! I appreciate getting pushed outside my comfort zone. Thank you Greteman Group for the assist! And seriously, thank you all for flying and supporting your local airport! This is definitely a team effort, from all the employees to all the community. #iflywichita

The Wichita Public Library is where learning, growing and community come together. Looking to pick up a new hobby or get creative? Visit our Maker Space at the Advanced Learning Library. We have the tools to help you work on a wide variety of creative projects. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gh63jQcA

Did you know? We host a twice-year Civic Engagement Academy. Participants will become acquainted with general City operations and an understanding of the work of various City Departments. Applications are open for the fall class, which begins September 15. ➡️ Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gfM29HD8 https://lnkd.in/g4KQqdtN

You can help make Wichita and Sedgwick County even better! Apply today to serve on the steering committee to update the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Zoning Code, which helps guide decisions on zoning, land use, and infrastructure matters. https://lnkd.in/g44UtewA

Pool season is over for much of the city, including City of Wichita operated pools, but many pools in apartment buildings, gym facilities and more are open year-round. If you're looking for a part-time job, consider joining our team ensuring these pools are safe for the public to use. https://lnkd.in/gRFSe3ar

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting applications for low interest federal disaster loans to offset the physical and economic losses from the severe storms and flooding that occurred June 3-7, 2025. These loans are available to small businesses, private nonprofits and residents in the Kansas counties of Butler, Chase, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harvey, Marion Sedgwick and Sumner. -Businesses and nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to replace or repair real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. - Homeowners and Renters are eligible for home and personal property loans up to $100,000 (renters) or $500,000 (homeowners). - Resources are available to assist with business operating expenses associated with the disaster. - Funding is available for future mitigation projects as well. - There is no obligation to take a loan after applying. Application deadlines are August 26, 2025 for physical damage and March 27, 2026 for economic injury. The SBA has set up a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at Sedgwick County Register of Deeds office, 100 N Broadway, Suite 105, Wichita. The DLOC is staffed with customer service representatives who can answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist with applications. An additional DLOC has been set up at the Butler County Historic Courthouse – 1st floor, 205 W Central Ave., El Dorado. This location will be open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from July 1-24. Applications can also be accepted online at https://lending.sba.gov.