Wichita Forward
Mission
Wichita Forward, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, is a non-partisan coalition of business and community leaders whose singular aim is to advocate for ideas that advance the flourishing and prosperity of Wichita.
Origin Story
Wichita Forward, a unified coalition of business and community leaders, are advocates for a vibrant, prosperous future for every Wichitan. Following an insightful Wichita Business Journal Summit this fall, where non-profit, business, community, and civic leaders shared thoughts on our city's boundless potential, a pivotal question ignited our collective spirit: "Is the moment now?" By weaving together local insights, national research, and the heartfelt voices of our community, Wichita Forward has forged a bold proposal: a sales tax for the collective good. We invite you to delve into the research, embrace the vision outlined, and join us in championing this crucial endeavor. We firmly believe the future of Wichita rests in the heart and hands of its citizens. Thank you for helping us take the first step to move Wichita Forward!
Proposal
Charting a New Course
Wichita Forward invites the community to join an effort to advance a one-cent sales tax referendum. Sunsetting after seven years, the sales tax and all proposed projects it accomplishes would be overseen by an independent citizen oversight committee.
The Need for Investment
The City of Wichita faces growing challenges that require dedicated, new revenue streams:
- Public Safety: The Wichita Police Department (WPD) and Wichita Fire Department (WFD) require investment in technology, facilities, and training to meet rising service demands and address community safety concerns effectively.
- Homelessness: Point-in-Time counts show an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. The annual economic impact of homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County is conservatively estimated at over $20 million (PPMC Study), straining public resources (WPD, Code Enforcement, healthcare, etc.).
Project 1: Building a Safe and Resilient Community ($375 million)
Public Safety ($225 million):
Sales tax investment would cover all scheduled capital improvement projects and provide resources for existing and new initiatives.
Homelessness & Housing ($150 million):
Sales tax investment would cover capital improvements and permanently fund the multi-agency center, alleviating over $5 million in annual city budget costs. Includes investments in affordable housing and diversion as preventative measures to reduce homelessness overall.
Project 2: Revitalization of Century II and Convention Space Complex ($250 million)
Revitalize Century II ($25 million):
$25 million to revitalize and renovate Century II.
Renewed Convention Space ($225 million):
$225 million to invest in facility renovations and additions to Wichita convention spaces.
Project 3: Property Tax Relief ($150 million)
Dedicate $21 million per year for immediate property tax alleviation, accounting for a 12% relief annually through 2033.
Project 4: Education & the Arts New Performing Arts Facility ($75 million)
$75 million to develop a public/ private partnership to build a new performing arts center in downtown Wichita, including $75-100 million in private philanthropy and investments.
Oversight and Accountability
Citizen oversight committees are a vital mechanism used by cities to ensure transparency and accountability for voter-approved sales tax measures. Establishing this committee as a condition of the ballot measure acts as a promise to voters that funds will be spent strictly as defined in the proposal.
Based on best practices identified in the research of similar citizen oversight committees, Wichita Forward recommends the city incorporate the following standard features:
- Independence: Members must not be current city employees or elected officials (with exceptions only for specific union representatives if deemed necessary).
- Limited Scope: The committee should not decide which projects to fund; their mandate is to verify that funded projects match the voter-approved list.
- Sunset Clause: The committee structure should be tied to the duration of the tax, dissolving automatically if/when the tax expires.
- Annual Audit: The committee’s primary tool for accountability should be the review and presentation of an independent financial audit to the public and City Council.