Ballot Language

On March 3, voters will be asked whether Wichita should adopt a time-limited, 1% city-wide sales tax to fund specific priorities and provide property tax relief. The ballot language reads:

1. Shall the City of Wichita, Kansas, be authorized, pursuant to K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., to impose a one percent (1.0%) city-wide retailers’ sales tax to be effective July 1, 2026, and which will terminate no later than June 30, 2033, the revenues derived therefrom to be applied as follows?

A. Up to $225 million for public safety – police and fire facility construction and maintenance, vehicles, apparatus and equipment, and other purposes related to providing police and fire services.‍

B. Up to $250 million for revitalization of Century II (not to exceed $25 million) and upgraded and expanded convention center improvements (not to exceed $225 million).‍

C. Up to $150 million for property tax relief.‍

D. Up to $150 million to establish a restricted-special fund – investment earnings reinvested – to support homeless and housing services: affordable housing projects and programs, shelter facilities, a multi-agency center and related services for people experiencing homelessness.‍

E. Up to $75 million for development and construction of a new downtown public performing arts center.

This language ensures the funds may only be used for the community priorities listed above and that the sales tax will end when it reaches $850 million or after seven years, whichever comes first.