Wichita City Council Installation and Farewell Ceremony

On January 12, 2026, the Wichita City Council convened to honor the departing eight-year tenure of District One Council Member Brandon Johnson and to swear in his successor, Joseph Shepherd. The meeting also included the re-swearing-in of District Three Council Member Mike Hoheisel and District Six Council Member Maggie Ballard. Throughout the evening, outgoing and incoming members exchanged remarks on collaboration, community challenges, and the responsibilities of public service.

Consent Calendar

• Adjourning the meeting via a brief procedural motion that was initially miscommunicated but successfully passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmember Tuttle: Expressed support for Johnson's legacy, noting they voted less often with him than others but appreciated his challenging of the bench. He stated, "I respect that a lot," regarding Johnson's sincerity and preparation, calling him a "better servant" to the community.
• Councilmember Hoheisel: Stated a deep personal appreciation for Johnson's heart and institutional knowledge. He noted, "We haven't always agreed," but emphasized Johnson's need for a "really educated and articulate perspective that they can bring to the table." He expressed a positive future relationship, stating, "I'm gonna miss having yours up here as well."
• Councilmember Ballard: Expressed full support for Johnson's service, highlighting his sacrifice of family time and his ability to command attention when he speaks.
• Vice Mayor Johnston: Expressed full support and admiration for Johnson's intelligence and wit, stating, "I think a lot of you... I think a lot of you."
• Councilmember Tuttle (Second comment): Emphasized Johnson's leadership role during the 2020 crises (COVID and George Floyd), stating, "Because of you, we had rallies and not riots. That's a leader, not a title."
• Councilmember Glascott: Expressed gratitude for Johnson's willingness to connect with journalists and the community, stating, "I really am grateful for your leadership."
• Brandon Johnson (Outgoing): Articulated support for collaboration and consensus-building as the primary method for solving tough issues. He stated his position that "It's better to acknowledge when you don't know something rather than to act like you do." He urged the new council to prioritize quality of life, noting, "When we settle for maintaining for what we have, the parts of our community that don't have much won't have a chance at having something new to take pride in."
• Joseph Shepard (Incoming): Expressed full support for the community's desire to move beyond partisan bickering. He stated, "You are tired of the partisan bickering and the inaction, and you're sick of policies that benefit the few at the expense of many." He committed to listening to all residents, stating, "I hear you... I see you, and you matter."
• Mike Hoheisel (Re-sworn): Expressed support for the necessity of community collaboration outside of government. He stated, "Government alone cannot solve our problems" and urged residents to stop letting social media separate them. He emphasized, "We will fail if we do not come together and address these issues."
• Maggie Ballard (Re-sworn): Expressed support for the hard work of the city staff and the importance of making the city better over time.

Discussion Items

• Farewell to Brandon Johnson: Outgoing Council Member Johnson delivered a comprehensive speech reflecting on his eight years. He highlighted the weight of responsibility, describing the moment he drove to City Hall where "the weight and responsibility of governing hit me... like a ton of bricks." He detailed specific challenges he supported, including the removal of transmission lines in Northeast Wichita, the construction of the Carl G. Brewer Community Center, and the remediation of contaminated groundwater.
• Inauguration of Joseph Shepard: New Council Member Shepard thanked his family and community supporters. He highlighted the intersectionality of his life and the importance of extending opportunities to others, stating, "As I navigated the campaign, there were lots of tough moments... I remember the words that my father taught me... to believe in me."
• Re-swearing of Mike Hoheisel: Council Member Hoheisel focused on gratitude toward city staff, specifically singling out Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) as "unsung heroes" who handle angry calls and keep the city moving. He acknowledged the difficulties his family faced due to his schedule, stating, "Those are sacrifices that my family's made."
• Re-swearing of Maggie Ballard: Council Member Ballard thanked her family and supporters for their constant support, describing the job as a "dream job" that requires hard work every day.

Key Outcomes

• Honorary Recognition: Councilmember Hoheisel presented the Key to the City of Wichita to Brandon Johnson. The motion was voted unanimously by the council.
• Oath Administration: The following members were sworn into office (or re-sworn) by Judge Jones:
  • Joseph William Shepherd (District One)
  • Michael Henry Hoheisel (District Three)
  • Maggie Michelle Ballard (District Six)
• Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was officially adjourned.