Wichita City Council Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Wichita City Council met on July 14, 2026, to discuss and act on the proposed 2027 operating budget and capital improvement program, a federal grant for additional police officers, several zoning cases, and other community matters. The meeting included a proclamation for Park and Recreation Month, recognition of a local youth soccer championship team, and public comments on campaign funding, sidewalk accessibility, homelessness, and zoning. The council approved most items, with notable debate on the budget (passed 6–1) and an application for a COPS grant (approved 7–0).

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 7, 2026 – Approved 7‑0.
• Consent Agenda Items 1‑14 – Approved 6‑0 with one abstention (Councilmember Johnston abstained on the CID for Margaritas).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nancy Brown (League of Women Voters of Wichita Metro) – Expressed concern about large donations in local elections, citing a study that found some donors used multiple corporations to exceed limits. Urged tightening of city ordinance 52‑355 or reinstating a ban on corporate and PAC donations. Emphasized that big money erodes public trust.
• Andrew Crean (ICT supporting blind/low‑vision community) – Asked why the city has not partnered with a local company to make traffic signal push buttons more accessible for the blind and disabled, including an app-based system.
• Sarah Cowling (District 2 resident) – Discussed homelessness, noting the death of a friend who was unhoused and whose camp was bulldozed. Cited a lack of case managers and said 70% of people in encampments will remain unhoused despite vouchers. Urged continued talks before full enforcement of the anti-camping ordinance.
• Roger Dorping – Addressed duplex development, asking the city to establish controls on design (e.g., tornado shelters, varied front styles) and to focus on community prosperity rather than developer profit. Praised the planning department and the public hearing process.
• Max Timsaw (Youth Mayor) and Alina Lee Wynn (Youth Vice Mayor) – Representing the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC), requested $25,000 in appropriated city funds for MYC operations, including travel to the NLC conference, project funding, and meeting food. Noted that members contribute about 12,000 hours annually, equivalent to $87,000 at minimum wage.

Discussion Items

2027 Annual Operating Budget and 2027‑2036 Capital Improvement Program

City Manager Dennis and Finance Director Mark Manning presented the proposed $825 million all‑funds balanced budget. Key points:

• Mill levy maintained at 32.340 mills (flat from previous year).
• Public safety receives $237 million (67% of general fund), including 5 new positions for crime prevention tech and in‑vehicle cameras for 50 police vehicles.
• Infrastructure includes $34.3 million for maintenance and 13 new positions.
• Homelessness funding shifted to stabilization reserve: $1 million in 2026 and $4 million earmarked for future solutions.
• Libraries receive $375,000 increase (not enough to fully staff; library director said 4.5 FTE can be added out of 22.5 needed).
• Employee compensation includes 2.5% merit and 2.5% pay adjustment, plus new tuition reimbursement ($300,000).
• Revenue neutral rate (RNR): The city must notify the county if it intends to exceed the RNR. The proposed budget captures an additional $12.4 million from property tax growth (including reappraisal).
• Council debate focused on whether to capture only inflation and new construction (about $4.2 million) or the full growth. Mayor expressed opposition to the full capture, stating she would only support inflation and new construction. Vice Mayor Glasscock and others noted that not capturing full growth would require cuts, and asked for specific proposals.
• Outcome: Motion to set the public hearing for August 25, approve first reading of tax levy ordinances, and authorize staff to notify the county of intent to exceed RNR passed 6‑1 (Mayor voted no).

2026 COPS Hiring Grant (Downtown Area Response Team)

Captain Aaron Moses presented a request to apply for a federal grant to fund up to 50 entry‑level police officers for a dedicated downtown response team covering Delano, Broadway Corridor, Old Town, and NAFSCRA Park. Key details:

• Grant covers 75% of salary/benefits for 3 years; city pays 25% (estimated $1.5 million for 50 officers if all hired in year one). The city must retain each officer for an additional 12 months after grant (year 4 cost ~$6.5 million for 50 officers).
• Staggered hiring is planned to spread costs.
• 38 current police officer vacancies (as of meeting date); 19 new recruits starting soon.
• Overtime for three major events (Riverfest, Old Town, NCAA) totals nearly $700,000 annually; the team would reduce overtime.
• Council members expressed support for applying but concerns about long‑term funding. Some asked for a detailed plan before acceptance.
• Outcome: Motion to authorize application passed 7‑0.

Zone Change 2026‑23 (407 N. Young Street) – Single‑family to two‑family residential

• DAB recommended approval with a protective overlay (hip/gable roof); MAPC recommended approval without overlay.
• Councilmember Ballard moved to approve with the overlay, citing compatibility with the neighborhood.
• Outcome: Approved 7‑0 with the protective overlay.

Zone Change 2026‑24 (West Maple Street) – Five acres, duplexes

• 81% protest from neighbors; DAB recommended approval with protective overlay; MAPC recommended denial (8‑4).
• Councilmember Johnston moved to return the case to MAPC within 120 days, requesting a plat and elevations from the developer.
• Outcome: Motion passed 7‑0.

DER 2026‑11 – City Council Policy #9 Update (Public hearing procedures for planning items)

• Changes clarify that the council may call on other stakeholders (not just staff) and raise the threshold for requiring a public hearing from one protest to 20% protest.
• Outcome: Approved 7‑0.

FY2026 Continuum of Care Program Applications (Housing Evolution renewal and new Street Outreach project)

• Housing and Community Services Director Steve CBER presented two HUD grant applications: renewal of Housing Evolution (permanent supportive housing) and a new housing‑focused street outreach project. The street outreach would include three teams, serving 150 individuals annually, with 82% not returning to homelessness within 24 months. Match funds from existing departmental sources, no general fund impact.
• Outcome: Approved 7‑0.

Data Edge Contract for Mass Storage

• IT Director Mike Nader requested approval of a $216,000 capital expenditure for a new storage array (end‑of‑life replacement). Funded from equipment replacement fund.
• Outcome: Approved 7‑0.

Key Outcomes

• 2027 Budget Process: Set public hearing for August 25, 2026, and authorized notification of intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Final adoption scheduled for August 25. (Vote 6‑1)
• COPS Grant Application: Approved submission for up to 50 officers; final acceptance will require a subsequent council vote.
• Zoning Cases: Approved duplex at 407 N. Young with protective overlay; returned Maple Street duplex proposal to MAPC for more details.
• Policy #9: Updated council hearing procedures (effective immediately).
• Homelessness Grants: Approved COC applications for housing renewal and street outreach.
• Travel: Approved Councilmember Shepherd’s travel to National Economic Mobility Conference.
• Appointments: Approved several board appointments, including District Advisory Board members and library board members.
• Recognition: Proclaimed July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month; honored Wichita United FC youth soccer champions.