Wichita seeks federal grant for 50-officer downtown team
Wichita officials are pursuing federal funding for a 50-officer team covering downtown, Delano and the Broadway corridor at a projected cost of nearly $25 million.
Wichita, KS
In Wichita, Kansas, you'll find a mix of quiet neighborhoods and everyday conveniences. From weekday practicality to weekend exploring, it's easy to build a simple plan without overthinking it. Use this page when you want ideas for Wichita KS-from food and coffee to parks, shopping, and local services. Share what you love about the area.
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Wichita Names Chief Mire as Fire Chief Tammy Snow Plans Retirement
Tammy Snow plans to retire as Wichita fire chief in August 2026. Chief Mire is expected to take command on Aug. 24 as the department prepares for a 2027 station opening.
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Wichita Names Michael Mire as Next Fire Chief
Michael Mire will take command of the Wichita Fire Department on Aug. 24, succeeding retiring Chief Elizabeth Snow after a national search.
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Wichita schedules Aug. 7 hearing on 2026 budget and tax rate
Wichita’s City Council is scheduled to hold the first formal 2026 budget hearing Aug. 7, with more hearings set for Aug. 19 and Aug. 26.
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Wichita council renews Delano common-consumption permit
The Wichita City Council voted 7-0 on August 4 to renew Delano’s common-consumption-area permit, preserving controlled alcohol consumption within marked boundaries and authorized hours.
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Wichita council weighs Ignite 96 industrial rezoning near Greenwich Road
Wichita City Council is scheduled to consider a proposed industrial rezoning and three conditional-use actions for Ignite 96 at 2360 and 2370 North Greenwich Road.
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Wichita ratifies emergency airport equipment purchase after flooding damage
Wichita ratified an emergency purchase of replacement regulators after flooding damaged equipment in the airfield electrical vault at Eisenhower National Airport.
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Wichita council advances proposed CW3 industrial project with up to $8.5 million in IRBs
The Wichita City Council voted 6-0 on July 21 to advance CW3’s proposed industrial building and letter of intent for up to $8.5 million in industrial revenue bond financing.
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Sedgwick County schedules August breastfeeding and birth-planning classes
Sedgwick County Health Department has scheduled three no-cost maternal-health classes for August 2026, including virtual breastfeeding sessions in English and Spanish and a birth-plan class.
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Wichita airport announces new nonstop Southwest service to Nashville beginning in March 2027
Southwest Airlines plans to begin nonstop service between Wichita and Nashville in March 2027. Tickets became available through the airline July 16, 2026, when Wichita’s airport announced the route.
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Wichita’s proposed 2027 budget balances, but forecasts show deficits after 2027
Wichita’s proposed 2027 budget is break-even and keeps the mill levy unchanged, according to City Manager Dennis Marstall. City projections show annual shortfalls of up to about $8 million from 2028 through 2030.
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Wichita voters face Aug. 4 decision on proposed 1% citywide sales tax
Wichita’s Aug. 4 ballot includes a question on a proposed 1% citywide retailers’ sales tax that would expire no later than June 30, 2033, if approved.
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Wichita bond proposal moves toward Nov. 3 ballot as district schedules school tours
Wichita Public Schools is preparing residents for a proposed Nov. 3, 2026, bond election after a state-board agenda included authorization for USD 259 to seek an election beyond its general bond-debt limit.
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Wichita names Michael Mire as next fire chief ahead of Aug. 24 transition
Wichita City Manager Dennis Marstall has appointed Michael Mire as the city’s next fire chief after a national search. Mire is expected to assume command Aug. 24, replacing retiring Chief Elizabeth Snow.
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Wichita City Council schedules Aug. 4 meeting as Kansas primary approaches
Wichita’s City Council has a meeting and agenda listed for Aug. 4, the same date as the 2026 Kansas primary. The city’s adopted 2026 budget lists $342.8 million in city budget spending and $776.6 million across all funds.
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Wichita Gas Prices Tick Up While Diesel Holds Near $4.80
Wichita’s regular-gas average rose to $3.792 on July 30, while diesel edged down to $4.793; one local station listed both fuels lower.
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Wichita’s proposed 2027 budget is balanced now, but deficits are projected
Wichita’s proposed 2027 budget breaks even in its first year, but projected deficits and thinner reserves could shape future service and tax debates.
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Wichita City Council approves water reuse purification pilot for possible drinking water
On July 7, Wichita City Council approved funding for a potable-reuse pilot that will test purification—without putting pilot water in the public drinking-water supply.
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Wichita OKs applying for DOJ DART grant to add 50 downtown officers
Wichita City Council approved police to apply for DOJ COPS Hiring Program funding for DART—50 officers targeting violent crime and nuisance issues in downtown, Delano and Broadway.
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Wichita City Council approves LOI resolution toward industrial revenue bonds for CAC
On July 7, Wichita City Council voted 7–0 on a resolution authorizing steps toward an LOI for industrial revenue bond financing for the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
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Wichita City Council OKs water reuse pilot to test advanced purification
Wichita City Council voted 7-0 on July 7 to fund a water reuse pilot for advanced purification. Pilot water won’t enter the drinking supply during testing.
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Wichita council moves toward repealing downtown back-in parking ban
Wichita City Council voted 5-2 to draft a repeal of the 2008 back-in parking ban, but the rule still stands until a June 2 vote.