Editor’s note: We corrected this story on May 12 to add that the Library Board of Directors also asks its members to fill out conflict of interest disclosure forms. The headline, a photo caption and the story were revised to reflect this update. On May 16, the story was revised to clarify that while the […]
commissions
Posted inLocal Government
Wichita has 23 vacant or expired board and commission appointments. That means one board can’t operate.
Nearly six months after the City Council passed its ethics policy, the Ethics Advisory Board meant to enforce it has yet to do any investigating. That’s not because there hasn’t been anything to consider. It’s because City Council members have yet to appoint a full board. In Wichita, there is no legal requirement to fill […]
Posted inLocal Government
Want to serve on a Wichita board or commission? Here’s how.
In Wichita, civic boards and commissions have a litany of powers. The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission — considered the most powerful advisory board in the city — can recommend whether a residential block can be turned into a parking lot. The Board of Park Commissioners can recommend that the city acquire new land for a park. […]
Posted inLocal Government
Wichita’s boards and commissions underrepresent women and people of color. Here’s how the city plans to change that.
When Shala Perez began serving on city, county, state and national advisory boards in 2009, she was often the only woman and person of color in the room. Having worked in law enforcement — including the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Bel Aire Police Department and the Mulvane Police Department — Perez was accustomed to this. But […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
Have your voice heard: How to participate in Sedgwick County government meetings
A $484 million annual budget. $45 million in annual capital improvements. Over $100 million in COVID relief funds. These are the dollars a Sedgwick County resident can influence by participating in Sedgwick County Commission meetings. Here’s how. Where to find Sedgwick County meeting times and locations The county posts meeting dates, times and locations up […]