A Texas developer is moving forward on its plans to renovate the Country Club Plaza. Its plans include several much taller buildings, as well as better sidewalks and a new public square.
local government
Posted inLocal Government
What happens when 911 doesn’t speak your language?
When you dial 911, every second counts. Be prepared to give your address, the nature of your emergency and — your language to the 911 dispatchers. If you don’t speak English, be ready to wait. The Sedgwick County emergency response system relies on third-party translation services to handle foreign language calls. Connecting a call to […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
DIY Democracy: How to run for City Council or mayor in Wichita
Candidates who want to run for City Council or mayor have a lot of information to dissect and understand and a lot of tasks to complete. A detail as small as where you place your yard sign can be dictated by city ordinances. Getting the essential information isn’t easy. It’s not readily available online. It […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, How To, Local Government, Watchdog
Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita
Want to protest to make your voice heard? Before you organize a protest, it is important to know what rights you have and how to use them. It’s also helpful to know what can and won’t get you in trouble with the law. Here is a quick guide on how to protest in Wichita.
Posted inHow To, Local Government
Wichita has 44 square miles of food deserts. Here is a way to help.
Government officials are currently recruiting members for a Food and Farm Council to guide a master plan to address problems within the community’s food system.
Posted inLocal Government
Why has Wichita removed 189 bus stops in 2021?
When Cindy Coss picked Dodge Literacy Magnet Elementary for her son, a huge draw was the bus stop three blocks away from the school. “‘It was like, ‘Yay,’” Coss said, when they learned of the bus stop at Maple and Bebe streets. Coss can’t drive due to epilepsy. She relies on the city bus system […]
Posted inLocal Government
An affordable housing fund is on the horizon in Wichita. Here’s what that means.
December Markham’s kids grew up in the house she rents from the city of Wichita. Over the years, though, she’s seen it deteriorate. An unreliable heater. Flooring that is starting to peel, revealing nails that threaten her feet. She’s concerned that mold is growing on her bedroom wall. “I like my house,” Markham said. “There’s […]
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 […]