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TL;DR: Wichita is being asked to approve a 1% sales tax with no clear plan for how $850M would be spent and almost no public engagement. Join us on Dec 16 at 9AM to urge the Council to slow this down, move the vote to August or November, or rebuild the proposal with real transparency and citizen input.MORE INFORMATION:
Wichita friends, the Wichita Forward / City Council–approved push for a 1% sales tax special election is a mess—and we have ONE WEEK to make enough noise that they can’t ignore the will of the people.
Let’s get one thing clear:
Opposing this proposal does not mean these community needs aren’t real. Public safety, homelessness and housing, arts and culture, and convention infrastructure absolutely require funding and long-term planning. What many of us oppose is the way this effort is being pushed through: fast, unclear, and without meaningful public engagement.
This is what happened and why your presence on Tuesday matters.
WHAT THEY ARE PROPOSING
Wichita Forward is asking the City Council to call a special election on March 3, 2026 for a 1% sales tax increase (their website calls it “one-cent,” but the proposal itself says “one-percent”—these are not the same).
They claim it will generate $850 million over 7 years, overseen by a citizen oversight committee.
Proposed spending breakdown:
• $225M — Public safety (WPD + Fire)
• $225M — Convention space
• $150M — Homelessness + affordable housing
• $150M — Property tax reduction (despite last year’s mill levy cut, saving homeowners about $14/year, and renters nothing)
• $75M — Contribution toward a new performing arts center
• $25M — Renovations to Century II
THE RESEARCH THEY CITE
(All linked from their website at wichitaforward.org)
• LEAD Wichita: State of Our City Dashboard
• WSU PPMC: Economic Impact of Homelessness
• City of Wichita Fire & Police CIP, 2026–2035
• Greater Wichita Partnership: Downtown Masterplan
• Visit Wichita Masterplan
• City Dept. of Arts & Culture: Economic Impact of Performing Arts
What’s missing?
Actual data. No budget projections, no spending plans, no building plans, no cost breakdowns, no details showing how this tax would be managed or implemented.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SO FAR
In the two weeks before the first vote, here’s the full extent of “public engagement”:
• One quickly announced Monday meeting with Wichita Forward spokesmen. Questions were limited, answers were vague or dismissive, and the room pushed back heavily.
• City Council first reading vote on Tuesday, where public comments—both in person and online—were overwhelmingly opposed.
• Future meetings:
– Mon, Dec 15, 5:30 PM, Advanced Learning Library (the night before the final vote)
– Tue, Dec 16, City Council second reading + final vote on calling the special election
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
First Reading (Dec 9):
Council held a hearing and voted unanimously to advance the ordinance.
Second Reading (Dec 16):
Typically second readings land on the consent agenda with no public hearing.
But this item will return as new business, which means:
• It will have a public hearing
• You can speak
• This is the last chance before it goes to a March special election
HOW THE COUNCIL VOTED
Short version: All 7 voted yes.
This was despite overwhelmingly negative public comment.
• Councilmember Mike Hoheisel was the only one who raised concerns—particularly about the rushed timeline and the burden on already struggling households—and suggested pushing the vote to August instead.
• It takes 4 votes to halt or delay this. Right now, we do not have them. But that does not mean the answer is giving up.
WHAT WE CAN DO
• Keep contacting all seven councilmembers and the City Manager. Demand clarity, transparency, and responsible planning.
• SHOW UP NEXT TUESDAY AND SPEAK.
– Tuesday, December 16
– 9:00 AM
– 1st Floor Council Chambers, City Hall (455 N Main)
If you cannot attend in person:
Email or call and ask that your remarks be entered into the record.
Mayor Lily Wu – [email protected] | (316) 268-4331
Vice Mayor J.V. Johnston – [email protected] | (316) 268-4331
District I: Brandon Johnson – [email protected] | (316) 303-8018
District II: Becky Tuttle – [email protected] | (316) 268-4331
District III: Mike Hoheisel – [email protected] | (316) 303-8029
District IV: Dalton Glasscock – [email protected] | (316) 268-4331
District VI: Maggie Ballard – [email protected] | (316) 303-8042
City Manager: Bob Layton - [email protected] | 316-268-4351
Assistant City Manager: Donte Martin - [email protected]
WHY THIS MATTERS
These needs are real. They demand thoughtful, transparent, fiscally responsible planning. But this proposal is an idea, not a plan. No details. No cost breakdowns. No implementation strategy. No public conversation.
And yes—special elections historically have very low turnout. Even critics of this initiative agree that pushing this through in March limits participation.
If they truly wanted the strongest public mandate, this would go on the August or November ballot, when more Wichitans vote.
A banker, a developer, and a businessman should not be the ones driving a process that impacts every household in this city. The top of the City’s organizational chart is clear: The Citizens of Wichita.
It’s time to remind them.
SHOW UP. SPEAK OUT. HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
We have one week to make our voices heard. Let’s show the City Council that we expect transparency, genuine public engagement, and a plan—not a rushed referendum with no details.
See you Tuesday.
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