Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Priorities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wichita City Council members outline 2026 priorities across trails, safety, housing and services
Summary
Council members and the mayor delivered brief opening remarks laying out 2026 priorities: growing neighborhood associations, completing the Red Bud Trail and a pedestrian bridge, road safety work on Web Road, parks planning, a new West Wichita fire station, and steps toward transitional housing.
Council members and Mayor Lily Woo used opening remarks to preview priorities and projects the Wichita City Council plans to pursue in 2026.
Joseph Shepard, Wichita City Council member for District 1, said one early goal is to "grow our neighborhood associations by 20%" and to focus on the "kitchen table issues that keep people up at night," emphasizing neighborhood outreach and resident-centered services. That goal, Shepard said, will guide his work with community groups and staff in the coming year.
Becky Tuttle, who represents District 2, said she will continue to push for child care and early learning, support for the visual and performing arts, stronger investments in police and firefighters, and water conservation and reuse. Tuttle highlighted the planned completion of the 30-mile Red Bud Trail and said that in 2026–27 the city expects not only the trail to finish but also "a pedestrian bridge over Rock Road." She also pointed to planned design work on Web Road from 13th to Central to address safety concerns raised by nearby schools and residents.
Vice Mayor Dalton Glascock said Wichita must "build what comes next" rather than be paralyzed by past mistakes. He announced plans for the first new fire station in West Wichita since 2008 and stressed investments in first responders. Glascock said the council also plans to activate an historic commercial district and support entrepreneurs.
J.V. Johnson, representing District 5, pointed to recent openings and improvements, including the West Link Library, Country Acre Dog Park and a new phase of the Proctor Wetlands. Maggie Ballard, District 6, said the multi-agency center launched last year is a "huge win" and described phase three — transitional housing behind Second Light — as the next step in helping program participants move toward stable housing.
Mayor Lily Woo framed the council's priorities around "safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars," and urged residents and leaders to recommit to civil discourse while preparing for America's 250th anniversary.
No formal votes or motions occurred during the remarks; speakers used the opening period to preview work the council and staff will pursue in 2026.
