Wichita Forward

Wichita voters have made their decision, and we respect the outcome.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this process. The campaign for this measure ends tonight, and we remain committed to working collaboratively for Wichita’s future.

The conversations about Wichita’s long-term priorities will continue in many forms, and community engagement remains essential to that process.

Today is the day, Wichita. Our neighbors, our first responders and future generations need our help. We have a chance to invest in ourselves and our future, together.

Vote YES for the Wichita 1% Sales Tax.

Find your voting location here: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections/voting-options/

The Wichita 1% Sales Tax Initiative outlines five key project areas that our city leaders and engaged citizens have been aware of and discussed for decades.

These are big challenges for our city that require big solutions. The goal is large but together we can move Wichita Forward.

Make an informed decision by reviewing the projects, guardrails and ballot language at wichita.gov/ballotquestion

Our unhoused neighbors need our support. A Yes Vote on March 3 helps address the underlying challenges of housing instability and provides year-round, ongoing resources.

Key Facts:
👉 Federal ARPA funds expire September 2026. When we pass the sales tax, we will be able to seal the funding gap and keep services running.

👉 The sales tax initiative builds upon existing City services and community partnerships to grow opportunities for stability, rather than starting from scratch.

👉 A restricted fund will be established so that resources are dedicated to homelessness and housing, with earnings reinvested to support services long-term.

This isn't about short-term fixes. This is about our community coming together for long-term, sustainable outcomes for those who need it the most.

Read more about the project here: https://www.wichitaforward.org/homelessness-housing

Need a ride to the polls on Tuesday? Wichita Transit has you covered!

Wichita Transit is offering FREE bus and paratransit rides on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for the Special Sales Tax Election.

🗳️ Free Rides on Election Day – March 3, 2026 🚌

Wichita Transit is offering FREE bus and paratransit rides on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for the Special Sales Tax Election.

✅ All fixed-route bus and paratransit rides are free
✅ No proof of voting required
✅ Buses will operate on regular weekday schedules, covering the full voting hours at polling locations

📍 Polling Location Update:
The Sedgwick County Election Office has reassigned 11 regular polling locations. Voters can find their individual polling place by visiting City of Wichita website.
👉 https://www.wichita.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/576
Download the list of precincts temporarily moved and route map
👉 https://www.wichita.gov/.../Transit-News-Special-Sales...
🧭 Plan your trip with our free online trip planner, plus route maps and schedules, available at the Wichita Transit website. http://www.wichitatransit.org
Make your plan, ride free, and get to the polls with Wichita Transit!

Clear rules. Independent audits. Citizen oversight. Vote yes on March 3rd.

👉 Read More About Projects: https://www.wichitaforward.org/projects

👉 Review the Citizen Oversight: https://www.wichitaforward.org/citizen-oversight-committee

👉 Understand the Guardrails: https://www.wichitaforward.org/guardrails

On March 3, Wichita voters will decide whether to approve a 1% sales tax that is short-term, accountable, and shared between residents and visitors.

Your vote matters. Make a plan to vote on or before March 3rd.

Read more about the sales tax initiative here: wichitaforward.org

How will the sales tax revenues be spent?

The Wichita City Council approved guardrail 26-049 outlining the priorities for funding as follows:

• The first approximately $21 million (or the amount sufficient to achieve a 4-mill property tax reduction) would be directed to property tax relief.
• The next $280 million would be split among property tax relief, homelessness/housing, and public safety until each receives $100 million.
• After those thresholds are met, remaining funds would be distributed proportionally among all five voter-approved initiatives.
• Based on current projections, funding for the convention center expansion and performing arts center would begin later in the collection period (estimated around 2029).

This guardrail was passed by a 7-0 unanimous vote. Find more information about the series of guardrails passed at wichita.gov/ballotquestion

This sales tax initiative boasts some of the strongest and most well-defined oversight guardrails of any effort of its kind in Wichita.

When we Vote Yes on March 3rd, we're voting for Accountability.

✅ A citizen-led independent oversight committee that would be appointed in the first 90-days, with a city-resident requirement. Meetings would have to adhere to KORA and KOMA requirements. Individuals appointed in 3-year terms.
✅ A clear set of guardrails outlined by City Council on how sales tax proceeds would be prioritized and managed. Sales Tax revenues are prioritized for Public Safety, Homelessness & Housing and Property Tax Relief.
✅ At least one annual independent financial audit, presented to Citizens and Council.

Find information about Accountability and Guardrails here: https://www.wichitaforward.org/accountability

Or if you prefer: wichita.gov/ballotquestion

Every vote matters.. Polls are open starting today. To find your assigned polling location and review voting hours, visit sedgwickcounty.org/elections

Find the exact ballot measure question here https://www.wichitaforward.org/ballot-language

Tomorrow, early voting begins in Wichita for the 1% Sales Tax proposal. Below you'll find the ballot language that clearly breaks down the not-to-exceed funding caps for each initiative. Additional guardrails can be found at wichita.gov/ballotmeasure

This language ensures the funds may only be used for the community priorities listed and that the sales tax will end when it reaches $850 million or after seven years, whichever comes first.

Make a plan and find your polling location by visiting sedgwickcounty.org/elections

Wichita Fire Station 15 was evacuated due to mold in the building this weekend, resulting in reassigning those firefighters to other stations. A recent inspection showed that 20 of 22 Wichita Fire Stations have mold in the building.

This is why Public Safety is a top priority in how the sales tax revenues would be spent based on the recent guardrails voted upon by City Council. With this dedicated funding, we can improve our fire facilities and the health of our firefighters.

Wichita fire station evacuated, temporarily closed due to mold concerns The crews working at the station, located at Lincoln and Rock Road, were reassigned to other stations in Wichita while further testing is conducted.