Recently, Dan Voorhis of the Wichita Eagle reported that Wichita's economy is looking good for 2017, stating, "The coming year looks to be a really good one for the Wichita area, with an increasing sense of possibility and optimism, even though the metro area's economic and job growth is actually expected to be fairly tepid.  The good news is that if the city doesn't finally surpass its 2007 economic peak this year, it will almost certainly do so in 2017.  Less likely is setting a record for jobs: The city's peak in 2008 is still about 10,000 jobs away. The most recent prediction by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research in October called for a gain of about 2,500 jobs, although it expects to release an update next week."

But commercial construction and employment gain is nothing new for District 4. In fact, District 4 continues to be the lead of the six districts that make up Wichita in these two areas, and only 1/10 of a percent below average in residential construction. Soon, the new GraceMed facility on south Meridian will be up and running, the groundbreaking for Keystone Place will be set, and many of our District 4 businesses are looking for larger buildings and property acquisitions in order to expand their companies.

All in all, the forecast for 2017 promises to be economically optimistic.  Happy New Year everyone!

THIS COLUMN WILL RETURN SOON!

Start Planning Now for your

 Neighborhood Cleanup!

The City of Wichita neighborhood cleanup applications for 2017 were sent out to neighborhood associations and home owner associations this week. If we missed your association, please give us a call at 316-268-4197.  The cleanups start the 1st Saturday in April and conclude the last Saturday of November. There is much preparation involved when planning a neighborhood cleanup, so now is the time to get with your association to set a date, fill out and submit your application, and recruit volunteers.

SUPPLEMENTAL

 PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE

Among other measures, the Wichita City Council has allocated $10 million from the sale of the Hyatt Regency proceeds to the improvement of many of the City's worst neighborhood streets.  Click on the interactive map to the right to see where the repairs will take place.

Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar Energy and the City of Wichita are teaming up to give away firewood and mulch this winter. The firewood and mulch is provided from Westar Energy's ReliabiliTree tree trimming program and the City of Wichita's forestry tree pruning and removal operations. Sedgwick County Zoo is proud to be part of a program that benefits our citizens, reduces waste and conserves our natural resources.

Public can pick up the free firewood and wood chips, to use as mulch, now through February 2017 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the north parking lot of the Sedgwick County Zoo. The wood is normally delivered between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily.

Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar Energy and the City of Wichita ask that anyone picking up firewood please refrain from using chainsaws, splitters or any mechanical equipment.  Questions about wood delivery: call 261-6581.

The first 2017 District Advisory Board (DAB) meeting for District IV

 will be held on January 9th, 2017!

...FOR YOUR 

ADVICE

If you can spare 2 - 3 hours a month, please consider applying for one of the City's District Advisory Boards.  You can see the list of boards, times they meet, and current vacancies here.

City of Wichita Snow and Ice Removal Plan

Are you ready for the winter weather? The City of Wichita is! Crews have been preparing snow plows and training new drives ahead of the storm. You can watch the highlights from Mayor Longwell's regular media briefing, December 1st, discussing snow and ice removal. You can watch the entire briefing including news of the future Cargill headquarters here!

To track the snow plows in Wichita, click on the photo of the snow plow!

THE NEW CHRONIC NUISANCE ORDINANCE 

City of Wichita Ordinance 50-357

This ordinance will allow police to assess property owners for the department's cost of responding to "chronic nuisance properties."

Chronic nuisance properties are defined as those where a shooting occurs or a search warrant has to be executed by police. Also, properties where there are at least three "trigger events," including violent crimes, prostitution, gambling, drug crimes, alcohol or tobacco violations, noise violations, littering, gang activity and violation of building or health and safety codes.

Neighborhood leaders have pressed for a crackdown on properties where police seem to be there frequently, and the Police Department states that  there are about 1,000 properties in Wichita where they have had to respond 11 or more times this year. Not all those properties would fall under the definition of a nuisance property because of the nature of crimes committed.  Domestic violence crimes are excluded to avoid discouraging victims from filing complaints in retaliation only.

This ordinance will be reviewed in 18 months and the findings will be reported to the Manager, Mayor and Council.

Financial Considerations: The cost to respond to nuisance calls would depend on the number of officers required to respond and amount of time on the call. Depending on those variables, the cost of nuisance calls vary in cost. The assessment of police service cost would be determined by the actual hourly wages, including overtime, of all law enforcement personnel that responded. An event where two officers responded for one hour is estimated to cost $100 not including any applicable overtime cost.

BUDGETING BASICS WORKSHOP - PART 1

January 10th: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

 Rockwell Branch Library

Budgeting is making sure that you're spending less than you're bringing in and planning for both the short- and long-term.  When you actually see the breakdown of your expenses, you may be surprised by what you find. Attend this 2-part workshop to learn how to better manage your money.

This first session will be a look at how individuals and families manage their money in ways that work for them. The 2nd session (held on Jan. 17) will focus on practical ways you can track your spending.

SMALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL - A FAMILY FUN FILM FEST

On Saturday, January 14th, experience a day full of specially-curated feature and short films for the young and young at heart.  Be the first to see Exploration Place's newest dome theater firm, Titans of the Ice Age.  Plus, enjoy hands-on activities and all exhibits including the national traveling exhibit Discover the Ice Age, presented in partnership with Tallgrass Film Association.

Support local merchants on January 14th and save money! Simply purchase a re-usable 2nd Saturday shopping bag or keycard for $5 and receive discounts at any of our participating merchants. Check their website monthly to see where you can save!

Senior Wednesdays are great, but...

KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL CONTEST

This year, National Park Trust is once again hosting the Kids to Parks     Day National School Contest! The purpose of the contest is to empower students to create and plan their own park experience. This national contest is open to all under-served schools across the country and in all U.S. Territories. Students can submit proposals for a Kids to Parks Day event at a park in their community. National Park Trust will award grants up to $1,000 to winning entries . Grants will be used by the winners to implement their Kids to Parks Day event during the month of May 2017. 

Contest entries will be accepted beginning on Monday, November 7,  2016. Deadline for entries is on Tuesday, February 14, 2017

.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

JANUARY 28TH -  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 AT THE ALFORD BRANCH LIBRARY, 3447 S MERIDIAN

Identity theft is on the rise, and anyone can become a victim.  The consequences are devastating to the victim, who may not realize they have been defrauded until it's too late.  Learn more about what identity theft is and the damage it causes.  Consumer Credit Counseling representatives will offer steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim and share what to do if it happens to you.

Registration is required beginning Jan. 14; call 337-9119 or register online.

OLD HISTORY WILL BE MAKING NEW HISTORY IN 2017

WITH THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

The year of 2017 will be a year-long celebration of the Chisholm Trail. The Wichita - Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S. Main - Wichita KS will be celebrating Kansas Day on Sunday January 29th - 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Kansas History in Song  with a tip of the Hat to the Chisholm Trail - a live music program presented by a cavalcade of cowboy troubadours. Come and see many items from Wichita and the Chisholm Trail. Visit with Wichita historians and learn about how Wichita became a booming town in part because of the cattle drives and the Chisholm Trail.  Stay tuned for the upcoming cattle drive.

H2O Care Fund

The City of Wichita recognizes that there are many residents who are struggling during these difficult economic times, especially during the holidays.  This voluntary program provides a simple way to directly help others.  Even small donations can add up and provide a way for people to maintain their water service.  There are three ways to help, and you can find out how by filling out the City of Wichita H2O Care Fund Program Donation Form here. 

I WALK BECAUSE...

Life is not a race.