Dec. 2024

Note from Commissioner Meitzner:

Happy Holidays! I hope you and your family are enjoying the season as much as we are. As the year quickly draws to a close, I take pride in three major projects the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners (BoCC) accomplished in 2024:

• Under the successful leadership of Chairman Ryan Baty, we took positive steps toward our goal of functional zero homelessness in the community. The County is supporting efforts by the City of Wichita, local nonprofits, business and community leaders to create a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) at the former Park Elementary School, 1025 N. Main St., to provide comprehensive services for unhoused residents.
• Construction on the 100-bed South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital is slated to begin in early 2025 at the corner of MacArthur and Meridian in south Wichita. The BoCC recognized the need for more mental healthcare years ago. We lobbied the State of Kansas to work with Sedgwick County and the federal government to approve and fund this major undertaking. Seeing our work finally come to fruition is extremely gratifying!
• Likewise, the BoCC played an important role in creating the Wichita Biomedical Campus, now under construction near Broadway and William streets downtown. The County worked closely with Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas to secure funding from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK). The first phase of the $300 million health sciences facility will open in the fall of 2026, providing education, research and talent to staff our South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital and other health facilities.

Now, as we move into 2025, the BoCC must say goodbye to two commissioners who have faithfully served Sedgwick County for several years - Sarah Lopez in District 2 and David Dennis in District 3. I have enjoyed working with both of them and consider them to be dear friends, not just colleagues. I wish Sarah and David the best in the future!

I also look forward to working with the Commissioners-Elect, Jeff Blubaugh in District 2 and Stephanie Wise in District 3. They will take their oath of office Jan. 12, 2025. I'm confident that together, the BoCC will continue to make good things happen for Sedgwick County and its residents.

Stay safe and have a happy New Year!

The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Holiday boxes deliver food and goodwill to those in need

Thanks to the hard work of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and Fire District 1, hundreds of local families received food boxes filled with $100 worth of holiday goodies, delivered right to their door by first responders. A special thank you to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Benefit Fund for organizing this amazing campaign and to Dillons Food Stores for their generous support. Watch the video below for touching highlights.

Sedgwick County participates in local Red Cross events

Sedgwick County EMS, Fire District 1 and the Sheriff's Office joined with Wichita Police and Fire Departments to help the American Red Cross kick off its 30th Annual Battle of the Badges blood drive (above). From Dec. 9-31, first responders competed to see which agency could bring in the most blood donations. Stay tuned to hear whether Fire, Law or EMS won the trophy this time!

Several Sedgwick County Commissioners and employees also attended the 14th Annual Red Cross Tribute to Heroes (below), an event dedicated to recognizing everyday individuals who accomplished extraordinary feats with our community.

Student design contest for 2025 "I Voted" sticker is underway

Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater is inviting students in grades 6-12 to submit a design for the "I Voted" sticker that will be used in the 2025 elections. The contest runs from now through Feb. 28, 2025, with the winner chosen in March. For contest rules and forms, visit "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Fashion and festivities on National Ugly Sweater Day

Sedgwick County staff in 45+ departments showcased their hideous and humorous holiday clothes for National Ugly Sweater Day. Employees used everything from tinsel and lights to animals and ornaments to make their outfits (and workplace) very colorful!

Commissioners hosted a Holiday Celebration to thank Sedgwick County employees for their hard work and dedicated service in 2024.

Community leaders, educators and commissioners attended the 29th Annual JROTC Superintendent's Breakfast. The event celebrated the achievements of the JROTC program and its young leaders.

The 49th Annual Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) Conference and Exposition brought together county commissioners and other elected officials to collaborate, share insights and learn from one another.

Contact Commissioner Pete Meitzner

316-660-9300

Pete.Meitzner@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202