Mission & Vision Statement Downtown Wichita (also known as the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation or WDDC) was launched in 2002 to revitalize and enhance the City center. Downtown Wichita is a private 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation that works closely with the private sector and local government to stimulate new investment and interest in Wichita’s urban center. The mission of Downtown Wichita is to direct a comprehensive economic development program to strengthen the district as: Downtown Wichita is governed by a Board of Directors who represent Downtown business and property owners. The organization contracts with the City of Wichita to provide Downtown development services. The contract is funded through a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) that encompasses the geographic area bounded by Washington Ave., Central Ave., Kellogg and the Arkansas River. The Board of Directors employs a professional staff who can assist entrepreneurs, developers and property owners to evaluate and plan a range of investment decisions. The organization can help to identify prospective business locations, provide market data, evaluate opportunities for new retail and service businesses, develop marketing and promotional strategies and assist with conceptualizing and implementing construction projects. Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita is a market-based visionary plan focused on key areas of Downtown, illustrating the potential that the community has to grow. The plan has overwhelming support from the private and public sectors. A blueprint for our community’s future, it benefits the public and private sector when making decisions, being strategic with public sector investment so we, as a community, maximize private sector investment. Project Downtown was unanimously adopted by the Wichita City Council in 2010 and continues to strategically help shape our Downtown. The heart of the city for all citizens An active and prosperous place for businesses and employees A center for artistic and cultural experiences A vibrant urban environment for residents, workers, and visitors Innovation Center The Innovation Center is a partnership between Downtown Wichita and the City of Wichita to assist developers with gaining access to the resources necessary to make urban redevelopment projects happen. The Innovation Center also serves as a living room for the community to gather, where countless conversations can take place and ideas can be shared. As a physical space, it is intended to be a creative outlet and a place to showcase Downtown’s development activity and foster quality urban design. The center was funded through the Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation and private partners. D O W N T O W N 3 2