WICHITA, Kan. - 7/24/2009 - The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) announced that Fidelity Bank committed $15,000 to fund the downtown master plan. This brings the private sector total to $76,000.

“We appreciate the leadership that Fidelity Bank has shown for downtown and their support in our community’s efforts to plan for our economic future,” said Larry Weber, WDDC Chairman. “The private sector has continued to step up and demonstrate how important it is to develop a comprehensive plan.”

In addition to the private sector funding, the WDDC Board of Directors committed $175,000 to a downtown comprehensive strategic plan and the Wichita City Council unanimously voted to put $225,000 to a comprehensive plan.

“Fidelity Bank represents the heart of downtown and the heart of our business community,” said Mayor Carl Brewer. “Through various efforts, including refurbishing the Wichita Carnegie Library Building, Fidelity Bank has committed for years to advancing our city and our downtown.”

The City of Wichita has received 32 proposals in response to its Request for Qualifications. A selection committee will narrow the field of finalists this week. A consultant team is expected to be named in October after public presentations by the finalists.

WDDC’s mission is to drive development in downtown Wichita. According to case studies, downtown revitalization benefits communities through new and retained jobs, increased private investment, increased property tax revenue, increased tourism revenue and improved perceptions. The WDDC has established a website where the community may provide ongoing input on the vision for downtown. The site is www.momentum-ict.com.

The WDDC is a non-profit organization focused on stimulating interest and investment in Downtown. The organization is governed by its Board of Directors consisting of property and business owners from the Downtown area. The Board represents more than 1,400 businesses in the center city and directs and manages the WDDC’s efforts to revitalize the Downtown area.

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