Downtown Wichita took a major step forward in shaping its future with the Kickoff Open House for the Downtown Wichita Action Plan (Action Plan) on March 4. Nearly 300 Wichita leaders and community members came together at WAVE to share their ideas and vision for downtown’s next chapter.

The event was the first step in a six-month planning process to update the 2010 Project Downtown master plan, which drove $1.7 billion in completed investment and created a more than $760 million project pipeline.

Jeff Speck, author of “Walkable City,” set the stage with a keynote on density and pedestrian-friendly design, inspiring attendees to think boldly about Wichita’s potential.

Following Speck’s presentation, guests had the opportunity to go through a series of interactive stations designed to spark conversation and gather input. From exploring downtown’s history to reimagining its future, participants answered key questions including:

1. How does downtown Wichita compare to nearby cities?
2. What makes Wichita a desirable place to live, work or visit?
3. What are the barriers to living and working downtown?
4. What kind of housing is missing downtown?
5. What events do you attend most?
6. What is missing for downtown to be a better place to live, work and play?
7. What key open spaces do you want to see connected?
8. Which open spaces do you use most?
9. Are there enough open spaces?
10. What types of open spaces and amenities would you like to see downtown in the future?
11. How do you get around downtown today?
12. How do you want to get around in 2035?

You can share your voice by submitting answers here.

Sticky notes filled the boards as people shared their thoughts. Many praised downtown’s affordability, arts and culture scene and dining options while also calling for more family-friendly spaces, walkability, green spaces and safety improvements.

There are more opportunities for public feedback including Fan Fest during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship on March 21.

Global urban planning firm Sasaki, Downtown Wichita’s project partner, will analyze the initial input before presenting its findings, which will include the “big ideas” that help shape the Action Plan.

The goal is to develop a clear, actionable roadmap for downtown’s continued growth, one that embraces Wichita’s unique character and strengthens its position as a destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Action Plan includes three key phases in advance of its anticipated completion in late summer 2025.

Phase 1: Immerse: The project team will analyze downtown Wichita's current landscape and collectively imagine its future potential, working closely with key downtown stakeholders and the greater Wichita community to arrive at a shared vision to form the basis for the plan.

Phase 2: Ideate & Iterate: The project team will develop an urban design framework, outlining the “big ideas” that will guide downtown development for the next 10 years.

Phase 3: Align & Act: The project team will help Downtown Wichita identify ways to implement the action plan and accelerate meaningful change, including public and private financing tools and policy recommendations.

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