After a year of community conversations, hundreds of ideas, and input from more than 1,000 Wichitans, Downtown Wichita has released its Downtown Wichita Action Plan (Action Plan), a 10-year roadmap that will guide the next chapter of growth and investment in the city's urban core.

Developed in partnership with global design firm Sasaki, the Action Plan builds on the momentum of Project Downtown while responding to the needs and aspirations of today's residents, businesses and visitors. The result is a shared vision for a downtown that is more connected, vibrant and welcoming, with the Arkansas River serving as a defining asset.

A Community-Driven Vision

The Downtown Wichita Action Plan was shaped by the people who know downtown best.

Throughout the planning process, more than 1,000 residents, business owners, property owners, workers and community stakeholders shared ideas through more than 50 public meetings, workshops, surveys and interactive activities. Their feedback helped identify the priorities that will guide future investment and decision-making.

The plan is organized around four overarching goals:

• Connected Downtown – Make it easier and more enjoyable to move throughout downtown by walking, biking, driving or using transit.
• Riverfront Downtown – Better connect downtown to the Arkansas River with parks, trails, recreation and year-round activity.
• Well-Designed Downtown – Create inviting streets, buildings and public spaces that reflect Wichita's character while improving safety and accessibility.
• Full-Service Downtown – Expand opportunities for housing, employment, shopping, dining and entertainment to create a thriving mixed-use urban center.

What the Future Could Look Like

The Action Plan outlines 17 strategies and more than 100 actions that will guide future public and private investment.

Some of the long-term opportunities include:

• Working with the development community to establish more than 5,000 new apartments and townhomes, including a range of affordability and home ownership options.
• Establishing a downtown circulator bus that runs every 10 minutes, connecting downtown to the new transit Hub in Delano.
• Turning Douglas Avenue into a “signature street” with more shade and more space for all users, including outdoor cafes.
• Activating the Arkansas riverfront with enhanced opportunities for dining, outdoor recreation, and commerce.

With the Action Plan final draft complete, the focus now shifts from planning to implementation. Several priorities identified in the Action Plan are already taking shape, including the launch of the Downtown Wichita Clean Team and plans for a new 30,000-square-foot downtown grocery store.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The Action Plan is the next evolution of Project Downtown, Wichita's long-term master plan adopted in 2010. Over the past 15 years, that vision has transformed the heart of the city, resulting in:

• More than $2 billion in downtown investment
• 119 completed projects in 15 years
• 6.3 million square feet transformed
• 1,935 new housing units added
• 1,350 new hotel rooms opened
• 5,600 new parking spaces added
• 20 additional projects currently under construction or in the pipeline.