In the end, the survey ranking is a measurement that shows Wichita is not staying competitive with other cities. An improved ranking will help assure our community is ready for the future. It needs to be attractive, fiscally sound, and progressive enough to keep current Wichita businesses operating successfully. It also must have a quality of life that encourages new business with good jobs to locate into the Wichita area. It must also be able to attract and retain Wichita’s young professionals.
We want our community to be sustained long into the future, and long after this generation of Wichitans are gone. Recently I saw a TV program that included the famous Yvon Chouinard, Founder of the highly successful and lucrative Patagonia, an outerwear company with headquarters in California. Mr. Chouinard believes that all companies and communities must invest in sustainability to survive. His company has a 100-year business plan. We need to challenge ourselves in Wichita to make long term decisions for the long-term good of Wichita. Check out the You Tube Video and links to Patagonia's philosophy on the environment.
Let me know at greenwichita@wichita.gov, if your business or organization would like a presentation on sustainability. Additional information on the survey and sustainability may be found on the Sustainable Community banner tab above. Business sustainability plans that have ties to the WIchita community may be found under the Business banner tab above.
COMPLETE STREETS FORUM AND WORKSHOP REPORT
Over 100 people heard a Complete Streets presentation by Roger Henderson during one or more of the three events held July 21st and 22nd in Wichita. Thank you to all that attended. Lots of great information was provided, many comments were shared. Q&A sessions and the workshop excercises were enlightening. A few pictures are posted with links to the presentations in a pdf format. More photos will be posted on Facebook soon.
Many thanks to EPA for providing the City of Wichita with a technical assistance grant that made the forum and subsequent workshop events possible. A special thanks also goes to Roger Henderson, our expert presenter and trainer on Complete Streets and Stephanie Seskin, Executive President, both representing the National Complete Streets Coalition and to Steve Schaaf, EPA Region VII. Another extra special thanks goes to KU School of Medicine Wichita Campus and in particular - Kurt Konda who who helped with every Forum detail and Elizabeth Ablah who helped make arrangements for the facility. I would also like to express thanks to Lavonta Williams, Council Member District I, Janet Miller, Council Member District 6, Jim Armour, Gary Janzen, Dave Barber, Scott Knebel, Paul Gunzelman who all provided their City of Wichita expertise. A huge thank you also goes out to Rebecca Lewis and Michelle Stroot, both City of Wichita Representatives, and from Janet Wilson, Wichita Independent Neighborhood Association, that all helped to make the Forum possible.
The next steps include determining what type of policy or resolution is needed for Wichita to ensure that the streets of the future are designed and constructed for all modes of use including but not limited to vehicles, mass transit buses, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and special disability travelers.
COMPLETE STREETS IS AN IMPORTANT SUSTAINABILITY & QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE FOR WICHITA.
Check out the NATIONAL COMPLETE STREETS COALITION today!