Wichita
District 4 Newsletter
March 5, 2021
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A message from Council Member Jeff Blubaugh |
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The coronavirus pandemic came as the U.S. was facing crisis-level housing affordability issues, especially for low-income households. In 2019, 37.1 million households were “housing cost burdened,” spending 30% or more of their income on housing. This represented 30.2% of all households nationwide. One in 7 households — 17.6 million in total — were “severely cost burdened,” spending half or more of their income on housing.
Renters were more cost burdened than homeowners, with 46% of renters cost burdened compared to 21% of homeowners. Also, 24% of renters and 9% of homeowners were severely cost burdened. In total, though, homeowners made up 40% of all households with severe housing cost burdens, given the larger number of homeowners in the overall population.
Cost burdens were greatest among lower-income households. For households earning less than $30,000, 81% of renters and 64% of homeowners were cost burdened. This includes 57% of renters and 43% of homeowners with severe cost burdens. For those earning between $30,000 and $45,000, 57% of renters and 36% of homeowners were cost burdened, including 15% of renters and 13% of homeowners with severe cost burdens.
High housing cost burdens were driven by persistently high housing costs relative to income. In 2019, the median sales price of existing single-family homes rose faster than median household income for an eighth straight year. When I received my real estate license in 2002, there were 5,000 listings in Sedgwick County. Currently there are around 450 listings.
Supply shortages, down payment barriers and tighter credit continue to pose challenges for renters seeking to achieve their dream of homeownership. The report highlights Freddie Mac’s 2019 Profile of Today’s Renter and Homeowner survey, which found that 41% of respondents considered their inability to afford monthly mortgage payments a “major obstacle” to becoming a homeowner.
The same survey found nearly half of current renters believed lack of enough money for upfront costs, like the down payment, would be a major obstacle to buying a home. Meanwhile, lending standards tightened considerably during the past six years. As evidence, the report cites the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Mortgage Credit Availability Index, which declined by 34% from February to September 2020, reaching its lowest level since 2014.
Greater caution from lenders following the pandemic, depleted savings due to job cutbacks and reduced income overall pose major ongoing barriers to homeownership heading into 2021, especially for lower-income renters and household of color.
This is where we say, Thank goodness I live in Wichita, Kansas! The Housing and Community Services Department for the City of Wichita is a wealth of information and resources. And the Wichita-Sedgwick County Planning Department has brought us People for Places, a comprehensive plan that calls for an “infill strategy” that will develop vacant or underutilized land in existing developed areas. In addition, the Greater Wichita Partnership is attracting new companies to our area that are bringing in more jobs and opportunities than ever before.
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New Poll:
VEHICLES STORED IN BACKYARDS
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SHOULD RESIDENTS BE ABLE TO STORE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF OPERABLE VEHICLES IN THEIR BACKYARD?
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Or you can direct email your response to rfields@wichita.gov to provide a more precise answer!
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Poll results from the February 19 Issue:
What items below do you find the
most difficult to dispose?
- Mattresses/Box springs - 43%
- Old furniture and other household goods - 13%
Scroll down to check out cost-effective ways to get rid of your household waste!
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District IV News & Events |
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May 11 is the opening date for the first baseball game in the new Riverfront Stadium! |
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The Wichita Wind Surge is now a Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins organization.
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Disposing of household waste |
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It's that time of year when everyone is itching to start their Spring cleaning whether it's in the house, garage, or yard. And cleaning usually means donating or throwing out the items that are no longer useful. Perhaps it's that old dryer or outdated computer desk. Maybe it's the pile of tree limbs that have accumulated in the corner of your yard, or a tire or old paint out in the garage.
No matter what you are getting rid of, we have the cost-effective solution. And if you are just wanting to rid your clutter of still useful items, then a garage sale is the way to go. Applying for a garage sale license through the City of Wichita could not be easier. Click here to see how. Happy cleaning! |
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St. Patrick's Day Parade? Not this year. |
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As the Irish say, A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures! So even though we are having to forego another St. Patrick's Day Parade this year due to the pandemic, at least we can look forward to the upcoming Daylight Savings Time change on March 14. This allows for another hour of daylight come the evening of March 17, St. Patrick's Day. And what better place to make merry than in the Delano neighborhood, the traditional spot of the beloved St. Patrick's Day parade.
And to quote another Irish saying... What butter and whisky won't cure, there is not cure for. Click on the image to see a recipe for Irish Soda Bread and Whiskey Butter! |
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Would you like to
know what is going on
in your district?
The next District 4 Advisory
Board meeting will be
April 5, 2021.
During the pandemic we will continue to meet on-line in a virtual format. The April agenda will have the necessary information should you decide to join this meeting.
To find previous DAB IV Agendas and Minutes, click here.
To see a listing of the District IV Home Owner Associations and neighborhood associations, click here.
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2nd Chance Thursday - March 11 |
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Patrol West Community Police will be presenting another Second Chance Thursday Warrant Clearing Special Assignment on March 11th from 3:00 pm thru 10:00 pm at the West Community Police office located at 5803 W. Central. They will be able to clear traffic warrants,( NTA’s, and PBV’s) without having to book you in jail. They will schedule a new court date and it only takes about 10-15 minutes.
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Spring breaks are coming soon! |
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Still at home and looking for some new activity ideas? K-State Research & Extension - Sedgwick County is offering Spring Break Activity Kits for families with children in 2nd-5th grades looking for things to do around home for spring break this year!
The kits include over two dozen hands-on activities that will appeal to many different kids. Many of the activities feature outdoor, nature-based, agriculture, or plant-science themes that will grow excitement (and involve getting a bit dirty)! Other activities will appeal to budding engineers, cooks, artists, and writers. Games and conversation starters will engage the whole family, and activity sheets are included for younger siblings as well.
A limited number of kits are available. Registration will close on March 5th OR when all available kits are purchased. Learn more and sign up now at http://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/!
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Wichita Public Schools as well as many private schools will be taking a much needed break, March 19 - March 28. Start planning for your kids now! If you can't get away for a vacation and need to keep your kids busy, check out the City Of Wichita's Kids Konnection camps! |
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Bike-Walk Wichita - a great way to socialize! |
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Chris Stark, a volunteer and resident of District 4, has certainly caught the 'bug' for bicycling. It all started when he learned about Bike-Walk Wichita, a non-profit organization that advocates for safe transportation within Wichita and South Central Kansas.
If you have questions, would like to volunteer, go on a bike ride or hike, find out when the next event is being held, attend a workshop on how to repair bicycles, or even "earn" a free bike, check out their website here.
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Ozone Season: March 1 thru October 31 |
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- Share a ride, walk or bike
- Ride the bus
- Fuel when it’s cool — after 6pm
- Take your lunch to work
- Reduce idling
- Avoid the drive-through – consider going inside at restaurants, banks, and pharmacies
- Conserve energy at home and work
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Those pesky unwanted newspapers |
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We continue to receive complaints regarding the free Wichita Eagle publications that are distributed to households that do not subscribe to the newspaper. Residents who do not want the publications, or who want to report vacant properties where the fliers are piling up should contact the Wichita Eagle by calling 268-6209, or be emailing csrequest@wichitaeagle.com. If there are areas where old publications have become a littering issue and need to be picked up, please contact Distribution Services Manager Keith Hansen at khansen@wichitaeagle.com or 268-6558. |
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The City is now accepting applications for its next virtual session of the Civic Engagement Academy scheduled to start March 31.
CEA is a free 8-week class for community members who are interested in learning more about interacting with their local government and expanding their civic engagement opportunities and skills.
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Report illegal dumping, potholes and more |
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Access Wichita is your one-stop shop to report crimes, stray and dead animals, non-injury accidents, street light maintenance, street issues, and so much more. It's also a great way to track your report and receive feedback. To report an issue, click here.
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District 4 Fire Department Stats |
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February was a fairly active month despite having the artic air blast that held most of the nation hostage for several days.
There were a total of 20 fire alarms, three (3) which caused significant property loss caused by electrical malfunctions.
All together there were 544 incidents including the 20 fire alarms, 69 service alarms, and 455 medical alarms which is somewhat "alarming".
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WHERE ARE CRIMES
HAPPENING IN WICHITA?
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Have you wondered why the Police are down the street, or in other neighborhoods? Just go to this link and enter the city's name and up pops the crimes you select in the side column drop-down menu. You can also find out if there are registered sex offenders nearby.
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Be prepared and stay informed by knowing the current crime trends in your area. |
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HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATIONS,
SO DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
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Wichita libraries to open for 'Grab & Go' service |
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Wichita Public Library locations will reopen to in-person services on Monday, March 8. The new “Grab and Go” service model will let customers browse materials on shelves and use public computers.
Here’s what customers can expect:
· Customers can browse shelves for materials
· Public computers will be available at most locations (technology services are currently unavailable at the temporary Evergreen Branch)
· Print, copy and fax service will be available inside most locations
· Customers with mobile devices can use Wi-Fi service at designated tables inside most locations
· Customers can use self-check stations for no-contact materials borrowing (where applicable)
· Curbside and drive up window service will still be available for ADA accommodation
· Lounging furniture will be removed to prevent gatherings
· Meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and the AV Studio (located at the Advanced Learning Library) will remain closed
· Book-A-Librarian technology assistance is available by appointment only at the Advanced Learning Library
· The Research Pavilion at the Advanced Learning Library is available by appointment only
· The Friends of the Library used bookstore will remain closed at this time
· Reverie Coffee Roasters at the Advanced Learning Library will also remain closed at this time
· Capacity limits at each locations
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Start your child as early as 4 years old in flag football with the NFL and Wichita Park & Rec! NFL FLAG is the largest, most recognized flag football organization in the U.S. and the only one where players wear official NFL gear. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 4-11. Teams will play 6 v 6 and have a chance to qualify for NFL FLAG Championships at the Pro Bowl. For more details and to register visit wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Athletics/Pages/NFLFlag.aspx.
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Registration for Spring classes begins Monday, Feb. 22 and classes start mid-March. Hard copies of the guide will be available to pick up from CityArts, City Hall, Wichita Public Libraries, Wichita Recreation Centers, Riverside Tennis Center, Watson Park and various local retailers around March 1. Click here to see what's available so you can begin planning now.
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To be eligible for the WERAP program:
- The household must have an income below 80% AMI. Households with an income of less than 50% AMI or households who were employed in 2020 but have been unemployed for the 90 days prior to application will be served first.
- The family must have past due rent and/or utilities and must have received an eviction notice or demand for payment.
- The family must have a COVID-19 related economic impact such as loss of job, reduced hours, reduced tips, or increased childcare or medical expenses.
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Paid high school internships at Textron |
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Textron is taking applications now through Monday, April 26, for paid, part-time internships for high school students 16-19 years old. The internship program will be from June 7 through Friday, July 16, 8 am - noon. You can apply here. |
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Income Tax Preparation Assistance |
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Did you make less than $58,000 last year? You can file fast and free through United Way. IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and file your taxes at no cost. They’ll even help find tax credits you’re eligible for – putting money back in your pocket. Sites available across Wichita and in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Geary and Marion counties. Last year, we filed 5,087 returns that generated $5,604,312 in refunds! For virtual, drop-off or in-person appointments, dial 2-1-1. You can also file for free at myfreetaxes.com. |
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Sedgwick County Health Order |
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What's the latest Health Order from the County listing restrictions due to the pandemic? Click here to view the order document that goes into effect on February 7.
In addition, to find out the latest schedules and news for the distribution of vaccines, click here.
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2021 Applications for LIEAP due by March 31 |
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The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
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The 2021 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 4, 2021, through Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Applications must be received prior to 5:00 PM, March 31, 2021. Print application
The following summary describes basic LIEAP eligibility provisions. Additional information may be obtained by calling 1-800-432-0043.
The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level according to the guidelines listed here.
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The City of Wichita Community Services booklet is a wonderful resource for all residents. You can discover what to do if street lights are out, pet licenses that might be required, how to obtain a garage sale permit, and so much more.
Click this link to download and view the booklet.
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United Way is able to hook you up to many Wichita area agencies that can assist with multiple emergencies. All you have to do is dial 2-1-1 on your phone or click on their link
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This program is open to low income families that reside in Wichita or Sedgwick County. To be eligible for these services, the applicant must fall within the income guidelines and provide proof of residency.
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ROAD CONSTRUCTION UPDATES |
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Check out these resources for road construction updates in District 4 and around the city:
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DISTRICT 4 PROJECTS....
I-235 between the K-42 junction and S Meridian
NOTE: A winter shutdown is in effect and work will resume in March 2021.
West Street from Kellogg to Harry St.
Traffic Impact: West Street is reduced to one lane in each direction. Harry is open in all directions at West Street. Left turns at Harry are prohibited for northbound traffic. Walker, east of West Street is will OPEN on Tuesday, March 2. Irving will Close on Tuesday, March 2. Message boards are up notifying of this closure. Traffic is required to use alternate routes to access the area east of West Street.
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Stay up to date with the latest District 4 and city-wide news, events, and resources!
Office of Community Services
(316) 268-4197
City Hall | 13th Floor | 455 N. Main Wichita, KS 67202
Have questions or concerns? Email Council Member Jeff Blubaugh or call
(316) 268-4331.
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