September 2026

Note from Commissioner Meitzner:

Hello, District 1 neighbors,

Fall has brought several opportunities to see the many ways our community is serving others and preparing for the future. I was honored to join The Salvation Army in celebrating 140 years of service in Wichita, meet with engineers and local leaders at the WSPE Legislative Breakfast and attend Joby Aviation’s Electric Skies Tour.

Also, I want to extend a personal thank you to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for his continued commitment to Sedgwick County and the Wichita region. Senator Moran recently announced more than $53 million in federal funding for KDOT improvements to K-96 between I-135 and I-35. This important investment will improve safety, traffic flow and access along a key transportation and freight corridor — and it will have a significant positive impact on District 1. I have valued my long-standing relationship with Senator Moran and appreciate his continued advocacy for projects that support our region’s growth and economic vitality. (moran.senate.gov)

From the compassion shown by community organizations to the innovation driving the next chapter of aviation and infrastructure, these events reflect the talent, commitment and forward-looking spirit of Sedgwick County. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent District 1 and remain focused on supporting strong neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and economic opportunity throughout our community.

The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Gearing up for the General Election

Voting in the 2026 General Election begins in just a matter of weeks. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 13, with distribution of advance ballots by mail taking place Oct. 14. Make sure to check or update your voter registration.

Check your polling location and more voting information at the Sedgwick County Election Office website.

Here are other important dates for the General election:

Wednesday, Oct. 14 - First day to begin sending all other mail ballots 

Monday, Oct. 19 - Early in-person voting begins at 3 locations in Sedgwick County

Friday, Oct. 23 - Public pre-test of tabulation equipment

Tuesday, Oct. 27 - Early in-person voting opens at all 20 sites in Sedgwick County

Tuesday, Nov. 3 - 2026 General Election

Thursday, Nov. 12 - Opening meeting of the canvass board

Monday, Nov. 16 - Final meeting of the canvass board to certify the election

Tuesday Nov. 17 - Public post-test of tabulation equipment

Never miss a City, County or School District meeting again!

It's now easier than EVER to stay connected in your community and engage with local leaders. We have created a place that provides access to all available meetings for municipalities and school districts in Sedgwick County. It includes the meeting frequency, days and times, and links to the site if the meeting is streamed. Click Sedgwick County meetings to check it out!

Emergency Preparedness and Safety Expo

What a great turn out we had at the Sedgwick County Emergency Preparedness and Safety Expo on Sept. 26. Sedgwick County departments had a fantastic time meeting with so many people and providing them with resources and supplies to be prepared for a variety of emergencies. Thank you to everyone who came out.

Practicing our preparedness

We know how important it is to stay prepared in case of a real-world emergency. Today, Sedgwick County public safety departments participated in a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to test response plans are coordinated efforts between local, state and federal partners. We're thankful for these opportunities and partnerships.

Sign-ups underway for final CERT weekend

Learn how to help yourself and your community in the face of a disaster by signing up for Sedgwick County Emergency Management’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Weekend. The class will take place from Oct. 16-18, 2026, at Sedgwick County Park.

Participants will learn:

- Disaster preparedness

- Fire safety and utility controls

- Disaster medical operations

- Search and rescue

- Disaster psychology

This is the last CERT class of 2026. Don't miss out and sign up today at this link.

Drought Disaster Loans

Have you been negatively impacted by the ongoing drought? If so, you may be eligible for a Drought Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration. This is a working capital loan designed to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. Applications are open now and available until March 10, 2027. Apply today at https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/emergency-management/drought-disaster-loans/.

Out and about with the commissioners

Sedgwick County commissioners and leadership discussed local, state and national economic trends, including AI in the workplace, data centers and the future of the power grid, at the 2026 Kansas Economic Outlook Conference.

Happy retirement to Deputy Chief Financial Officer Brent Shelton after 33 years with Sedgwick County.

Elected leaders from Sedgwick, Reno, Harvey and Butler counties met for the Third Quarter Quad County Planning Forum.

We heard the priorities and concerns of local engineers at the Wichita Society of Professional Engineers Legislative Breakfast.

My colleagues and I visited Joby Aviation’s Electric Skies Tour.

Contact Commissioner Pete Meitzner

316-660-9300

Pete.Meitzner@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202