Wichita's City Council will consider spending $1.619 million from its Affordable Housing Fund and signing a new agreement with the Wichita Housing Authority when it meets Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The housing item tops a packed agenda that also includes a bond ordinance for a commercial project called Leadfoot Express and a resolution to acquire private property for the 143rd Street improvement project.
Affordable housing fund
The council's recommended action is to approve an updated Affordable Housing Fund program plan, authorize the $1.619 million expenditure and approve a memorandum of understanding with the Wichita Housing Authority for the purchase of 21 housing units, according to the city's meeting agenda.
The city created the Affordable Housing Fund in 2022 with $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The fund targets low- to moderate-income households in Qualified Census Tracts within Wichita's Established Central Area, according to city budget documents. Eligible uses include single-family renovation, new construction and home repair.
The council approved a previous Affordable Housing Fund allocation and the sale of 47 single-family homes on a 6-0 vote in May 2025, according to a city meeting recap. Tuesday's action would acquire 21 existing single-family homes for affordable rental housing.
Leadfoot Express bonds and 143rd Street
Also on the agenda is the first reading of a bond ordinance to issue industrial revenue bonds for 1651 Eisenhower, LLC. The agenda lists it as the Leadfoot Express Project, a commercial facility. With second reading anticipated Oct. 27, the recommended action is to place the ordinance on second reading.
Separately, the council will consider a resolution for the 143rd Street East improvement project between U.S. Highway 54 and Harry Street. The project spans District II and Sedgwick County. Agenda documents indicate the resolution involves acquiring private property for the planned road improvement.
Second readings and other business
The council will take final votes on several ordinances that received first readings Tuesday, Oct. 13. Those include taxable industrial revenue bonds for the Greater Wichita YMCA facility improvements and taxable revenue bonds for The Lark Project multifamily housing facility.
The council will also vote on an eminent domain ordinance for the South Bleckley Drive drainage improvement project and multiple zoning changes.
The agenda is long. Other consent items include 2027 payment standards for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, effective Jan. 1, 2027, and a reallocation of up to $112,000 in Community Services Block Grant funds. The council will also consider a 2027 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant award and 2027 cultural funding grant recommendations.
The Kabbaz Addition will see petitions for water, stormwater, sanitary sewer, paving and lift station improvements across more than a dozen resolutions.
Two residents are scheduled for public comment: Daycia Hill on police accountability and Cynthia Fitz on city leadership accountability and community trust.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at 455 N. Main St.
