Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell launched his first regular news conference today, discussing top priorities facing the City. Issues discussed included public safety, jobs, transit, water, and infrastructure.

Extending his comments on jobs and referring to the recent Greater Wichita Partnership announcement, Mayor Longwell stressed the City’s support and commitment, “We are very excited about this effort to provide better coordination in creating and maintaining jobs and a robust economy, and the City will be a full partner and convener in this effort. There is a very big job to do, and although not completely defined yet, we have a lot of outstanding partners to leverage as we go forward.”

“Job losses in recent years, primarily in aviation, are a big challenge,” said Longwell. “We need a fundamental change in our approach in order to create better results. I have great confidence in Jeff Fluhr and know that we will work very well together. In addition, I have already met with both Jeff Turner and Charlie Chandler with the Leadership Council. I can assure you that they know the City of Wichita is ready to be a full partner in this effort.”

The Mayor noted there are many strong organizations and plans in place that are expected to play key roles in the new consolidated effort, including but not limited to:

• Wichita Downtown Development Corporation(WDDC)
• Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC)
• WSU Innovation Campus
• Wichita Area Technical College (WATC)
• Kansas Global Trade Services, including the Export Plan
• Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas
• Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA)
• Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP)
• Blueprint for Regional Economic Growth (BREG)

Today’s media briefing is expected to be the first of many, as the City of Wichita takes additional steps to engage the public about issues important to our community.

Residents are also reminded and encouraged to participate in a series of Community Open Houses in April and May about the draft County Community Investments Plan for Wichita and Sedgwick County. To learn more about the draft plan, which is required by law, and the many ways to share your feedback, check out this video: http://goo.gl/0QYWEq, or read the draft at www.communityinvestmentsplan.org.