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District 4
District 4
Council Member Jeff Blubaugh
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Message from Jeff Blubaugh |
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Home prices were up 18.7% from quarter one of 2021 to the first quarter of 2022, according to the latest Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index report. Higher mortgage rates added to the cost of buying a home, as they rose sharply in March and April; however, those big spikes may level off. The fundamental supply and demand imbalance in the housing market has caused most experts to forecast higher home prices throughout the rest of the year.
Fannie Mae predicts prices will move up in 2022 by 10.8%, but they also forecast a significant cooldown in 2023, with prices climbing just 3.2%. A recent Zillow survey showed that 60% of housing experts believe we’re not in a bubble, citing strong fundamentals such as scarce inventory and shifting housing preferences as the reason for the double-digit home price appreciation over the last couple of years.
Buying a house—in any market—is a highly personal decision. Because homes represent the largest single purchase most people will make in their lifetime, it’s crucial to be in a solid financial position before diving in. Start with a budget and make a pact with yourself to stick with it. Homes for sale in Sedgwick County have a median listing home price of $199,900. In today’s market, you may still find yourself in a bidding war, but that can be dangerous as it’s tempting to want to win a home at all costs, which could end up breaking your budget. And with limited inventory, some buyers might make more concessions than they would in a balanced market—ending up with an overpriced house that doesn’t meet their needs. Otherwise, It’s better to start small and start building equity then it is to get in over your head because you want your dream house now. And there is help for first-time buyers and for current home owners experiencing financial struggles.
The City of Wichita's HOMEownership 80 Program provides financial assistance with down payments and closing costs for first-time homebuyers in the City's HOMEOwnership 80 Assistance Areas. The City's HOME 80 program is made possible with annual funding through a federal grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The purpose of this program is to help citizens achieve the American dream of homeownership and to stabilize our neighborhoods.
Applications are accepted for persons who have entered into a real estate purchase contract subject to down payment assistance through the HOMEOwnership 80 Program, as long as funds are available.
For those who are making mortgage payments, the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF) program helps qualifying Kansans get current on their mortgages and property taxes and avoid foreclosure. The KHAF program provides:
· Mortgage payments
· Property taxes and charges
· Utility, internet, and broadband fees
· And more
Help is available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday at 855-307-KHAF (5423) OR complete the KHAF Contact Us form.
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ARE YOU IN THE MARKET TO PURCHASE A HOME THIS YEAR?
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No, I am happy with where I live
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No, I would rather rent so I don't have to worry about maintenance
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Results from the June 10, 2022 poll |
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Question: Have you ever participated in a Neighborhood Night Out?
- Yes - 36%
- No - 36%
- I have no idea what this is - 28%
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If you have never participated in a Neighborhood Night Out, you're missing the opportunity to party with your neighbors. Whether it's a pot luck meal, or simply sharing a beverage, you get to make the rules. You can have your street blocked off, or just sit on the lawn or front porch. Maybe you have a park nearby and can stage a pickleball tournament. With Neighborhood Night Out there aren't any rules except to have fun and connect with your neighbors. When you register your party, your local Fire Department station and Community Police Officers will stop by and introduce themselves. Learn more here! |
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Love them or hate them.... here come the fireworks |
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Only fireworks tested and approved by the Wichita Fire Department are allowed to be shot in the City limits.
No sparks higher than 6 feet.
No fireworks which are labeled as shooting flaming balls.
Please click here to see the lists of approved fireworks.
- Violations result in a $250.00 ticket (plus court costs).
- Adults can be cited for juveniles violating the ordinance.
- Property owners/occupants will be held responsible for violations of the ordinance on their property.
- There will be increased enforcement focused on writing citations for violations and confiscating illegal fireworks.
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Affordable homes through Habitat |
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Would you like to own an affordable Wichita Habitat for Humanity home that is safe, beautiful and spacious? Attend an interactive ZOOM meeting on one of these dates and learn how: Saturday, June 25, at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. or Saturday, July 23, at 10 a.m.
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Expanding the Ballpark District |
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Wichita’s West Bank and Delano community will continue their transformation with the addition of a prominent mixed-use development to be known as the “Ballpark District.”
EPC Real Estate Group announced plans to add three signature buildings located adjacent to Riverfront Stadium, home to the Wichita Wind Surge Minor League Baseball team, including a full-service hotel and class A office, retail and restaurant space. The first step in the overall redevelopment project will also include significant improvements to the west bank of the Arkansas River.
Set to open in 2024, Unscripted Wichita will feature 155 well-appointed guest rooms and multiple food and beverage offerings. This includes an expansive indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge concept with sweeping views of the downtown skyline and Riverfront Stadium, along with a signature restaurant on the street level, transforming the section of S. McLean Blvd between Maple and Texas Streets into a communal gathering place for visitors and Wichitans alike.
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Make money by gardening at home |
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Do you know that you can sell your garden produce from your house? If you have a green thumb and an overabundance of vegetables, then why not make some extra cash to help support your garden and your household. And for all the backyard "farmers" who have the allotted six (6) hens, you can sell the eggs you don't need for your personal use per the Wichita/Sedgwick County Food System Master Plan.
For those of you wanting to garden but are hesitant, the Sedgwick County - K-State Extension Office has a wealth of information, videos, and classes. There is even a garden hotline - 316-660-0190 - that you can call. You might be able to make your own salsa this summer. Happy gardening! |
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The City of Wichita maintains more than 100 miles of bicycle paths, lanes and other bicycle facilities. Many of the paths travel through and along scenic areas, such as the Arkansas River.
Bike Walk Wichita (formerly the Bike Walk Alliance-Wichita) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to the promotion of safe active transportation within Wichita and South Central Kansas.
Bike Walk Wichita was created in 2010 in response to the growing need for consolidating advocacy and education efforts for biking, running, and walking related concerns. With the intent of sharing ideas and collaborating efforts by many other bicycle/pedestrian organizations and causes, Bike Walk Wichita creates synergy among our local people-powered movement.
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There are 6 disc golf courses in Wichita! |
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With disc golf becoming a top popular sport in Wichita as well as other Frisbee related sports, this is your opportunity to get ahead of your competition. Check out their Facebook page, or use the QR code to learn more here. |
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Saving water is a win-win |
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If you need to replace a clothes washer, dishwasher, toilet, irrigation control, or other water-saving device, be sure to save that receipt and fill out a rebate application to receive credit on your water bill. This is the City's way to thank you for conserving City water.
As of May 25, there was still over $68,000 remaining funds for the Rebate Program. Learn more here, or call 316-268-4470. |
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Summer Meals Food Program |
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- Breakfast and lunch will be available at many different locations across the city of Wichita
- Click here to see a map of all locations
- No application or registration is required!
- All locations offer grab & go meals
- Each child will receive a boxed lunch as well as a to-go breakfast for the following day
- A few sites serve lunch only; they are noted on the list below
- Children do not need to be present
- Yard signs & large yellow signs are used to indicate which door to enter for meal service
For all information regarding this program, click HERE.
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Join our District 4 Advisory Board meetings |
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The Wichita District 4 Advisory Board meets monthly to weigh in on current Zoning and other cases presented by the Wichita-Sedgwick County Planning Department, as well as discussions and presentations by various other departments. The July meeting will be held at the Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian, 6:30 pm, July 11. Or you can continue to join us via Zoom or Facebook Live. To join in on the meeting, the Zoom link is posted on each month's agenda that you can find on Councilman Blubaugh's page via Wichita.gov
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Utility upgrade and construction
at Pawnee & Seneca area
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Kansas Gas Service will begin upgrading natural gas distribution pipelines at the intersection of Seneca Street and Pawnee Street in Wichita, Kansas, beginning in mid-June 2022. The project will last approximately 8 weeks, with work taking place Monday through Friday and occasionally on Saturdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. until the project is completed.
During the project, the east and westbound right turn lanes of Pawnee Street onto Seneca Street will be closed, and the northbound right turn lane of Seneca Street will be closed to Pawnee. Access to Haskell Street from Seneca will also be closed.
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To find out when a street sweeper will be visiting your neighborhood, street closures, water outages, public parks in other parts of the City, and more, just add this link to your "favorites". |
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How to report street and neighborhood problems |
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Report potholes, broken street lights, damaged signs, illegal dumping, sewer, street/traffic, water, and more HERE
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City of Wichita | wichita.gov |
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