Economic Development, Housing & Transit Take Center Stage on Day One of City to City Phoenix

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual City-to-City leadership visit in Phoenix today, diving into discussions that will shape the future of Wichita. A group of more than 60 business and organization leaders gathered for a series of sessions focused on economic development, affordable housing, homelessness solutions and transit systems – issues central to growth in Wichita.

“Every year I come back with a renewed purpose,” said Jason Cox, Chamber’s 2024 Board Chair. “The Chamber creates this opportunity to learn what Wichita could be.”

Session 1: Economic Development & Growth

The first session featured insights from Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and Brad Smidt, Senior VP of Business Development at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Phoenix’s transformation into the 5th largest city in the nation has been fueled by a collaborative approach to advocacy, workforce development, business recruitment and industry diversification. These leaders shared how Phoenix’s growth can serve as a model for Wichita as it continues its efforts to bolster local industries and expand its economic base.

Session 2: Addressing Housing Challenges

The second session focused on housing, a pressing issue for both Phoenix and Wichita. Devney Majerle, President & CEO of Downtown Phoenix, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop housing and mixed-use projects that create a more inclusive and equitable downtown Phoenix. Nicole Newhouse, CEO of the Arizona Housing Coalition, addressed the challenges and opportunities surrounding affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in housing policy. Jennifer Jennings of Native American Connections shared the organization’s success in building 1,000 units of affordable, supportive housing and youth emergency shelters, illustrating how partnerships with local governments can drive effective solutions.

Session 3: Solutions to Homelessness

In the third session, Amy Schwabenlender, CEO of Keys to Change, and Jessica Cruz, Sr. Director of Homeless Services at Native American Connections, presented their approaches to homelessness. By providing wraparound services alongside housing, these organizations have been instrumental in transitioning individuals from crisis to stability. Wichita leaders explored how these models could inform the city's development of a multi-agency center designed to tackle homelessness.

“It’s eye-opening. It’s humbling,” said James Holland, Evergy’s Real Estate Services Manager. “Our homeless population feels like it’s growing by the day in Wichita. It doesn’t discriminate. We as a community need to take a stronger look at the unhoused. It’s going to impact everything else we are talking about.”

Session 4: Transit for Sustainable Growth

Transit systems that support sustainable urban growth were the focus of the final session of the day. David Schwartz of Friends of Transit and Jesus Sapien, Public Transit Director for the City of Phoenix, discussed the importance of continued investment in public transit systems. Phoenix’s ambitious "Transportation 2025" plan, funded by voter-approved tax measures, aims to create a balanced regional transit system. The insights gained will help Wichita in planning its own transit development and considering how such investments can strengthen the city's economic and social fabric.

The first day of this leadership visit laid a solid foundation for future conversations about how Wichita can address some of its most critical challenges by learning from the experiences of one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.