Chamber Works Directly with City Hall to Makes Business Easier

As part of National Small Business Week, members of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce met with Wichita City Councilmember Dalton Glasscock to discuss ways to make it easier for businesses to operate, grow and invest in Wichita.

The meeting served as a follow-up to conversations held with Glasscock in 2025, where the Chamber's Strong Business Committee raised concerns about the complexity of business registrations, permitting and city processes. Since that meeting, progress has already been made.

Glasscock shared that the City has moved nine of its 40 business licenses online, with plans to continue expanding digital access. The effort is designed to simplify the process for businesses while also improving efficiency and reducing staff time spent managing paper forms.

Chamber leaders emphasized that these improvements were a direct result of local businesses voicing concerns through the Chamber.

“This is exactly why these conversations matter,” said Brecken Morel, Interim President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our members are able to speak directly with elected officials about the challenges they face, and real progress can happen because of it. The Chamber is committed to ensuring the business community has a seat at the table and a voice in shaping policies that impact Wichita’s future.”

Discussion topics also included improving zoning flexibility, reducing red tape for events and vendors, streamlining permitting between city and state government, childcare licensing and affordability and improving communication and transparency between local government and the business community.

Chamber members and Glasscock also discussed the failed sales tax proposal and the importance of rebuilding public trust while continuing to position Wichita for long-term growth and competitiveness.

"The sales tax vote showed us that residents want greater accountability and confidence in how projects are planned and delivered," Glasscock said. "Moving forward, we have to continue listening and finding practical ways to support businesses, while making it easier for everyone to have a voice.”

Glasscock noted the importance of continuing to modernize government systems and improve how businesses and residents access information through more user-friendly communication.

The Chamber regularly meets with local leaders and policymakers to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen Wichita’s business climate and support long-term economic growth.