Wichita Falls · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wichita Falls public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Flood Mitigation and FEMA Floodplain Remapping
The city is hiring engineers to study flooding issues along East Plum Creek and the Wichita River to develop long-term solutions and secure state or federal funding grants.
SkyBox Datacenters Proposed Campus
SkyBox presented updates on its massive industrial data center campus in the business park, sparking resident debates over power grid capacity, water usage, and economic benefits versus tax incentives and community disruption.
FY 2026-2027 Proposed Property Tax Rate
The city adopted a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year that lowers the property tax rate to its lowest level since 2015 and reduces water and utility bills for residents.
Fiscal Year 2027 Pre-Budget Workshop
The city council reviewed economic trends, flat property values due to legislative exemptions, rising sales tax revenues, and compensation strategies for the upcoming budget.
City Manager Transition and Appointment
Following the unexpected departure of City Manager Jeffery Jenkins, the council appointed Deputy City Manager James A. McKechnie to lead the city.
New Police Chief Appointment
Numerous residents and activists spoke during public comment demanding police accountability, transparency, and the removal of the police chief following controversial use-of-force incidents.
Outdoor Warning System Replacement
The city is replacing its aging 53-siren tornado warning network with a modern mechanical system to improve reliability and emergency response.
East Side Development and Drainage Concerns
Residents voiced deep frustration over decades of chronic flooding on the East Side, broken floodgates, and a lack of funding compared to other city projects. Staff announced that a drainage study consultant will present options at a June meeting.
Series 2026 Certificates of Obligation for Capital Projects
The city is borrowing up to $26.9 million to fund high-profile projects like turning Kirby Middle School into a police station, fixing Fire Station 4, upgrading the Falls, and completing the Circle Trail. While officials say reserves and 4B tax funds keep property taxes steady, residents questioned why millions are spent on these projects while East Side flooding is left unaddressed.
Airport Drive Data Center Rezoning Proposal
Developers requested a Planned Unit Development zone on over 100 acres near Airport Drive for a 1.35 million-square-foot data center campus. Residents and council members pushed back hard over traffic risks, noise, and lack of transparency, leading to a unanimous 0-6 denial.
Demolition of 401 Broad Street Dangerous Building
The city moved to force the demolition of the long-vacant Kiva Inn downtown, citing severe health and fire hazards after a decade of unfulfilled promises to renovate. Representatives for the owners argued a $12.5 million loan is pending to turn it into senior apartments, but officials pointed to rampant mold, mosquito-breeding water, and gutted fire systems.
Police Department Independent Review
The city hired 21CP Solutions for $273,913 to conduct a thorough review of police training, tactics, supervision, and culture to ensure high standards and community trust.