Prop G for Downtown
In February of 2018, the Wichita Falls City Council passed an ordinance calling a bond election that will be held on May 5, 2018.
A major step for revitalization and continued momentum of our Downtown is the addition of a proposition on the ballot specifically for downtown infrastructure and beautification totaling $21.9 million. So first…remember PROP G.
________________________________________________________________________
For the past several months, the Downtown Revitalization Steering Committee and its subcommittees have been hard at work with consultants to develop a multifaceted plan to rejuvenate the district and repair the oldest infrastructure in our city. Now it is time to bring this incredible plan to our citizens.
What does Prop G include?
The official election ballot reads: “… in the aggregate principal amount of $21,900,000, for the purpose of designing, constructing, installing and equipping street and sidewalk improvements, parking lots, landscaping, pedestrian areas and related beautification improvements in the downtown area, and the acquisition of land and interests in land necessary therefor…”
Examples of Proposed Streetscapes of the Core Area:
Highlighted Additions/Changes/Proposals
- New, widened sidewalks to enhance walkability/paving patterns
- Narrowed streets to slow the pace of traffic
- Bike lanes
- One-way streets changed to two-way to ease accessibility
- Additional parking through diagonal spots, parallel spots, and parking lots
- Repair of 100-year of infrastructure (utilities, sewage, etc.)
- Introduction of trees, landscaping, planters and greenspace
- Increased lighting and security measures
- Expansion of Park Central (8th & Scott)
- Addition of Downtown water feature
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Why is Downtown Revitalization important?
The revitalization of downtown effects many critical factors including our growth curve that has been stagnant since the 1960’s. In order to increase quality of life for all, bring in industry, grow Midwestern State University & Vernon College, provide better amenities and opportunities to Sheppard Air Force Base, we must have a vibrant and restored downtown district. Every one of these components operate in concert with one another. Downtowns are the most iconic and powerful symbols for any city and give a clear indicator the social and economic health of a community.
Endorsements:
The future of our community depends upon our ability to attract and retain the talent that our employers need. Today’s workforce (and everyone, frankly) wants a vibrant business district where they can work, play and live. Great cities embrace their downtown as their heart, their soul. For the rest of the world to see Wichita Falls as a great city, we must throw every ounce of our strength into downtown. It all comes down to how competitive we want to be. If you want this city to grow, if you want more industry, if you want your kids and grandkids to stay here, then support downtown. How competitive do you want us to be? -Henry Florsheim, President & CEO-Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
Although I am a 35-year transplant to Wichita Falls, this is MY HOMETOWN! Supporting any and all improvements to MY HOMETOWN is vitally important to me.- Teresa Pontius-Caves, President-Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
I am a longtime, avid supporter of our downtown, and love the revitalization efforts that I have been seeing the past several years. Proposition G of the proposed bond projects and expansion of those efforts is incredibly exciting. With it’s proposed new sidewalks, intersections, lighting and landscape, Prop G promises to continue efforts to make downtown a vital, walkable area for Wichita County and surrounding areas to enjoy. Proud to be Downtown Proud! -Shannon Coppage, President-Young Professionals of Wichita Falls
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What will Proposition G cost you?
The rate for Prop G is $0.0261 per $100 of assessed taxation valued.
Example: $100,000 valued property=$26.10 per year, $2.18 per month
Invest in what you cannot see, but you can dream of!
…You can’t afford not to….
What will Proposition G gain you?
- A healthy, vibrant, and diverse center for our community and business districts
- A sound investment in the infrastructure beneath the streets
- A continued momentum that drives business and enhances quality of life
- A boosted economy and tax base
- An addition to the Wichita Falls story that is anchored by Sheppard Air Force Base, MSU, and Hotter-n-Hell.
- A legacy that you can be proud of and visibly show your loved ones
________________________________________________________
Voting Information:
Early Voting: April 23-May 1
- Early Voting Locations:
- Memorial Auditorium, 1300 7th Street Wichita Falls, Texas-
- Monday, April 23, 2018 – Friday, April 27, 2018 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday, April 30, 2018 – Tuesday, May 1, 2018 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sikes Senter Mall, 3111 Midwestern Parkway Wichita Falls, Texas
- Monday, April 23, 2018 – Friday, April 27, 2018 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday, April 30, 2018 – Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Home Depot, 3705 Kell Blvd. Wichita Falls, Texas
- Monday, April 23, 2018 – Friday, April 27, 2018 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday, April 30, 2018 – Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Memorial Auditorium, 1300 7th Street Wichita Falls, Texas-
Election Day Voting : May 5, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Election Day Locations:
- Precinct: 201, 202, 203, 207, 208, 307, 310, 313, 315, 317: City View High School, 1023 City View Drive, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Precinct: 103, 403, 406, 410, 411 : Fowler Elementary School, 5100 Ridgecrest, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Precinct: 102, 104, 105, 110, 111, 112, 402: MSU Hardin Admin, 3410 Taft, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Precinct: 108, 109, 113, 114, 318, 319 : Texas Highway Dept., 1601 SW Parkway, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Precinct: 302, 305, 308, 314, 316, 401, 404, 405, 407, 408, 409: Crockett Elementary School, 3015 Ave. I, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Precinct: 211, 301, 303, 304, 306, 311, 312: Booker T. Washington Elementary School, 1300 Harding, Wichita Falls, Texas
Click here for the precinct map
Click here for information on all 7 propositions
____________________________________________________________________________________________
How can I get more information or get involved?
Come chat with the Board and Staff of Downtown Wichita Falls Development at our Brews & Bond events.
Tuesday, February 27, 8am: 8th Street Coffee House
Tuesday, March 20, 8am: Odd Duck Coffee
Tuesday, April 24, 8am: Hook & Ladder Coffee Co.
Friday, March 9, 5pm: The Broken Tap
Friday, April 13, 5pm: Wichita Falls Brewing Co.
Friday, May 4, 5pm: Iron Horse Pub