WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As Wichita heads into 2026, the city stands at a crossroads of opportunity and questions. From major corporate moves to a voter-approved sales tax proposal in March, the year ahead could reshape the city’s economic image and resources. Dr. Larry Straub, associate professor of management at Newman University, says Wichita has reason for cautious optimism.
“I think this area just has a lot going for it, I think it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the country,” Straub said. “And, you know, I don’t mind keeping it that way selfishly a little bit that way we don’t have runaway growth and some of the problems that come along with that. I think that economically I’m hopeful that Boeing acquiring and re-integrating Spirit Aerosystems is going to be a good thing for the economy.”
Boeing’s return: more than a name change
Straub called Boeing’s renewed presence in Wichita an important image boost. While Spirit AeroSystems has been a longtime partner and employer in the region, Boeing’s return signals to the broader market that Wichita remains a major center for aerospace activity.
‘‘You just can’t take anything away from the fact that we’re going to be a major center for Boeing again,’’ Straub said. ‘‘That image helps with recruiting talent, attracting suppliers and building confidence among other employers and investors.’’
He cautioned that the practical effects — new contracts, hiring and investment — will take time to materialize, but said the symbolic value could accelerate other economic development efforts.
Sales tax in March: funding services or a missed opportunity?
Voters will decide in March whether to approve a proposed sales tax that proponents say would fund essential city services and projects. Straub said the measure could be a net positive for the economy if the revenue is invested in infrastructure, public safety and workforce development.
‘‘I can see where it would be a real positive for the economy and the area,’’ he said. ‘‘That being said, I don’t think it’s going to be a death nail if it doesn’t pass.’’
Straub urged clarity and transparency from city leaders on how proceeds would be used, saying voters tend to respond favorably when funding priorities are clearly spelled out and tied to measurable outcomes.
Political headwinds and Wichita’s advantages
Straub noted one risk heading into the new year: a polarized political climate that he described as ‘scorched earth’ in parts of the country.
‘‘I think probably one of the biggest challenges right now for this region is going to be, honestly, on a federal level…” he said. “These political parties are playing this scorched earth game right now and they’re going after each other with a vengeance I’ve never quite seen. And so the problem with that is, I don’t think Wichita is in those crosshairs, but sometimes you get caught in the peripheral of the damages that are done with that.’’
On the positive side, Straub pointed to Wichita’s educational assets as a long-term strength. The area’s universities, he said, provide a pipeline of talent and a range of options for students and employers alike.
‘‘One of the big positives we have in Wichita is just a wonderful educational climate,’’ Straub said. ‘‘We’ve got three really great universities. Our flagship, Wichita State, you’ve got Friends, Newman, you’ve got Wichita Area Technical School, you’ve got Butler County Community College. So there’s just a whole range of options for people in this area.’’
What to watch in 2026
- How quickly Boeing integrates operations and whether new contracts or hires are announced in Wichita.
- The outcome of the March sales tax vote and the city’s plan for allocating revenue.
- Any spillover from national political conflicts that could affect local investment or public sentiment.
- Continued development projects and events that could boost tourism and downtown activity.
Bottom line
Straub’s assessment was cautiously optimistic: Wichita has strong fundamentals and recent developments that could enhance its economic prospects, but outcomes will depend on policy choices, clear communication and how quickly private investment follows symbolic wins.
Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com