I Will Move Back to Wichita when it's Walkable

I love Wichita. It is my hometown and is the reason I am who I am in many ways.

However, every time I come home I remember why I keep leaving.

Wichita has a slight problem with the diversification of its economy-- a problem that business and community leaders and tackling head on.

For an ambitious, creative young adult, opportunities are pretty sparse.

But more importantly, I think that Wichita has an infrastructure problem with its transit. I enjoy bigger cities like New York, London, or Paris simply because I can walk around. We have the bones. We have a bourgeoning culinary industry, tech startups, and a growing community of immigrants.

We have a great downtown with shops and restaurants and a river. But we do not have walkable infrastructure, which I would argue is one of the most immediate levers American cities can pull to improve community health, economic health, and quality of life.

My intention long-term is to grow my creative company and someday have a physical headquarters with in-person employees in Wichita, but until I am able to do that, I will continue to spend most of my time in New York, because I like to walk around.

As I type this, I am at the Wichita Airport. I also imagine a future with more direct flights. But as soon as I get to New York I am going to a run club with Zac Efron's brother for a brand activation. Someday I hope that Wichita will have enough infrastructure to boast more serendipity and opportunity like New York.

It took our city ten years to become the Air Capital of the world. I think It could take less to give people the ability to walk around.

People are going to say that this is expensive. That it's impossible. That things are simply the way that they are.

This is also what people said about flying, let alone the creation of an entire industry.

The key is that you have to have imagination, the willingness to ask, and leaders who are willing to take action, even in the face of risk.

Consider this my first ask.

Sign at Revolutsia