Mayor of Wichita, Kansas Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mayor of the City of Wichita
Flag of Wichita
Incumbent Lily Wu since January 8, 2024
Term length	Four years, renewable once
Inaugural holder	Edwin Bird Allen
Formation	1871
Website	Mayor's Office

The mayor of Wichita is like the main leader of the city government in Wichita, Kansas. Think of them as the city's chief executive officer. They help make important decisions and lead the city's team. The mayor serves for four years at a time. They can be elected for two terms in a row.

What Does a Mayor Do?
- How Mayors Are Chosen
A Look at Wichita's Mayors
- Important Firsts Among Mayors
Recent Mayors of Wichita
Images for kids
See also

What Does a Mayor Do?

The mayor is in charge of the city's executive branch. This means they oversee many city departments. They work with the city council to create laws and plans. The mayor also represents Wichita to other cities and states. They help make sure the city runs smoothly every day.

How Mayors Are Chosen

People in Wichita vote to choose their mayor. This election happens every four years. The person who gets the most votes wins the job. Once elected, the mayor takes an oath. This is a promise to serve the city well.

A Look at Wichita's Mayors

Wichita has had many mayors since 1871. Over 80 different people have held this important role. Each mayor has helped shape the city. They have worked on different projects and challenges.

Important Firsts Among Mayors

Some mayors have made history in Wichita.

First African-American Mayor: A. Price Woodard Jr. was the first African-American mayor. He served from 1970 to 1971. Later, Carl Brewer became the first elected African-American mayor. He served from 2007 to 2015.
First Woman Mayor: Connie Ames Peters Kennard was the first woman to be mayor. She served her first term from 1975 to 1976. She was also the first woman commissioner.
First Latino Mayor: Antonio F. "Tony" Casado was the first Latino mayor. He served his first term from 1977 to 1978. He was of Cuban heritage.
First Asian-American Mayor: Lily Wu is the current mayor. She is the first Asian-American mayor of Wichita. She started her term on January 8, 2024.

A. Price Woodard Jr., the first African-American mayor of Wichita.

Connie Kennard, the first woman mayor of Wichita.

Tony Casado, the first Latino mayor of Wichita.

Carl Brewer, the first elected African-American mayor.

Lily Wu, the current mayor of Wichita.

Recent Mayors of Wichita

Here are some of the mayors who have served Wichita more recently:

Carl Brewer (2007–2015): He was the first elected African-American mayor.
Jeff Longwell (2015–2020): He served for five years.
Brandon Whipple (2020–2024): He was mayor during a challenging time for the city.
Lily Wu (2024–Present): She is the current mayor, starting her term in January 2024.