March 20, 2023 | Stories
Vamos Nomar, a community-driven initiative led by Empower, spent the last year engaging with residents to hear their stories, memories and suggestions on ways to improve the North End. In January, Wichitans came together to celebrate efforts to bring their neighborhood ideas to life.
The visions include three sites that will strengthen and enhance the area: Nomar Plaza, Woodland Park and 21st and Market Intersection. Vamos Nomar also recognizes Empower’s plans to revitalize three properties along 21st Street to create an incubation space for new business owners.
In a Wichita Business Journal article, Empower’s Executive Director Ariel Rodriguez said his biggest takeaway from the experience was “hearing the level of excitement, especially from neighbors in the community about the importance of these projects and to move it forward."
The diversity landscape is ever-changing in Kansas – by 2066, the Hispanic population will grow 287%. Support from the Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation and United Way of the Plains is enabling Empower to transform underutilized areas into a vibrant district representative of the Hispanic and Latino community.
“The most powerful changes happen when we invite residents to shape the ebb and flow of community life," said WF President and CEO Shelly Prichard. "Looking ahead, Vamos Nomar is diving deep to turn these North End visions into reality and infuse greater cultural understanding throughout Wichita."
Read the full report at vamosnomar.com.
