When Joseph Shepard takes office next week, he will step into leadership of one of Wichita’s most complex and historically significant districts — carrying both the expectations of the community and the responsibility of shaping what comes next.
Shepard was elected to represent District 1, a district that includes some of Wichita’s oldest neighborhoods, areas facing long-standing economic and housing challenges, a growing Hispanic population, and College Hill — one of the city’s most historic and affluent neighborhoods. As he prepares to begin his term, Shepard says his focus will be on turning priorities into action — particularly in housing, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
Priorities for His First Term
Asked what he plans to focus on during his first term, Shepard said housing will be his top issue.
District 1 contains a large share of the city’s rental housing, much of it older and in need of repair. Shepard said the city must continue addressing landlords who fail to maintain safe living conditions, particularly repeat offenders. At the same time, he said housing policy must recognize the complexity of the rental market, including the reality that challenges can involve both landlords and tenants.
Shepard said effective housing policy should include stronger accountability for chronic problem landlords while also avoiding unnecessary displacement of tenants. The goal, he said, is to improve housing conditions without worsening housing instability for residents who are already vulnerable.
Economic development is another priority Shepard identified, particularly when it comes to helping minority-owned businesses in District 1 grow.
He said many entrepreneurs are encouraged to start businesses but need additional support to expand, hire employees, and compete for larger opportunities. Shepard said he wants the city to look closely at how its policies, partnerships, and incentive programs can better support business growth in historically underserved areas.
Shepard also said he is interested in broader strategies aimed at building stronger neighborhoods and reducing youth crime and violence, noting that these challenges require long-term thinking, prevention, and community engagement.
Support for the Sales Tax Ballot Issue
Shepard says he supports the proposed one-cent city sales tax that the City Council recently advanced to a vote by residents in March.
“I’m supportive because it will give city departments needed relief as it relates to helping our unhoused neighbors, catching public safety up on needed infrastructure and free up $197 million dollars in the city’s Capital Improvement Program to be able to do innovative things in the district,” Shepard said.
Shepard acknowledged concerns about the regressive nature of sales taxes — meaning they place a proportionally greater burden on lower-income residents — particularly because the tax would apply to everyday purchases, including groceries. He said those concerns deserve serious consideration as voters weigh the proposal.
Support From His Predecessor
Outgoing Councilmember Brandon Johnson said Shepard brings the mindset needed to succeed in elected office.
“He has the right attitude and ability to get things done,” Johnson said. “You can’t knock him down without him getting back up. He will admit when he’s wrong, which I think is a good quality.”
Johnson said Shepard’s collaborative approach may be misunderstood by some, but he has seen it work.
“He’s a collaborator, which sometimes can bite him,” Johnson said. “But I’ve seen personally where that works.”
Johnson added that leadership on the City Council takes time to learn and requires patience, persistence, and an understanding of how systems function — qualities he believes Shepard brings to the role.
A Different Leadership Style: Letting People In Earlier
While Shepard credits Johnson with laying a strong foundation in District 1, he said his own leadership style will differ in how and when the public is brought into discussions.
Shepard said he wants residents involved earlier in the process — before issues reach the City Council agenda and decisions feel finalized.
“When people first hear about something at the council bench, it can feel like the outcome is already decided,” Shepard said. “That’s when trust starts to break down.”
Shepard said inviting residents into conversations earlier — even when ideas are still forming — creates better outcomes and stronger accountability. He emphasized that early engagement does not mean every detail is settled publicly, but it does mean people should not be surprised by decisions that directly affect their neighborhoods.
“That’s part of respecting the community,” he said.
Background and Path to Wichita
Shepard moved to Wichita after high school to join his father and stepmother, who were already living here. His father had accepted a role as senior pastor at St. Paul AME Church, anchoring Shepard’s connection to the city.
Before moving, Shepard finished high school early in California, worked full time, and took college classes at night. After visiting Wichita and touring Wichita State University, he enrolled just weeks before the semester began.
He earned both his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from Wichita State University, paying out-of-state tuition throughout his studies. A first-generation college graduate, Shepard has said his experiences with housing instability and a sibling’s involvement in the criminal justice system shaped his views on equity and public service.
Professionally, Shepard has worked in leadership development and higher education, including roles with the Kansas Leadership Center and Newman University, and currently leads a leadership-focused program.
Shepard plans to commit to the City Council role full time, following the approach taken by both Brandon Johnson and LaVonta Williams. He acknowledged that the council salary represents a financial step down from private-sector work, but said District 1 requires consistent presence, accessibility, and engagement.
Representation and Responsibility
Shepard also spoke about representation, including being a gay Black man, and the importance of visibility in leadership spaces. He said while his identity does not define his leadership, it shapes how he understands power, access, and who is often missing from decision-making conversations.
What Comes Next
Shepard will be sworn into office Mon., Jan. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Wichita City Hall.
