A Proactive Approach to Code Enforcement Resolution in Wichita, Kansas
Susanne Boese, Code Enforcement Liaison for the City of Wichita, has a job that (as of 2021) is unique in the United States. She works with city code enforcement to connect violators (homeowners) with volunteers and grants to correct problems as far ranging as unmowed lawns and pest problems to yard waste and leaking roofs. Susanne has a degree in social work and in this job she is part social worker, part volunteer coordinator, part fundraiser and part community developer. But her work has made a difference in Wichita. In her words, “this is a kinder approach to resolving issues that impact neighbors and neighborhoods.” In the five years since this job was created in Wichita, repeat offenders have decreased, problems have been resolved for neighbors and neighborhoods, the list of volunteers willing to help homeowners has more than doubled and the city has been seen as proactive problem solver, not just a punisher of code violations. Learn more in this video. www.sedgwickcounty.org
The interview given for the monthly Neighboring 101 class that is part of University of Missouri Extension's Engaged Neighbor program. For more information contact David Burton, county engagement specialist, via email at [email protected].
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