Newton City Commission Summary
Week of June 10, 2026
City initiates removal of two Newton Housing Authority commissioners
Commission appoints three new members to Newton Housing Authority
Downtown common consumption area proposed to boost foot traffic
City renews funding for downtown facade improvement grants
Chamber of Commerce receives increased city funding, new reporting requirements
Special use permit approved for South Pine residential garage
Commission approves temporary alcohol permit for Third Thursday Wine Walk
City initiates removal of two Newton Housing Authority commissioners
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission voted unanimously to begin the removal process for two current members of the Newton Housing Authority board. The motion noted the board had allegedly failed to resolve ongoing concerns first raised by the commission in March 2025 regarding the treatment of residents, communication issues and inadequate procedures for addressing tenant complaints. Formal notification letters outlining the specific grievances will be sent to the affected board members, with the details to be made public subsequently. The names of the two board members have not yet been released by the city.
Commission appoints three new members to Newton Housing Authority
NEWTON, Kan. — Following the decision to begin removal proceedings against two sitting members of the Newton Housing Authority, the city commission unanimously appointed three residents to fill pre-existing vacancies on the five-person board, meaning the body had been operating with only two active members prior to the removals. The appointments were made to unexpired terms tied to those three pre-existing vacancies. The names of the three appointees were not available at press time.
Downtown common consumption area proposed to boost foot traffic
NEWTON, Kan. — Local business owners and downtown advocates presented a proposal to the Newton City Commission to establish a downtown common consumption area, which would allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages between participating businesses during designated events. Proponents argued the district would serve as a vital recruitment tool for new businesses — such as a highly requested local brewery — and encourage shoppers to stay downtown longer. Representatives noted that similar districts in Kansas communities like Augusta and Salina have successfully revitalized downtowns without increasing alcohol-related police incidents. No formal action was taken on the proposal.
City renews funding for downtown facade improvement grants
NEWTON, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved $36,000 in funding for the 2026 downtown facade improvement grant program. The initiative, funded through recycled Community Development Block Grant dollars rather than property taxes, provides up to $3,000 per project with a required 50 percent match from business owners. City staff reported that the $30,000 invested last year generated nearly $100,000 in downtown reinvestment, with the current funds already spurring $132,000 in improvements across six completed projects.
Chamber of Commerce receives increased city funding, new reporting requirements
NEWTON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved an updated funding agreement with the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, increasing the city's annual contribution from $30,000 to $35,000. The additional $5,000 will be used to reimburse first-year membership dues for qualifying new chamber members. Paid through the city's economic development funding, the new contract also requires the chamber to provide more detailed annual reporting on community-wide impacts, event attendance and vendor participation.
Special use permit approved for South Pine residential garage
NEWTON, Kan. — A special use permit was unanimously approved for a property at 320 South Pine, allowing the construction of a 24-by-28-foot, two-car garage featuring a second-story living space. The property, recently rezoned from a PO (professional office) district to R-1 (single-family residential), will feature a wood hobby shop on the ground level and a living area on the second floor. The city commission's approval aligns with a prior recommendation from the Newton Planning Commission.
Commission approves temporary alcohol permit for Third Thursday Wine Walk
NEWTON, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a temporary alcohol permit for the upcoming Third Thursday Wine Walk. The event will utilize an unnamed winery as the designated alcohol provider, operating under an existing caterer's license. The permit, which police and city staff reviewed and recommended for approval, will allow ticketholders to sample wines while visiting participating downtown galleries and storefronts.
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