Wichita's reorganization and outsourcing project was first discussed in late spring of 2009 during the annual budget review process.  Each year cities take a look at their current year’s budget and make revisions but they also forecast the following two years of anticipated revenues/expenditures.  In 2009, the revised budget forecast like most government and business was bleak to say the least and the City Manager was seeking new ideas or delivery service methods that could make up the millions in shortfall to the General Fund. The City of Wichita like any local government operating in this down turned economy was searching for a few Win-Win combinations. A Win-Win combination would need to be an idea that could deliver the same level of service but at a reduced cost to the General  Fund. It would mean a new way of operating and Wichita needed to explore new ideas, process improvement and a different model of service delivery to do this.

The intent of Wichita's new business process was to save approximately a million dollars in General Fund expenditures by outsourcing the grounds maintenance activities to local vendors.  Internally it meant that Wichita would need to reduce both full-time and seasonal staffing levels.  This reduction would in turn reduce  internal service charges for equipment and other costs.