Wichita Ethics Board Issues Rulings on Mayor Lily Wu and Councilmember Brandon Johnson

The City of Wichita’s Board of Ethics has recently concluded investigations into two high-profile city officials, finding that both Mayor Lily Wu and Councilmember Brandon Johnson violated the city’s code of ethics. These rulings highlight the board’s focus on professional conduct and the operational cooperation required to maintain public trust in local government.

Mayor Lily Wu Found in Violation Over Proclamation Handling

Following complaints from 22 residents, the Wichita Ethics Board determined that Mayor Lily Wu violated the city’s code of ethics regarding the handling of a proclamation for Transgender Day of Visibility during a March 18 City Council meeting.

The Nature of the Violation

The board’s investigation focused on the fact that the proclamation was not read aloud during the meeting and lacked the mayor’s signature, which deviated from standard city protocol. While several complaints were filed, the board ruled that Wu breached one specific standard: the responsibility to work in full cooperation with city staff to ensure smooth government operations.

According to the board’s report, Mayor Wu failed to make advance arrangements for another individual to present the proclamation, despite knowing it was on the agenda. While Councilmember Maggie Ballard eventually read and signed the document during the meeting, the board emphasized that presiding over council meetings is a fundamental role of the mayor and that sufficient time existed for proper preparation.

Mayor Wu’s Response

Mayor Wu defended her actions, arguing that she maintained the right to refrain from voting on or signing the document. She attributed the missing signature to internal staff clerical errors and stated she had offered to have someone else read the proclamation. However, after reviewing appeals from both the mayor and the lead complainant, the Ethics Board reaffirmed its original decision and formally closed the matter on July 10, 2025.

Councilmember Brandon Johnson Cited for Conduct Clash

In a separate investigation, the Board of Ethics found that Councilmember Brandon Johnson violated the City’s Code of Ethics following a confrontation with State Representative Ford Carr (D).

The Topeka Altercation

The incident occurred in January at a restaurant in Topeka. The two officials were engaged in a dispute regarding funding for health screenings for residents in the 29th and Grove area. The Ethics Board determined that Johnson’s use of profanity during the altercation violated the code’s requirement for officials to “be dedicated to the ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships.”

Board Decision and Penalties

Even though the board confirmed the violation, it decided not to impose a fine. This leniency was granted since the board found that Representative Carr played a role in provoking the situation. Instead of a financial penalty, the board simply reported the findings of the complaint.

Councilmember Johnson acknowledged his use of inappropriate language and accepted the board’s finding. He maintained, however, that he would not “back down from bullies” when standing up for the people he represents. Other allegations in the complaint—suggesting a loss of public confidence and failure to work with other officials—were dismissed by the board.

Key Takeaways from Ethics Board Rulings

• Mayor Lily Wu: Violated the code by failing to cooperate with city staff regarding the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation.
• Councilmember Brandon Johnson: Violated the code due to the use of profanity during a dispute with a state representative.
• Operational Standards: The board emphasized that the mayor’s duty to preside over meetings and prepare for agendas is a fundamental requirement of the office.
• Conduct Standards: The board reaffirmed that “honor and integrity” must be maintained in both public and personal relationships for city officials.

Summary of Ethics Findings

These rulings serve as a precedent for the expected behavior of Wichita’s city leadership, stressing that both administrative cooperation and personal conduct are subject to the city’s ethical oversight.