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January 2025

Message from the Director

The PPMC extends our condolences to all those affected

by the tragedy of American Airlines Flight 5342 last week.

Here in Wichita, and in the communities across the

nation still mourning - we send our love. 


Friends,


Thank you all for sharing our excitement as moved into our new building. We especially want to thank leadership at Wichita State for this opportunity and ongoing commitment to serving the community.

 

The building is more than a change in location because it provides us the opportunity to better serve those in public service. First, we are easy to find and easy to access. At the southeast corner of 17th and Hillside and with parking right at the building, we have already had several partners come see us. Second, we will have space dedicated for learning and connecting. In the next few months, we will have a space dedicated and equipped for in-person and virtual meetings, making connecting easier and more effective. And third, new space means new opportunity and we look forward to working with you to enhance public service to best serve your community.

 

Whether through research, facilitation, training, or strategic partnerships, the PPMC remains dedicated to supporting organizations and the people working hard to make their communities better.

 

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. We look forward to welcoming you into our new space and working together to build stronger communities in the year ahead.

Misty Bruckner

Director

Access & Engagement

Wichita Collective Impact (WCI) is one of PPMC's flagship community initiatives, working in partnership with the YMCA, Cargill Protein, and USD 259 to enhance kindergarten readiness and 3rd-grade literacy in the 67214 ZIP code.


In December, WCI hosted a quarterly luncheon to engage the community, spotlight our mission, and facilitate a dynamic panel discussion led by Wichita Public Schools staff. The panel, featuring Deputy Superintendent Gil Alvarez, explored strategies for overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities in education. Attendees gained insights into how educators teach students to read, the actionable steps being taken to improve literacy outcomes, and meaningful ways community partners can support these efforts.


The event concluded with an engaging discussion on partnership opportunities tied to 3rd-grade literacy goals. With over 55 attendees, this was our most well-attended WCI quarterly luncheon to date, demonstrating the community's strong commitment to advancing literacy and educational success.

Applied Research & Collaboration

The Applied Research and Collaboration team conducted a fire medical transport analysis for the Topeka Fire Department, addressing the City Council’s questions on EMS service levels and recommendations. With an understanding of the complexities of integrating TFD with the contractual ambulance provider, the team provided informed recommendations to guide future policy decisions.

Talent & Organizational Success

The Talent and Organizational Success Team facilitated a strategic planning session for EverFull, a nonprofit dedicated to serving meals across central Kansas. Senior Management Consultant Kathy Sexton joined the team to support their vision for the future. Congratulations to EverFull on your first 50 years of delivering Meals on Wheels and serving Friendship Meals across central Kansas.

Operations

Wichita State’s Public Policy & Management Center now has a space to call our own at 3203 E 17th St N, Wichita, KS 67208— formerly the Garvey International Student Center. We’re excited to have a dedicated space to better serve our mission. While PPMC’s physical address is new, the mailing address remains the same (1845 N. Fairmount, Box 211, Wichita, KS 67260-0211)


From our new home, we’ll continue to advance public service by driving innovative strategies, operational excellence, and community impact. This move allows us to expand collaboration to better serve communities. All of us at the PPMC are so excited for what’s ahead!

Meet Team PPMC

We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Heath to Team PPMC as our new Communications Specialist! Patrick is passionate about the power of clear communication, strong visuals, and thoughtful storytelling to create meaningful connections. A Wichita State University graduate, Patrick helps share community impact through strategic messaging. Welcome to #TeamPPMC Patrick! 

Join Us

The WSU City/County Management Summit is an opportunity to connect with local government management professionals from across Kansas to learn about the latest topics and trends relevant to you. Learn ways to update your zoning code to enhance housing development, expand your airport’s business development opportunities, enhance the effectiveness of your advisory boards, and more!

Join the Local Government Network for 2025.


Will your city/county join the Local Government Network (LGN) for 2025?


When your city/county joins LGN, all employees and elected officials can participate in the LGN programs offered in 2025, except the monthly Managers Roundtable. In 2024, 29 cities and 5 counties in central Kansas benefited from membership. Click here to check if your organization is a member. 

More Information

Applied Research & Collaboration


Core Services:

Survey Research

Program Evaluation

Organizational Assessment

Policy Research

Access & Engagement


Core Services:

Strategic Planning

Community Initiatives

Strategic Engagement

Talent & Organizational Success


Core Services:

Professional Development

Association Support

Conference Administration

Executive Coaching



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