Message from the Director | | |
Friends,
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend time in Liberal and Garden City meeting with leaders in education, nonprofits, local government, health, economic development, and philanthropy. I went there to talk about the Kansas Data Trust, but I came home thinking just as much about the people I met along the way and connections we have and can strengthen.
The Charlotte Uban Institute, a sister center of the PPMC and an aspiration for the work of the PPMC, conducted a series of work on the urban-rural connection. These studies highlight the similarities and opportunities we have by connecting rural and urban areas. Liberal and Garden City are both large communities located in rural areas who are leaders moving the region forward. The issues (housing, workforce, education, mental health) these communities face are similar to urban communities in our state, but because of location and available resources, their approach may be different.
I grew up in rural Iowa and western Nebraska, where I learned that we can all be stronger by finding more opportunities to learn, work, and move forward together. Learning at conferences, sharing research, and building connections are some of the ways we help bring communities across Kansas together through the PPMC.
Public service can be hard work. The needs are great, the resources are finite, and progress rarely happens as quickly as we would like. It is easy to get caught up in what still needs to be fixed. Then you spend a few days with people who are deeply committed to their communities, and you are anchored once more in the purpose of the work. Thank you to the public servants across Kansas who continue to remind us that the work matters, the relationships matter, and public service is essential.
| | PPMC Helps Wichita Parks Foundation Chart Path Forward | |
The PPMC recently worked with the Wichita Parks Foundation Board to advance its strategic planning efforts and identify priorities for the organization’s next chapter. Building on stakeholder interviews, community engagement, and research into park access, funding, demographics, and governance, the planning process helped turn those findings into a focused set of goals and strategies.
The resulting plan centers on four priority areas: strengthening the Parks Foundation’s role as a champion for Wichita parks, supporting organizational development, expanding collaboration and engagement, and improving alignment among the Foundation, Wichita Park Board, and Park & Recreation Department. Together, these priorities provide a roadmap for stronger partnerships and future investment in Wichita’s park system.
| | 2026 WPS Conference Brings Together Nearly 70 Attendees | |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Women in Public Service Conference at the Rhatigan Student Center on WSU Campus. With nearly 70 attendees from across Kansas, this year’s event was our largest WPS conference in recent years.
The conference brought together public service professionals for a day of meaningful conversation, new connections, and shared learning centered on engaging and empowering others. We are grateful to every attendee, speaker, and partner who helped make the event a success, with special thanks to KMUW for sponsoring this year’s conference.
| | Kansas Data Trust Engagement in Western Kansas | | |
The PPMC recently traveled to Liberal and Garden City as part of the Kansas Data Trust’s continued engagement with communities across the state.
In Liberal, KDT Advisory Council member Keeley Young helped coordinate conversations with leaders in education, nonprofits, and local government. In Garden City, the PPMC connected with leaders representing health, economic development, philanthropy, and government to continue discussions around the Kansas Data Trust and opportunities for collaboration.
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We’re excited to welcome Christina Long to the PPMC as our new Senior Communications Consultant! Christina brings more than 13 years of experience leading CML Collective, a graphic design and communications services company specializing in innovative branding strategies for projects of all sizes.
Christina has already been supporting the PPMC on a contracted basis, and we’re excited to now have her as an integral part of our communications team. Please join us in welcoming Christina to the PPMC!
| | WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join the following groups or organizations: | | |
Professional Development Series: Our Next Session is September 17th with Percy Turner!
Set yourself up for success with the Professional Development Series, a practical, high-impact learning experience built for entry to mid-level leaders in any industry. Our next session, "Time is a Boundary and a Resource" is instructed by Percy Turner of the Community Engagement Institute and will take place at Alford Library. Institute to set boundaries, manage priorities, and support your team.
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Workforce Innovation Conference 2026
Reset. Refocus. Rise.
Please join us for the annual Workforce Innovation Conference, hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Board of Regents. The Workforce Innovation Conference will feature a series of presentations and workshops aimed at enhancing and improving workforce solutions in the State of Kansas.
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Join Us for HOPE Fest 2026
HOPE Fest 2026 brings our community together for a day of hope, healing, remembrance, and connection. Open to anyone impacted by suicide loss, mental health challenges, or those who simply want to help build a stronger and more supportive community, the event will include a memorial walk, inspiring speakers, and resources from community organizations.
The Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, COMCARE, KMUW, Suspenders4Hope, WSU’s Community Engagement Institute, and other partners are coming together to support this meaningful event.
Join us, remember those we have lost, support one another, and help spread hope.
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Kansas Government Finance Officers Association (KSGFOA) Public Finance Conference
The Kansas Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to present a series of workshops for those involved in the financial affairs of municipalities, counties, schools, state agencies, utilities and special authorities. October 21 - 23, 2026 at Embassy Suites By Hilton in Olathe, KS .
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KMA Conference 2026 Conference Registration is Now Open
Connect, learn, and explore with museum professionals from across Kansas at the 2026 Kansas Museums Association Conference, November 4–6 in Atchison.
This year’s conference brings together museum staff, volunteers, students, and supporters for three days of professional development, networking, speakers, meals, and opportunities to experience Atchison’s history firsthand. Attendees can also add pre-conference workshops and tours covering topics like STEM in museums, disaster planning, local history, and Haunted Atchison.
Open registration begins September 1, and space for pre-conference workshops and tours is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes October 16.
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ICTNext: Inspiring the NEXT Generation of Civic Talent
Introducing ICTNext, a new organization crafted just for young professionals in public service. If you are a young public service worker, this is your invitation to join the mailing list and recieve notifications for all future group updates and events featuring vibrant networking, engaging conversations, and collaboration!
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC)
The Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC) aims to develop a sustainable, accessible, and integrated system of care that serves people with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are in crisis, in order to efficiently and effectively deliver services that create positive outcomes.
Join our newsletter mailing list to recieve monthly emails regarding local updates in the areas of mental health, substance abouse, homelessness, relevant legislation, and more.
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