April 2025

Message from the Director

Friends,

Public service is essential. And Public Service Recognition Week is May 4–10. Across the nation, this week is dedicated to celebrating the work and commitment of public servants who lead, support, and serve others. Sometimes public servants work in government. Sometimes public servants serve through nonprofits. Sometimes public servants are private sector volunteers. Public servants are those in the arena trying to make our communities better for others.

At the PPMC it is a privilege to support those who do. So whether you work in the public sector, nonprofit sector, or private sector, this week is for all who selflessly give to communities to make things better for others. Your work is appreciated and essential.

Public service is a people business. The heart of public service is not just the policies or programs — it is the people who show up, serve others, and lead with care for their community. Their work matters, and their impact endures. Public service is essential.

Misty Bruckner

Director

Access & Engagement

Engagement thrives when we show up — and that’s exactly what the Access & Engagement team did this month at Open Streets WSU & Shocker Neighborhood. Team members spent a sunny Sunday afternoon supporting Wichita Collective Impact (WCI), one of the team's major initiatives, by connecting with neighbors, students, and partners from across the community.

It was especially meaningful to see familiar faces from past WCI programs and hear how they’re continuing to stay involved in their community. Events like Open Streets help us strengthen the relationships that drive our work — and we’re already looking forward to more opportunities to connect this summer.

Applied Research & Collaboration

This month, the Applied Research and Collaboration Team presented findings from a comprehensive, year-long study on housing and homelessness during the Greater Wichita Housing Conference. The presentation sparked meaningful dialogue, with attendees asking thoughtful questions and sharing valuable insights. The PPMC is grateful for the engagement and looks forward to continuing this important work in the next phase of the project.

Talent & Organizational Success

This April, Wichita welcomed colleagues from across the country for the 2025 CUPSO National Conference, and our Talent & Organizational Success Team was at the heart of it all. The Talent Team ensured everything from planning to execution reflected the professionalism and hospitality of Wichita State.

The three-day conference welcomed over 80 attendees from university centers from across the country to share insights, research, and strategies around public service. Our team supported smooth logistics, engaged programming, and a showcase of what makes Wichita a leader in applied research and community partnership. It was a proud moment for WSU and the PPMC—and a major milestone for the team that made it all happen.

Operations

#PublicServiceIsEssential

The PPMC operations team is proud to launch the "Public Service is Essential" campaign in celebration of Public Service Recognition Week 2025. This effort honors the vital contributions of public service professionals and highlights the impact they make every day. As communities face increasingly complex challenges, the work of public servants is more critical than ever.

We invite you to help amplify this message by joining the campaign: Share what public service means to you or how it has made a difference in your life. Post on social media using #PublicServiceIsEssential and our team will be sure to like, comment, and share!

We also designed special PPMC t-shirts for Public Service Recognition Week that are available for purchase HERE. These shirts are available for a limited time only -- until May 9th -- and directly support the efforts of the PPMC.

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 LGN for the third of six live online discussion sessions exploring reasons why young people leave their community and what can be done to get them back. This is a highly interactive learning session that pulls from the book 13 Ways to Kill your Community by Doug Griffiths and the experiences of the participants. All sessions are free to LGN Member Cities and Counties.

Resources

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

Local Government That Works: The Council-Manager Form of Government

Learn how the council-manager system makes local government more effective and accountable in this short video from ICMA. It’s a great explainer on the balance between elected leadership and professional management. Perfect for sharing with community groups, students, or anyone curious about local government.

Watch HERE