Message from the Director | | |
Friends,
This month, our nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While anniversaries often encourage us to look back, they also invite us to ask what kind of communities we are building today. The answer isn't found in monuments or headlines. The answer has always been in people who quietly choose to serve.
Across Kansas, thousands of volunteers give their time to strengthen their communities. They serve on nonprofit boards, organize local events, preserve history, mentor future leaders, and raise funds for causes to better serve communities. That spirit of service is woven throughout our country's history, and it remains just as important today. While the challenges we face may look different than they did 250 years ago, they still require people willing to step forward, contribute their talents, and work alongside their neighbors.
At the PPMC, we see that spirit of service every day through the organizations and communities we are privileged to work alongside. Whether partnering with the Wichita Park Foundation, Exploration Place, Old Cowtown Museum, the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, the Arkansas City Recreation Commission, or countless others, we see volunteers giving their time and talents to strengthen Kansas communities.
As we celebrate this milestone in our nation's history, I hope we also celebrate the people who continue that legacy of service in our own communities. Whether your contribution is large or small, paid or volunteer, your willingness to invest in others strengthens Kansas and reminds us that public service is essential.
Thank you for continuing to serve.
| | Applied Research & Collaboration | | Supporting Strategic Planning for Sedgwick County Fire District 1 | |
The Applied Research & Collaboration team continues to partner with the Access & Engagement team and Sedgwick County Fire District 1 to develop its new strategic plan through a data-informed planning process.
During the second strategic planning workshop, the team worked with district leadership to identify barriers related to key performance measures and develop strategies to address them. This analysis will help Fire District 1 improve operations, make more informed decisions, and better allocate resources, ultimately supporting more efficient service delivery while helping save both taxpayer dollars and lives.
| | Wichita Collective Impact Q2 Partner Luncheon | | |
Wichita Collective Impact partners gathered for the second-quarter partner luncheon to reconnect, share updates, and strengthen collaboration around improving kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading in ZIP code 67214.
The Kindergarten Readiness, Third-Grade Reading, and Community Engagement committees reconvened to discuss ongoing initiatives and identify new ways Wichita Collective Impact can move the needle for children and families in Wichita. Partners also heard from Wichita Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Gil Alvarez, who shared information about the proposed school bond and opportunities for community engagement.
Thank you to all of our partners for your continued commitment to creating brighter futures for Wichita's children.
| | Talent & Organizational Success | | KACM City/County Management Summit 2026 | | |
The PPMC successfully hosted the 2026 City/County Management Summit at WSU's Rhatigan Student Center. Organized by PPMC Senior Advisor Kathy Sexton with support from the entire Talent & Organizational Success team, the annual event brought together local government leaders from across Kansas for two days of learning, collaboration, and professional development.
Attendees explored timely topics including housing, artificial intelligence, policing, and other challenges facing local communities. Through shared knowledge and meaningful discussion, participants gained practical strategies to help strengthen the communities they serve.
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This July, we will say goodbye to two valued members of the PPMC team as Brad Richards, MPA (Community Program Coordinator), and Isabel Ebersole (Research Project Manager) begin new chapters in their careers.
Brad and Isabel have each made lasting contributions to the center through their dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving Kansas communities. Their work has strengthened our programs, supported our partners, and positively impacted countless projects over the years. We are grateful for everything they have contributed to the PPMC and wish them both continued success and fulfillment in their future endeavors.
| | WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join the following groups or organizations: | | |
2026 Women in Public Service Conference: EMPOWERING AND ENGAGING OTHERS
Join us for an inspiring day of professional development, networking, and leadership at the Women in Public Service Conference on Thursday, August 6th. Open to the public, the conference features engaging workshops, expert speakers, and opportunities to connect with professionals from across Kansas.
Highlights include opening keynote speaker Dr. Katie Ervin and breakout speaker Dr. Janice Perkins. Registration closes July 27th! Cost is $85 for members and $130 for non-members, with a light breakfast and lunch included.
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Professional Development Series: Our Next Session is July 21st with Kathy Sexton!
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, "Transformational Leadership," is instructed by Kathy Sexton, senior advisor at the PPMC, and will take place at Evergreen Library.
Explore how to inspire and motivate others through purpose-driven leadership. Participants will learn to align vision, values, and action to create meaningful change within their teams and organizations
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Technical Assistance for Sustainable Water Infrastructure and Community Resilience
For many local governments, small utilities, and tribal communities, the barrier to a cleaner, more resilient environment is not a lack of vision- it is a lack of administrative and financial capacity. This includes addressing challenges related to water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Get expert help—at no cost—from the Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University. Our team offers practical and personalized technical assistance to help communities meet their environmental and financial goals, including:
- Identifying infrastructure needs and funding opportunities
- Navigating complex grant and loan programs
- Improving utility financial planning, rate-setting, and asset management
- Assisting with leadership communication and community engagement
- Conducting feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement
With tailored, one-on-one support, the EFC can help you turn ideas into actionable, fundable projects—strengthening public health, environmental outcomes, and quality of life. Contact john.colclazier@wichita.edu for more information!
| Registration is now open, and KU is offering an early bird discount of $3,900 for those who register by April 30, 2026. This is a great opportunity to plan ahead and secure a spot at the reduced rate. | | |
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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