Message from the Director | | |
Friends,
Long ago when I worked for the City Manager’s Office in Wichita, one of my favorite annual events was National Night Out. A few of us from the office would make our way to a dozen or more events, eat a ridiculous amount of hot dogs, sweat profusely (because it’s August in Kansas), and see people connect as people, neighbors, and community.
National Night Out was established in 1984 to strengthen relationships between neighbors and public safety partners. More than 40 years later, its mission remains relevant. According to the Pew Research Center, only 26% of Americans say they know all or most of their neighbors, down from 31% in 2018. As communities and people become more disconnected, opportunities to bring people together matter more than ever.
So on Tuesday, August 11th, National Night Out 2026, we encourage you to engage in your neighborhood, volunteer for an upcoming activity, or simply reach out to someone you have not connected with in awhile. Loss of community, connections, and relationships have lasting impact. Showing up is one way to prevent ongoing loss of connection and plugging into this festive occasion is a special way to do so.
| | Looking Inward to Better Serve Others | |
At the PPMC, we believe the best way to help organizations improve is to practice what we preach. This summer, Community Program Specialist Jamie Fuller and former Research Project Manager Isabel Ebersole partnered to design and administer an employee engagement survey for our own team, using the same research-based approach we provide to clients across Kansas. By evaluating our own workplace, we gain valuable insights that strengthen our culture, improve our services, and reinforce our commitment to helping organizations make informed, data-driven decisions.
| | Building Leadership Across Sedgwick County | |
The Sedgwick County Supervisors Training Series celebrated the graduation of 23 supervisors from its summer cohort in July. Offered three times each year, the program is a required professional development opportunity for employees in supervisory roles. Over the course of 14 sessions, participants build leadership capacity through training in human resources, management principles, and the essential interpersonal skills needed to effectively lead and support their teams.
The PPMC partners with Sedgwick County to deliver the program's leadership and soft skills curriculum, while also facilitating SMART goal exercises and guided reflections that help participants apply what they have learned throughout the cohort.
| | Building Research Capacity at Wichita State | | |
The PPMC is proud to support emerging researchers who are tackling important community challenges. Assistant Director of Applied Research & Decision Science Nigel Soria is serving as faculty mentor for McNair Scholar Cynthia Pizzini's research, Beyond Affordability: What Renters Value in Housing and Community. The bilingual study explores the housing and community priorities of renters while ensuring Spanish-speaking residents have an equal opportunity to participate. The project reflects the PPMC's commitment to inclusive, community-centered research that elevates diverse perspectives and informs public policy.
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The Public Policy & Management Center is growing! We are currently seeking passionate, community-minded professionals to join our team in two exciting roles: Community Program Specialist and Community Program Coordinator.
If you enjoy building relationships, facilitating community conversations, managing projects, and helping Kansas communities address complex challenges, we encourage you to apply. These positions will remain open until filled.
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please help us spread the word by sharing these opportunities with your networks. Together, we can continue building stronger communities across Kansas. Email Sarah with any questions at sarah.shaffer@wichita.edu.
| | WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join the following groups or organizations: | | |
Join us for the 2026 Wichita Nonprofit Summit on August 17th!
The Community Engagement Institute is excited to announce that registration is now open for the Wichita Nonprofit Summit! Join nonprofit professionals, community leaders, funders, volunteers, and partners on August 17, 2026, at the Carl G. Brewer Community Center, for a day of networking, collaboration, practical learning, and meaningful conversations to strengthen our community’s nonprofit sector.
Please see the registration flyer below or visit the event website to learn more and register. The website will be updated regularly as additional details become available, including the summit agenda, featured speakers, session information, and other event updates, so be sure to check back often for the latest announcements!
Does your organization provide resources or support to the nonprofit community? If you’re interested in sharing your resources at the event, please contact Kendra Nguyen at kendra.nguyen@wichita.edu for more details.
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Professional Development Series: Our Next Session is August 20th with Brenda Dietzman!
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, "Mastering Conflict Resolution," is instructed by Brenda Dietzman of Wayfinder Consulting and will take place at Rockwell Library.
Gain practical tools for addressing conflict with clarity and confidence. Using research-based approaches, participants will learn to turn tension into productive dialogue and stronger team dynamics.
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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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