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July 2025

Message from the Director

Friends,

On a recent family vacation, our kid caught two sharks in 30 minutes... and we are not fishing people! Cool, got your attention?


In the last article about summer, let’s talk vacation. Not just the unexpected stories of accidentally catching sharks, but the importance time away has on being the best version of ourselves. According to a Pew Research Survey, Americans still struggle with taking vacations, with 52 percent not using allotted time away.

As Maya Angelou once wrote, “Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future… A day away acts as a lens through which one can see the world more clearly.”


In many ways, vacation provides the same clarity for our work. When we return, we often see challenges from a different angle, with renewed energy and focus. This is particularly important in times of change, when we are asking teams to learn new skills or adapt to new demands. Pausing is an essential step of moving forward. As we navigate the rest of the summer, I encourage you to find time for rest and reflection, and to create space for your teams to do the same. Celebrating progress, both big and small, often begins with the ability to step back and see the path ahead more clearly.


As summer winds down, we hope you find a moment to pause, recharge, and reflect. This article highlights the research-backed benefits of taking time off, including sparking creativity, seeing the bigger picture, and returning with renewed energy and motivation. (Number four is my favorite!) Whether it’s a full getaway or just a day to yourself, take the vacation. And who knows, you might even return with your own “shark story” to tell.

Misty Bruckner

Director

Access & Engagement

This month, the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC) hosted a community celebration and shared updates on local behavioral health efforts. Attendees heard presentations on the COMCARE Crisis Center expansion, WSU Tech’s new Mental Health Technician program, the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, and the current landscape of mental health and substance use disorder services in Sedgwick County.


The Coalition also announced the development of a new strategic plan and invited feedback from those in attendance. Chairman Ryan Baty and Councilmember Becky Tuttle closed the event with a call to action, encouraging continued collaboration and commitment in this critical area.

Applied Research & Collaboration

A recent survey and focus groups conducted by the Applied Research & Collaboration Team at the PPMC helped shape Maize’s proposed 1% sales tax—now on the August 5 ballot. Our research showed strong community support for investing in infrastructure and easing the property tax burden.

This is another example of how data-driven public input informs local decision-making. We are proud to support cities like City of Maize, Kansas in building responsive, sustainable solutions.

Talent & Organizational Success

Led by Kathy Sexton, county and city managers in central Kansas gathered at the PPMC to learn from each other as part of the Local Government Network (LGN). It felt like Christmas in July as members discussed best practices in snow removal!


The Local Government Network includes 26 cities and 4 counties in central Kansas that convene monthly to learn from each other and grow their professional skills. In 2025, a record number of community leaders across the state participated as guests in selected LGN virtual programs.  

Operations

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” -Henry Ford


Culture matters. Team PPMC recently gathered for a quarterly retreat followed by our annual summer BBQ. It was a full day of planning for the exciting projects ahead of us and a wonderful celebration of successes from the past fiscal year. Staff and their families enjoyed a fun evening of swimming, yard games, food, and quality time together. And…we even had some twinning teammates!

Join Us

2025 Women in Public Service Annual Conference

The 2025 Women in Public Service Conference is your opportunity to connect with others who serve their communities—whether in government, education, healthcare, nonprofits, or the private sector. Join us on Wednesday, August 13, at Wichita State University’s Rhatigan Student Center for a full day of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and meaningful conversations. Everyone is welcome, and registration includes a light breakfast and lunch.



This year’s theme is "What's the Best that Could Happen?", inviting guests to explore bold possibilities, reimagine challenges as opportunities, and celebrate the power of optimism in public service. Whether you’re new to your field or a longtime professional, this conference offers space to learn, grow, and lead.


RSVP by August 4 to secure your spot. Discounted rates available for members and new professionals. Everyone is welcome.

Resources

Access & Engagement


Core Services:

Strategic Planning

Community Initiatives

Strategic Engagement


Applied Research & Collaboration


Core Services:

Survey Research

Program Evaluation

Organizational Assessment

Policy Research


Talent & Organizational Success


Core Services:

Professional Development

Association Support

Conference Administration

Executive Coaching



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