August 2025

Annual Report: FY 2025

Take a look at our FY 2025 Annual Report! We are proud of the work we get to be a part of everyday at the PPMC. A huge thanks to our clients, partners, and team that makes this work possible.

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Access & Engagement

As the community prepares for Second Light construction to be completed in early 2026, another step in the collaborative effort was made this August. The nonprofit board announced Dan Clifford as the Executive Director who will work with the board and community partners to provide ongoing and expanded services to those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Access and Engagement team at the PPMC played a leading role in bringing this community initiative to life over the past year, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Second Light in 2026 and beyond!

Applied Research & Collaboration

Residents of Maize, KS, approved a one-cent sales tax last month to fund infastructure improvements and reduce pressure on property taxes. To help prepare for this measure, the City partnered with the PPMC's Applied Research & Collaboration Team to better understand resident priorities and willingness to support new investments.

The team designed and administered a community survey to a representative sample of Maize residents, with both mail and online response options. Nearly 370 residents participated, offering insights on safety, quality of life, infrastructure, and future growth. Findings showed strong support for maintaining and improving infrastructure, high trust in previous city investments, and clear preference for a one-cent sales tax as the most appropriate option.

This data-driven approach equipped City leadership with the community input needed to design a ballot measure that reflected resident priorities—ultimately leading to the tax’s approval at the ballot box.

Read about the measure

Read our Survey Report

Talent & Organizational Success

The Talent and Organizational Success Team hosted the annual Women in Public Service conference in August, bringing together more than 50 professionals from across Kansas who serve their communities through public service.

This year’s theme, “What’s the Best That Could Happen?” connected to the PPMC’s yearlong campaign on Leading Change. The program featured a dynamic lineup of speakers who encouraged participants to invest in their professional growth, understand how stress affects both mind and body, look inward for solutions rather than always outward, and continue challenging themselves throughout their careers.

The PPMC is grateful to all attendees for their engagement and contributions, which made the day a meaningful opportunity for learning and connection.

Operations

Meet our newest team member, Olawale Olaitan!

Olawale joined the PPMC as a Graduate Research Assistant on the Applied Research & Collaboration Team. In this role, he supports community projects through data analysis, research, and translating findings into actionable insights. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in the MSBA program at Wichita State University and has a passion for turning analysis into action, finding clarity in complexity, and delivering results that matter.

What excites you most about joining the PPMC?

“I’m excited about being in a place where research and real impact meet. The chance to take complex problems, break them down, and help communities find practical solutions is what motivates me. Joining PPMC gives me a platform to not just analyze data, but to see it drive decisions that improve people’s everyday lives.”

Why is public service important to you?

“Because it creates lasting impact. Public service is about making sure people feel seen, heard, and supported. For me, it’s fulfilling to know that the work I do doesn’t just stay on paper, it improves lives and strengthens communities.”

Join Us

WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join us for

LGN Civic Leadership Unplugged

Want to explore how to address civic challenges in your community? This new LGN (Local Government Network) series of three one-hour live, online sessions are guided by the book For the Common Good: Redefining Civic Leadership by David D. Chrislip and Ed O’Malley (KLC Press). Discussions will feature Kansas case studies and the four core competencies of civic leadership.

Participating in all three sessions is encouraged but not required.