What's happening at the PPMC

September 2024

The New Oil Rush:

Building the Refineries of the Digital Age

In the rapidly evolving digital age, "data is the new oil" has become more than just a catchy slogan — it depicts a profound shift in how we perceive and utilize information. This analogy underscores the remarkable similarities between data and crude oil, resources that, at first glance, seem very different:

Inherently Valuable but Requires Refinement
Abundant and Ubiquitous
A Strategic Resource
An Engine of Growth
A Tradeable Commodity

Read our Blog

Nigel Soria

Research Economist & Data Scientist

Access & Engagement

The Access and Engagement team visited Liberal, KS for a day of pop-up engagement at the Duck Derby Festival on September 14th. In partnership with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) and the City of Liberal, our team helped gather feedback from the community on the next phase of comprehensive planning. Bonus - we got to see the Corporate Tricycle Races.

Applied Research & Collaboration

The Applied Research and Collaboration team will be working with the Newton City Manager’s Office, in association with Latinos Unidos, to survey the Hispanic/Latino population to help stakeholders understand the factors and concerns associated with (city-wide) community engagement, economic stability, and upward mobility among this population. The project aims to understand the experiences, barriers, and concerns of the Hispanic/Latino community across the following six areas:

Education
Healthcare
Finances/Financial Institutions
Government
Housing
Nonprofit Organizations

Talent & Organizational Success

The Talent and Organizational Success team recently traveled to Kansas City to host the Budget Academy for KSGFOA. With the support of Ben Hart and a team of trainers from Baker Tilly, the academy engaged over 30 attendees in a series of robust, two-day sessions. Topics covered included budget monitoring, citizen engagement in budget processes, and grants. PPMC was proud to contribute to helping participants become more knowledgeable and better prepared to support their cities.

Join Us

Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join us for

LGN Legislative Perspectives

Join us to hear from three people who serve cities and counties in Kansas by advocating for local government interests before the Kansas Legislature. Water is a key issue of statewide concern, so new this year is Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) sharing its legislative priorities. How best to reduce the property tax burden will also be a big topic this session.

This preview of the next legislative session is sure to get you prepared to discuss issues with your senators and representatives, as well as help you understand statewide issues that can affect local communities. Expect a lively Question/Answer component!