July 2023

Misty Bruckner

Director, Public Policy & Management Center

Wichita State University

In today's fast-paced work environment, workforce shortages are felt across all industries, affecting both employees and managers alike. Recent data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce America Works Data Center reveals a concerning disparity between job openings and unemployed workers. The US has 9.8 million job openings and 5.9 million unemployed workers. In Kansas, there are 93,000 job openings and 43,792 unemployed workers. We have a math problem.



This issue poses a significant challenge for managers and their teams leading to stress, exhaustion, and burnout among hardworking professionals. In a recent public meeting on a difficult topic, the weight of the work fell heavily on everyone in the room. A colleague leaned over and whispered, “Everyone looks exhausted.” It was true. Again, we have a math problem.

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition hosted a Community Update on July 17, 2023, to discuss the current behavioral health and homeless initiatives occurring within Sedgwick County. The panel of leaders spoke about several efforts: the State Behavioral Health Hospital, Bio-Medical School, Comcare Crisis expansion, the newly named Multi-Agency Campus (MAC, previously known as the navigation or resource center), and housing initiatives. Sedgwick County has many great new opportunities, and it is essential for the community to understand the efforts, their utilization, and their impact on the community.

Dawn joined Wichita Wind Surge, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and The Kansas African American Museum in a panel about mental health in sports.

Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan joined us at the Women in Public Service annual conference.

Dawn, Abigail, and Corinthian had a blast celebrating with the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and Wichita Wind Surge.

Welcome Kian Williams to Team PPMC! Kian is a graduate assistant who is currently in his junior year working towards a degree in Political Science and International Studies. We are so excited to have him as a new member of #TeamPPMC.

Our friends at the University of Kansas Public Management Center are having their annual Inspiring Women in Public Administration conference on August 11. This conference brings Kansas and Metro City women together for a learning, sharing, and networking day. This year they will discuss courage, emotional labor, and women's representation in leadership in the public sector.

For more information and to register, visit their website.

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