Message from the Director | | |
Public Service is Essential.
Each year, Public Service Recognition Week reminds us to pause and recognize those who choose to serve others. Often quietly, often without recognition, and always with impact. This year, that reminder feels especially meaningful as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. For nearly two and a half centuries, our nation has depended on individuals willing to step into public service to help communities function, adapt, and grow.
Public service has never been about one role or one sector. Public service shows up in local government offices, nonprofit organizations, classrooms, civic organizations, and neighborhood gatherings. People choose to contribute their time, talent, and energy to something larger than themselves. Public service is the people in the arena.
This Public Service Recognition Week, the PPMC is proud to highlight public servants across Kansas who are making a difference in their communities. Their work reflects what we know to be true: public service is not abstract. Public service is deeply human; built on relationships, trust, and a commitment to showing up, even when the work is complex. Be on the lookout for social media posts from the PPMC highlighting public servants who have made an impact in Kansas.
To all who serve, in any capacity, thank you. Your work matters. Your impact endures.
| | Applied Research & Collaboration | | Wichita Fire Department Promotions Recap | |
The Applied Reseach & Collaboration Team helped the Wichita Fire Department conduct an assessment center as a part of their officer promotion process. Trained assessors evaluate candidates in emergency and leadership contexts to support promotion decisions. The PPMC is proud to support WFD’s commitment to a fair and thorough process!
| | Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition Workshop Recap | | |
This month, the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC), along with the Wichita Special Liquor Tax Coalition, hosted a workshop focusing on the state of substance use disorder in South-Central Kansas.
This workshop featured two key researchers from the Kansas Fights Addiction Statewide Substance Use Disorder Needs Assessment, which was completed in 2025. This workshop provided local providers, government entities, and business partners with an up-to-date view of the prevalence of addiction, the options available for treatment, and some recommendations for Sedgwick County. We’re grateful to the Wichita Special Liquor Tax Coalition for helping us put on this tremendous event, and we look forward to seeing the community-wide progress that comes from this workshop.
| | Talent & Organizational Success | | KCCEOA Annual Sanborn Institute & Academy Recap | | |
The Talent team was back in Manhattan, Kansas, this month to host the annual Kansas County Clerks & Election Officials (KCCEOA) Sanborn Institute & Academy. The conference kicked off with a packed day of learning for the Year 2 County Clerks and showcased several speakers across the two days.
The Sanborn Institute & Academy is part of their educational path to County Clerk certification status of either a Certified County Clerk or a Master County Clerk. The PPMC formats this training, books the sessions and speakers, and tracks the educational credits for each attendee to ensure they are meeting the required needs of the certification.
| | | PPMC Team Portraits: A New Look | |
In preperation for Public Service Recognition Week, the PPMC refreshed our team portraits and individual headshots to better reflect the people behind our work across Kansas.
This effort was coordinated by Communications Specialist Patrick Heath, with an emphasis on creating a consistent, professional visual identity aligned with the Center’s mission and values. Taken on a sunny morning on WSU campus, these portraits attempt to capture the bright spirit of individuals who dedicate their time to supporting communities, taking on wicked problems, and contributing to meaningful, statewide impact each day.
| | WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join the following groups or organizations: | | |
Professional Development Series: Our Next Session is May 21st!
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, "Keeping your Cool when the Heat is High" is instructed by Percy Turner of the WSU Community Engagement Institute and will take place at Evergreen Library.
Learn to stay composed and effective under pressure. This session equips leaders with emotional regulation and communication tools to navigate stressful moments with clarity and calm.
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KU PMC and WSU PPMC are partnering to bring Heartland Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program back to Wichita!
CPM cohorts continue to fill quickly, and the strong response to last year’s launch confirmed what we’ve been hearing from the field: public service professionals want flexible, timely opportunities to build leadership and management skills.
In response, WSU Public Policy & Management Center and KU Public Management Center are teaming up to bring a CPM cohort to Wichita from July 8th, 2026, to May 6th, 2027.
| | 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. | | |
WSU City/County Management Summit (CCMS) 2026: Collaborate to Elevate on June 10th
Early registration is now open for our annual City/County Management Summit on June 10, 2026, for local government professionals. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Kansas and learn about the latest innovations to better serve your community. Expect hands-on learning with subject matter experts and meaningful networking with colleagues.
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Women in Public Service (WPS) 2026
It's that time again! Join or Renew your membership with Women in Public Service (WPS).
WPS is a place where we inspire current and future generations by addressing topics relevant to women in public service while instilling knowledge through education, networking, and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local government and communities. While WPS programming focuses on topics relevant to women in the field, all public service professionals are welcome to attend and contribute.
We encourage you to continue (or start!) your journey with WPS. Throughout 2026, we will continue to have our bi-monthly luncheons, mentoring opportunities, and our annual conference.
Our 2026 theme: Engaging Others
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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 our 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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Local Government Network (LGN) 2026
The Local Government Network (LGN) is designed to strengthen leadership and collaboration among city and county governments across Kansas. Through monthly learning and networking opportunities, LGN connects public servants who are passionate about effective, ethical, and community-driven local governance.
When your city or county joins LGN for 2026, all employees and elected officials can take part in a full year of engaging programs. Members gain access to workshops, webinars, and in-person events that foster connection, share best practices, and build capacity for stronger local government. Learn more or check your membership status using the links below.
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