PPMC News

In his latest blog post, Dr. Nigel Soria from the Public Policy & Management Center breaks it down: research helps leaders make smarter, more informed decisions that truly serve their communities. Whether it’s improving education, public health, or economic opportunity, good research means better outcomes. Check out Nigel’s take on why evidence—not guesswork—is key to real impact.

New Study: Economic Impact of Homelessness in Sedgwick County

We are thrilled to welcome Riley Burger to Team PPMC as our new Student Assistant ! Riley joined the PPMC in January 2025 as a Student Assistant in the Talent & Organizational Success Team, where she assists in event preparation, professional development, and association management.

We are thrilled to welcome Prathyaksha Poosa to Team PPMC as our new Graduate Research Assistant! Originally from India, Prathyaksha joined the PPMC in January 2025 as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Applied Research Department. Welcome to #TeamPPMC, Prathyaksha!

Meet Team PPMC: Jamie Buster

Kansas struggles with “brain drain,” losing talented graduates to other states. Public service offers a solution through meaningful, stable careers that encourage young professionals to stay. The PPMC is tackling this challenge by developing leadership programs, supporting women in public service, and enhancing workforce strategies with local communities. Strengthening public service can help Kansas retain its talent and thrive.

Data is the new oil! Just like crude oil, raw data needs to be refined to unlock its full potential. This blog explores how data fuels growth, drives innovation, and is becoming a powerful tradeable asset, while also highlighting the ethical responsibilities that come with it.

Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision Making (I2D2) unifies data from education, health, and human services to inform policies that support children and families. With strong data governance in place, I2D2 ensures ethical data use while providing insights into factors like parental care that shape kindergarten readiness, enabling targeted interventions to improve outcomes for Iowa’s youngest residents.

Did you know that the roots of data integration trace back to the 1980s? Data sharing is an even older practice. Let’s explore the journey from data sharing to integrated data, with a spotlight on meteorology.

Read our blog and discover how the Allegheny Family Screening Tool (AFST) in Allegheny County is revolutionizing service delivery through integrated data—plus the benefits and limitations of this innovative tool.