Applied Research & Collaboration

Addressing Community Issues with Data.

The PPMC's Applied Research & Collaboration team helps nonprofits and government agencies build and use evidence to better serve individuals, families, and communities.

Core services of the PPMC Applied Research & Collaboration team:

Survey Research & Qualitative Methods
Economic Impact Studies
Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis
Data Analysis & Statistical Methods

Focus Areas


Mental Health & Substance Abuse	Housing & Homelessness	Emergency Services	Workforce	Education	Childcare

Recent Projects

Abilene Economic Impact Study

The PPMC conducted a study to examine the potential economic impact and feasibility of a new sports complex in Abilene, KS. The economic impact study assessed the effect the sports complex might have on the local economy, including potential tax revenue and other economic benefits, while the feasibility study examined the practicality and viability of the sports complex.

Derby Community Survey

The PPMC assisted the City of Derby with a community survey and engagement process to solicit citizen feedback on city services and community perceptions. The survey focused on citizens' overall satisfaction of city services and on how the city should balance the many competing needs of the community with finite resources (e.g. recycling, retail and commercial needs, swimming pool).

Child Start Community Needs Assessment

The PPMC conducted a community assessment to help Child Start understand and determine the demographic, health, education, and social service needs, issues, and trends affecting families with young children in their service area. The results provided a framework to inform programmatic decisions, including planning, service delivery, and evaluation.

Addressing Community Issues with Data

The PPMC is convening our communities' key players in healthcare and education data to address major issues in the Wichita region and beyond. Working together with the public, nonprofit, and public sectors can create lasting changes we need.

Research Economist & Data Scientist Nigel Soria lead's the PPMC's charge to use economic theory and data to address questions that impact individuals, families, and communities. His expertise includes applied econometrics, causal inference (a component of program evaluation), and predictive modeling.

Email Nigel