Kansas Leadership Center

10/02/2026

"Across Kansas, we're seeing more people from minority communities serving on boards, commissions, city councils, school boards and nonprofit organizations. People are becoming more engaged in shaping their communities, and that's a positive trend for the future of our state."

https://klcjournal.com/empowered-minority-kansans-now-writing-their-own-stories/

From city halls to chambers of commerce to civic activism, these residents are finding their voice

09/28/2026

Did hundreds of Kansas farms stop operating in 2025?

The Journal’s latest Fact Brief examines the effects of mounting economic pressures on Kansas farms, with the state’s smallest, family-run operations bearing some of the largest losses in both farm numbers and agricultural acreage.

https://klcjournal.com/did-hundreds-of-kansas-farms-stop-operating-in-2025/

Kansas had 700 fewer farms in 2025 than in 2024 and used 200,000 fewer acres of land for farming. The smallest farms were hit hardest.

09/25/2026

The Journal, which has been tracking the increase of homeless encampment removals and their consequences for over a year, found via a records request that out of 934 work orders, there were only 10 instances of workers storing personal belongings.

This occurs in the midst of a push by the city of Wichita to remove homeless encampments at a faster pace. As camps disappear, so do possessions large and small, an often crushing experience for the owners.

The city is required to keep certain property and provide a way for its retrieval. Yet over the course of over 900 encampment removals since January 2025, officials have only 10 instances of saving personal belongings, according to public records.

09/25/2026

Wichita-area friends: We need your help.

Before we finalize the resolution for our Oct. 22 Braver Angels Debate on the USD 259 bond issue, we're testing several possible resolutions. If you live in the Wichita area, we'd appreciate your input.

Take our quick debate poll: https://survey.kansasleadershipcenter.org/zs/fFC56m
Your responses will help us choose a resolution that reflects the questions and perspectives people are actually discussing in our community.

Then save the date & register to join the conversation on Oct. 22. Link in the comments!

09/24/2026

A new building is coming to downtown Wichita. The bigger story is what could grow around it.

Dr. Kaye Monk-Morgan took the moderator’s seat at today’s Kansas Economic Outlook Conference for a conversation about the Wichita Biomedical Campus and its potential to shape talent, innovation, business growth and the region’s economy for years to come.

Joining Kaye were Wichita State University President Dr. Rick Muma, WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash and Dr. Laura Tatpati, dean of the KU School of Medicine-Wichita.

And Kaye wasn’t the only familiar KLC face in the room—Dr. Sidney Childs, Darryl Kelly and Amy Williams were there connecting with people from across the community and digging into conversations about Wichita’s future.

09/24/2026

For a decade, Maya Bernstein and Rae Ringel designed and led Georgetown University's Executive Certificate in Facilitation, helping prepare facilitators from around the world.

Now they're bringing that expertise to KLC for a three-day immersive program focused on designing impactful experiences and facilitating adaptive work with presence, agility and intention.

📍 Wichita, Kansas
📅 October 28–30
💲 Tuition: $2,495
⏳ Registration closes October 14
🔗 Learn more + register:
https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/adaptive-facilitation-intensive/

09/23/2026

We love being in Kansas City this week, bringing the first two steps of the KLC Path to changemakers in the metro area!

📸 Ad Astra Advocacy Center Team & Board Member + CACKS Board Member, Randi Spruill at Kansas Leadership Center training

09/21/2026

An idea doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth testing.

Kansas organizations and community partners can apply for up to $10,000 to put promising ideas into action and learn what works to improve upward mobility in Kansas.

Applications for Upward Mobility grants are due noon Sept. 29.

Learn more + apply: https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/upward-mobility-kansas-mini-grants/

09/20/2026

It’s a beautiful day for Open Streets ICT! ☀️

Douglas is car-free, the KLC tent is up and we’re ready to see you! 🫧🎨✨ Stop by for bubbles, face painting, temporary tattoos and a chance to connect with our team.

We’re at 325 E. Douglas, just west of the Naftzger Park activity hub. Look for the blue KLC tent! 💙

🚲 Walk, bike or roll on over — we’ll be here until 4 p.m.

09/18/2026

Open Streets ICT takes over Douglas THIS SUNDAY! 🎉

Walk, bike or roll your way to the blue KLC tent at 325 E. Douglas, just west of the Naftzger Park activity hub.

Stop by for:
🫧 Bubbles
🎨 Face painting
✨ Temporary tattoos
👋 KLC staff ready to connect and share more about our work

Come meet our team throughout the afternoon:
🔹 Noon–12:30: Kathy Lefler, Jamillah Anderson, Lydia Santiago, Stefania Lugli & Diego Cortez Rios
🔹 12:30–2: Ciara Huntley, Shannon Pope, Camille Scott & Dr. Sidney Childs
🔹 2–3:30: Jamillah Anderson & Darryl Kelly
🔹 3–4: Jennyfer Lumbreras, Pedro Cuevas Franco & Lydia Santiago

📅 Sunday, Sept. 20 | Noon–4 p.m.
📍 325 E. Douglas Ave.

Check the map to find us — then just look for the blue tent! 💙