MOMENTUM 2027 LAUNCHES

Though some work began in 2022, the next five -year community strategy, Momentum 2027, officially kicked off at the start of 2023, and progress on various initiatives is already being made! Momentum tri-chairs Tara Dimick, Commissioner Kevin Cook, and Mayor Mike Padilla, along with Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield of The Partnership, recently presented to the GTP Chairs Council and provided the following highlights:

1) All 21 strategic initiatives are currently in play. Why? We have a number of initiatives being targeted for Q4 or Year 2 that require a bit of prep work; to ensure the advances we all desire, the work has begun.

2) Tracking of The Partnership organizations is underway to ensure alignment with the strategy and recording tactics.

3) Marketing efforts are in play to share what Momentum 2027 is. If you have an organization that wants to learn more about Momentum 2027, contact Michelle.Stubblefield@ TopekaPartnership.com to secure a speaker.

4) Initiative highlights include:

• H O USING TASK FORCE – City housing subgroup is working on 2023 tactics.

• 21ST CENTURY RIVERFRONT – the Riverfront Advisory Council has been restructured and work with the new slate of board members is underway.

• CH ILD CARE TASK FORCE – The task force was recently awarded a grant to go toward program development and creation of new slots.

• D IVERSITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY –An Equity Advisory Board has been establishe d.

• CH OOSE TOPEKA 2.0 – The program received funding approval from JEDO to proceed with 2023 strategies designed to grow a strong workforce in the community.

Momentum

New Board Emphasizes Equity

The Partnership’s new Equity Advisory Board held its first meeting during the first quarter of 2023. The Equity Advisory Board will work closely with the Momentum 2027 team to ensure equity remains central to all Momentum initiatives. The board is being chaired by Marquisha Paul, with Hill's Pet Nutrition, and has four key areas of focus:

• Keeping equity at the center of Momentum 2027

• Advising all entities of the Greater Topeka Partnership

• Providing oversight for JEDO & GO Topeka

• Advising on equity and opportunity programming