Moving Forward with Momentum

GAINING

MOMENTUM

AGENDA TOPEKA DETERMINES 2022 PRIORITIES

The latest results of Agenda Topeka — a Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce initiative designed to support the efforts of Momentum 2022 — were presented to the chamber’s board of directors Oct. 21 and will shape the group’s advocacy in the coming year. Not sure what Agenda Topeka is? Here’s a rundown. In July, more than 65 Topeka and Shawnee County residents gathered with Topeka chamber officials to discuss public policy topics on locals’ minds and brainstorm priorities on which the chamber might focus advocacy efforts in 2022. In September, a second group convened to sort the issues based on whether they could be addressed at the local, state or federal level. That group voted to determine the six most urgent topics in each arena, and there was some overlap between categories. After deliberation and voting, the following priorities were identified at each level: • Federal — broadband, turnpike, riverfront, medicare, infrastructure, taxes • State — medicaid, economic development, broadband, mental health, workforce, childcare • Local — economic development, childcare, at-risk neighborhoods, mental health, infrastructure, broadband They underscore the inextricable link between economic growth and the health of our families and neighborhoods. The Topeka chamber will speak with one voice to support policies and programs that address these issues in a comprehensive, connected way.

MO22 IMPROVED DIGITAL EQUITY AND BROADBAND ACCESS

The Momentum 2022 Digital Equity Taskforce applied for and was awarded a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to help Kansas families attain the best possible educational, economic and health outcomes. We know digital literacy and access to high-speed internet are necessary to achieving such results. This initiative will focus on a two-generation approach, so more Kansas children and adults have the opportunity to attain digital success in the future. With a $250,000 grant, the local taskforce will spend the first year planning and engaging the community, and the second and third years implementing communitybased plans and policies. The grant will also help fund a digital navigator and technician position, which will provide ongoing access to resources, education and technical support to those in need.

ADDITIONAL MOMENTUM NEWS...

MO22 – Watch for us on your newsfeed! Be on the lookout for marketing highlights sharing the successes of MO22 through social and traditional media. A Net Promoter Score Survey was conducted in 2021 to measure the desirability of the community. The survey, which closed Oct. 3, revealed a 40% growth in community satisfaction over the course of MO22.

MO22 PRESENTATIONS

A number of presentations in the community have taken place to share the strategic progress of Momentum 2022 and what’s ahead for the community’s next strategy, Momentum 2027. Presentations included the Washburn University Retreat, Agenda Topeka and Downtown Topeka Rotary.