CPM 2025 Conference

October 14, 2025

9:00 - 9:15 am  

Welcome and Icebreaker - Noel Rasor 

 

9:15 - 9:25 am 

Introduction to Trust, Civility and Narrative Leadership - Kate Nygren 

 

9:25 - 10:15 am

Incivility: The Lay of the Land - Ashley Muddiman

Explore research on the types of incivility people are experiencing and witnessing in their organizations. This session connects those findings to broader themes of trust and civic engagement, providing participants with opportunities to reflect on and share their own experiences.

10:30 - 11:20 am

Beyond Voting: What Makes a Democracy a Democracy? - Chris Koliba

This session examines how incivility threatens democratic accountability and explores the standards that keep democracy strong. Participants will learn to articulate obligations to democratic principles and connect them to real-world public service practices.

Break: 11:20 - 11:30 am

11:30 am - 12:15 pm | Breakouts | Choose one of these four options

Advancing Statewide Change through Collaborative Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement - Aaron Norris, Robin Lohman, Seth Kilber, Stephanie Davidson

Drawing from Kansas' efforts to meet federal compliance mandates, this session highlights strategies in transparency, staff development, and provider partnerships that built alignment and trust across the HCBS system.

Storytelling as Strategy: Integrating Narrative into Programmatic Work - Rachel Krause & Karen Clawson

MARC's "WAY TO GO" program demonstrates how storytelling can drive behavior change and foster cross-sector partnerships. Learn how elevating everyday stories of green transportation advances programmatic goals and strengthens community trust.

Say More in Raymore: Amplifying City Voices and Engaging Residents - Melissa Harmer

This session highlights how Raymore's podcast initiative builds transparency and community engagement. Through storytelling, the city strengthens resident connections and creates new channels for civic dialogue.

Storytelling for Community Growth: Human Value Narratives for Successful Outcomes - Jayne Siemens

Case studies from across the Midwest demonstrate how focusing on human values instead of projects transforms engagement. Participants will explore tools to counter incivility and foster trust through narrative leadership.

Lunch: 12:15 - 1:15pm 

1:15 - 2:00 pm | Breakouts | Choose one of these four options

Educate, Engage, Empower: The Impact of a Citizens Academy on Community Trust - Kim Nakahodo

This session will highlight how a Citizens Academy can increase civic knowledge, foster transparency, and empower residents to become active partners in local government.

Raising the Next Generation of Public Sector Leaders - Kristi Northcutt

This session explores how to cultivate future leaders in the public sector. Participants will learn strategies for mentorship, development, and creating opportunities that inspire emerging professionals to embrace leadership roles.

From Tension to Trust: How Empowered Engagement Transforms Communities - Sara Taliaferro

Navigating toward relationships characterized by civility and trust means finding an effective public engagement process. Sara Taliaferro shares two case studies showing how empowered engagement shifted dynamics and policy outcomes in the face of tensions and mistrust.

#ForTheW: Building Community Awareness and Pride in Public Service - Melissa Reeves & Omar Lindt

This session will explore creative strategies to raise public awareness and foster community pride in government services through dynamic storytelling and engagement campaigns.

Break: 2:00pm - 2:15pm 

2:15 - 3:00 pm | Breakouts | Choose one of these four options

From Vision to Vitality: The Story of Lenexa City Center - Andy Huckaba

This case study highlights how Lenexa transformed a citizen vision into a thriving civic and commercial hub. Participants will learn about the role of long-term planning, collaboration, and narrative leadership in guiding transformative change.

Thrive Together: How Excelsior Springs Built Trust and Alignment with Communities of Excellence - Melinda Mehaffy

Excelsior Springs used the Communities of Excellence framework to rebuild trust, strengthen civic infrastructure, and align efforts around a shared vision. Learn how narrative leadership and cross-sector collaboration drove sustainable community transformation.

Restorative Words: Crafting Apologies That Rebuild Civic Trust - Toni Wheeler & Jay T. Johnson

This session explores the purpose and art of crafting formal apologies as tools for healing historical harms and rebuilding community trust. The 2023 City of Lawrence apology to the Kaw Nation is shared as a case study.

First Amendment Auditors: Are You Prepared? - Marnie Schubert

This practical training equips local government staff to respond to First Amendment Auditors confidently, legally, and professionally. Participants will learn de-escalation techniques and strategies to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their organizations.

Break: 3:00 - 3:15 pm

3:15 - 4:15 pm 

Applying Narrative Leadership - Kristi Northcutt & Kate Nygren

This interactive session helps participants apply narrative leadership tools in their own contexts. Through reflection and practice, attendees will craft statements that reinforce democracy, trust, and civility.

4:15 - 4:30 pm

Wrap Up and Logistics / Next Steps - Kate Nygren

Conference organizers will summarize key takeaways and provide logistical details to close the day.

October 15, 2025

8:30 - 9:00 am

Breakfast and Coffee

 

9:00 - 10:30 am

Alumni Portfolio Highlights

Preserving Small-Town Values During Economic Growth: A Case Study of the De Soto Property Tax Relief Program - Brandon Mills

Amid rapid economic growth, the City of De Soto launched a Property Tax Relief program to support low-income homeowners, seniors, and disabled veterans. By listening to residents' concerns and responding transparently, the city demonstrated its commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and preserving small-town character.

Building Trust Through Crisis Intervention: A Capstone Project on Safer Responses - Brandy Janeski

This project explores the creation of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to equip law enforcement officers for mental health crisis response. It emphasizes training, collaboration, and community engagement as pathways to reduce escalations and strengthen trust between law enforcement and communities.

Tackling Team Incivility Through Structural Change - Stephanie Hoffman

This capstone project examines how restructuring a government contact center addressed both operational inefficiencies and workplace incivility. The session highlights how structural improvements became a foundation for trust and cultural change.

10:30 - 10:35 am -Thank You and MPA/MUP Program Plug, Dr. Maja Holmes

10:35 - 10:45 am - Break and Transition

10:45 - 12:00pm | Two Tracks 

TRACK ONE: CPM 2025 Participants (January 2025 Start Dates) Portfolio Feedback Groups 

Current participants will gather in Capstone Feedback Groups to share peer review feedback on their full rough drafts.

TRACK TWO: CPM 2025-26 Participants (July 2025 Start Dates) & Alumni Discussions

Current participants will gather in Capstone Feedback Groups to share peer review feedback on their full rough drafts.

 

Conference Adjourns @ 12:00pm