A Journal Magazine Launch Event and Discussion
Join us Oct.15 for the release of the KLC Journal magazine’s Fall Edition, “The Heaviest Lifts: Shortages in Child Care and Affordable Housing (and Other Tough Local Issues). The elections in Kansas communities on Nov. 5 are a great reminder that the problems facing local governments in Kansas are growing ever more challenging and complex. That’s why it’s more important than ever for residents to be informed about these topics and engaged in addressing them.
One of the most difficult challenges facing many communities across the state is a lack of child care. Just three counties meet 100% or more of the demand for child care within their borders. The shortage is stressing parents and hurting the bottom lines of businesses. The problem is particularly acute in southwest Kansas. In Garden City and Finney County, a local coalition is building a network to chip away at a deficit of more than 700 child care slots. But no one anywhere seems to have a clear roadmap for unraveling a web of complex and often invisible challenges.
Shortages in affordable housing have also been affecting communities across the state. In Johnson County, the average sale price of a home topped $320,000 in 2017 and rents now average more than $1,000 a month. At the same time, 28% of the jobs in the county pay less than $15 an hour. The high cost of housing could make the county increasingly less affordable for seniors looking to downsize, teachers, public safety workers and recent college graduates.
Managing Editor Chris Green will discuss the shortages and the kind of leadership necessary to address them with Leadell Ediger, executive director of ChildCare Aware of Kansas, Journal writer Lindsay Hanson Metcalf, and Julie Brewer, executive director of United Community Services of Johnson County. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in large and small group discussions on both topics.
Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream at 6 PM at Facebook.com/kansasleadershipcenter.
Special thanks to Media Sponsor KMUW for promoting this event.
Tuesday, October 15 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Reception 5:30 p.m.
Presentation and conversation 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
325 E. Douglas Ave. | Wichita, KS 67208
$10 admission includes a copy of the Journal, Fall Edition: The Heaviest Lifts.
Registration required below.
