Momentum 2027 Planning Begins; Survey Announced

The Greater Topeka Partnership announced today that planning is underway for Shawnee County’s next holistic community strategy, Momentum 2027.  A kickoff meeting will begin on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 1 p.m.  The event will be held at the new Sunflower Foundation building, located on Menninger Hill. The event brings together elected leaders, alongside community stakeholders and will be facilitated by the Greater Topeka Partnership and Broad Ripple Strategies.

Momentum 2022, the current community strategy was unveiled in 2017 focusing on five key objectives: Develop Home Grown Talent; Create Vibrant and Attractive Places; Grow a Diverse Economy; Promote a Positive Image; and Collaborate for a Strong Community. That strategy will be complete next year and has helped to shape the revitalization of the city since its implementation.

Residents of Topeka and Shawnee County are invited to participate in a new community survey and provide feedback on the progress the city and county have made since 2017.  Input provided will guide what new objectives should be set for the upcoming Momentum 2027 strategy.  The survey will be provided in English and Spanish.  Residents can take the survey directly at Momentum 2022.com.

“There is no other way to say this, Momentum 2022 was a game changer for our community,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “That strategy really brought together voices and facilitated collaboration that ignited the momentum in our city. When people say Topeka has changed so much over the past few years, they can look at this strategy and begin to understand why.”

“We are excited to bring new voices to the table as we develop our next five-year strategy,” Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefied, SVP of strategy, Greater Topeka Partnership said. “Our progress will depend on ensuring diverse perspectives are included so we can better know what our county really needs.”

“Momentum 2022 worked,” said Keith Warta, chair of the Momentum Strategy Taskforce. “As we finish the work that began in 2017, we need to really get strategic on what the next five years need to accomplish. I encourage everyone in Topeka and Shawnee County to take this survey and give us your perspective.”

“Broad Ripple Strategies is honored to be a part of this work,” Alex Pearlstein, principal partner at Broad Ripple Strategies said. “Our organization represents nearly 30 years of crafting community and economic development strategies designed to build consensus, drive investment and get results. We are excited to leverage our experience and assist Topeka and Shawnee County achieve its short- and long-term goals.”

“I have lived in Topeka and Shawnee County for a long time,” said Kevin Cook, Shawnee County Commissioner. “I can’t remember a period where we accomplished so much together, in such a short amount of time. I give a lot of credit for that to our Momentum strategy. The next five years will be pivotal, and I am eager to start this planning process and hear from our residents on where we should focus.”

“Topeka and Shawnee County, Momentum 2022 has been your strategy,” Mayor Michelle De la Isla, City of Topeka. “Our victories since 2017 have been your victories, because you took the time to make sure your voice was heard.  This is your time to be heard again. Momentum 2027 will be our north star for the next five years. Take the survey and make sure we are pointed in the direction you want to go.”