2025 Kansas Economic Policy Conference — The Ripple Effect: Water and the Kansas Economy


a collage of imagery: a close up of the tops of wild grasses against water, a person sits in an auditorium listening to a speaker present

The 2025 Kansas Economic Policy Conference will explore the Ripple Effect: Water and the Kansas Economy. Taking place on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Burge Union on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus with a livestream option, the conference brings together community leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts. The 2025 KEPC is offered at no cost to attendees.

This year’s conference highlights how water plays a role in the Kansas economy. Discussions on urban and rural water systems and policy will feature speakers and representatives from local communities. Conversations will kick off with a keynote presentation from Donna Ginther, director of KU’s Institute for Policy & Social Research, and the conference will conclude with a panel of policymakers discussing the future of water policy and the Kansas economy.

Program

KEPC 2025 Program
TimeTopic
8:00 am Doors open
8:30 am

Welcome & Introduction

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, chief academic officer, provost & executive vice chancellor, University of Kansas

8:45 am

Keynote: The Kansas Economy and Water Resources

Donna K. Ginther, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor, Department of Economics, director, Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas

9:15 am

Morning Research Presentations

Belinda Sturm, professor of civil, environmental & architectural engineering, director, Kansas National Science Foundation EPSCoR Program, University of Kansas
Ted Harris, associate research professor, Kansas Biological Survey, University of Kansas
Nathan Hendricks, professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University
Sam Zipper, assistant scientist, Kansas Geological Survey, assistant professor, Department of Geology, University of Kansas

10:15 amBreak
10:30 amConversation: Urban Water

Introduction: Arash Mafi, executive dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Kansas

Panelists
Fred Jones, water resource manager, city of Garden City
Corey Keller, superintendent of public works, city of Dodge City
Toby Dougherty, city manager, city of Hays
Gary Janzen, director of public works and utilities, city of Wichita

Moderator: Deb Miller, chair, Kansas Turnpike Authority
11:20 amBreak
11:30 amConversation: Rural Water

Introduction: Mary Rezac, dean of the School of Engineering, University of Kansas

Panelists
Paul Johnson, policy analyst, Kansas Rural Center
Susan Metzger, director, Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development and the Kansas Water Institute, Kansas State University
Katie Durham, district manager, Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 

Moderator: Deb Miller, chair, Kansas Turnpike Authority
12:20 pmLunch
1:15 pmConversation: Water and Policy

Introduction: Shelley Hooks, vice chancellor for research, University of Kansas

Panelists
Lindsay Vaughn, Kansas state representative, District 22, ranking member, House Committee on Water, Kansas Legislature
Kenny Titus, Kansas state senator, District 18, Kansas Legislature
Sandy Pickert, Kansas state representative, District 88, member, House Committee on Water, Kansas Legislature
Joshua Svaty, consultant, Gencur Svaty Public Affairs, LLC

Moderator: Jim McLean, senior contributor, Kansas Public Radio
2:45 pmClosing Remarks