In February 2025, the City of Columbia engaged Keen Independent Research to assess its workplace policies, practices and employee experiences to ensure alignment with the City’s operational goals. This assessment will help the City strengthen efforts to foster a supportive and high-performing workplace. A work environment where all voices are heard can best serve the community.

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Keen Independent Research’s work includes:

• Review of City ordinances and strategic plan;
• Assessment of demographic trends in the City’s current workforce, including hiring, promotions and employee separations;
• Focus groups with City staff to understand perceptions of the workplace climate; and
• Research on best practices for fostering a positive workplace culture that supports the City’s strategic goals.
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Results from this study will be presented to the public during a City Council meeting.

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Schedule

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The study began in February 2025 and will conclude by September 2025.

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Study Team

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Keen Independent Research has performed similar work for the cities of Jefferson City, St. Louis and Kansas City as well as the Missouri Department of Transportation and other public entities nationwide. Dave Keen, Founding Principal and Co-owner, and Dr. Nicole Yates, Senior Consultant and Co-owner, are directing this work along with Dr. Sarah Huisman and Reeka Edwards, who are both based in Missouri.

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How to Get Involved:

• columbiamoequity@keenindependent.com
• Telephone hotline: (602) 767-7067
• Dr. Nicole Yates, Senior Consultant
  Keen Independent Research
  2929 East Camelback Road, Suite 115
  Phoenix, AZ 85016
  https://keenindependent.com/
• D’Andre Thompson, DEI Administrator: d’andre.thompson@como.gov
  

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