Regional Vision

Greater Kansas City is a region of opportunity. Its robust economy, healthy environment and social capacity support the creativity, diversity and resilience of its people, places and communities.

Formed at the confluence of rivers, trails and trains on the border of two states, Greater Kansas City is a place of interconnection, where people of all backgrounds are welcome and where commerce and ideas flow as freely as the rivers and streams that run through and define it. Our people thrive here, in safe, walkable and well-maintained neighborhoods. We have abundant opportunities for education and work in fulfilling jobs at businesses that can compete with any in the world. We enjoy, protect and preserve our region’s natural beauty. We care for our neighbors and our communities. We lead by example. Our region has the strength to not only bounce back from adversity but bounce forward, confidently, into the future.

This shared vision for our region balances a thriving economy, social equity and a healthy environment, meeting today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

The vision expands beyond our goals for vibrant, connected and green places — it encompasses successful, engaged and healthy people supported by strong communities.

Regional Goals

People

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE enjoy independence and have choices in where to live, where to work and what they do. They have access to good schools, quality jobs and other resources that enable them to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. 
      
ENGAGED PEOPLE benefit from strong social networks with friends, family and coworkers. They are involved in the civic life of their neighborhoods and communities and are empowered to help create and promote belonging, inclusion and meaningful connection.
      
HEALTHY PEOPLE thrive in clean and safe communities that support healthy eating and active lifestyles. They have access to health care systems that foster physical and mental well-being, including services for both treatment and prevention.

Places

VIBRANT PLACES provide easy access to jobs and services, offer choices in housing, recreation, shopping and transportation, and promote access to arts and culture. Vibrant places make efficient use of public and private resources and are attractive to residents and businesses.

CONNECTED PLACES are linked by corridors that encourage walking, biking and public transportation in addition to serving motor vehicles. These corridors support sustainable development and help connect residents and businesses to jobs, goods, services and other opportunities

GREEN PLACES are ecologically healthy and resilient, creating real economic and social value. The conservation and restoration of natural areas and natural resources enhance both environmental and public health. 

Communities

STRONG COMMUNITIES provide a solid foundation for people and places to prosper. They knit together networks of people, families, businesses and civic organizations, nurturing relationships that engender trust and collaboration. They are equitable, cohesive and well-governed. They respect history and community character while building for the future.

MARC’s Role in Regional Planning

As a voluntary association of local governments, MARC convenes partners and coordinates planning efforts on a wide range of issues that are important to communities in the metro, including aging services, early learning, health care, community development, homeland security, emergency services, the regional 911 system and much more. We work with cities, counties and other entities to identify common objectives and achieve our collective goals. MARC has no taxation or regulatory authority.

MARC serves as both the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the bistate Kansas City region and as the Council of Governments (COG) for the nine counties and 119 cities in the region. MARC is governed by a Board of Directors made up of local elected officials, and is funded by federal, state and private grants, local contributions and earned income. A major portion of our budget is passed through to local governments and other agencies for programs and services.

As an MPO — one of more than 300 such organizations across the U.S. — MARC is responsible for transportation planning for the region. This includes both long- and short-range plans. MARC's Total Transportation Policy Committee (TTPC) oversees the allocation of millions of dollars in federal and state transportation funds each year. Transportation planning is closely connected to many of MARC's other programs, including air quality and land use forecasts.

Statue of dancers skipping across water in fountain

Budget and work plan

MARC's annual Budget and Work Plan guides agency activities and provides a clear picture of how revenues are allocated to achieve overarching policy goals.

Lenexa Public Market sign with people walking on sidewalk

MARC Board of Directors

MARC's work is guided by a Board of Directors that consists of 33 locally elected leaders from the nine member counties and the six largest cities in the region.