Updates and outcomes from MARC's October Board meetings

Oct 06, 2024
| Posted in
News
Marlene Nagel presents to the MARC Board of Directors about the 2025 state policy agenda.

Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on Oct. 22. 

We’re sharing selected highlights from the meetings for your awareness and use in regional conversations. 

Bi-State Sustainability Reinvestment Corridor

Board members heard an update on the Bi-State Sustainability Reinvestment Corridor, which will  support infrastructure, transportation and economic development along a 24-mile corridor connecting four cities. Supported by a $5.6 million federal planning grant, the first phase is underway and a public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 29 to raise awareness of the project and seek feedback. The planning phase will conclude in June 2025 with a final report.

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Population and employment forecasts

MARC issues population and employment forecasts every five years as part of the Connected KC 2050 metropolitan transportation plan. Staff reported the Kansas City region will grow more slowly than earlier forecasts projected largely due to declining fertility — a national trend. The region is also expected to be more diverse in 2050, with communities of color comprising 39% of the population compared to 28% in 2020. The forecasts indicate there will be fewer people per household in 2050, as residents age and families have fewer children. 

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MARC Solid Waste Management District

The Board approved an agreement between MARC and the Solid Waste Management District to implement a work plan for the coming year. As part of ongoing efforts to divert waste from landfills, the district added four communities to the household hazardous waste program in 2024 and held 10 mobile events that drew 2,549 cars, collecting nearly 300,000 pounds of material across all events. In 2025, the district, which includes five counties in Missouri, will work with communities in Kansas to develop a regional comprehensive solid waste management plan. 

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State policy agenda

Board members approved a state policy agenda that allows MARC to address specific legislation or proposed rules that might affect the Kansas City region. The 2025 policy agenda incorporated input from Board members and includes key priorities such as local government authority, investment in transportation safety, affordable child care and food security.  

View the 2025 state policy agenda

World Cup

MARC is supporting KC2026’s World Cup planning efforts in the areas of transportation for key event venues, regional coordination for safety and security, and information pertinent to local tourism events. Jurisdictions that are planning events related to the World Cup are encouraged to coordinate with others via MARC’s local event portal. 

Budget and Personnel Committee

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on Oct. 22, attendees took the following actions:

  • Human resources information system — Following a comprehensive assessment to develop greater internal efficiencies and automation with MARC systems, the committee authorized MARC to enter into a five-year $237,776 agreement with ADP for a human resources information system. The system will support MARC’s work by centralizing applicant tracking, recruitment, performance management and job descriptions. Staff anticipate the new system will launch by April 1.
     
  • Transportation
    • Safety – To help keep drivers safe, committee members approved a $400,000 contract with Toole Design to assist the Destination Safe Coalition in developing a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. This project will allow MARC to develop a crash data dashboard, conduct a vulnerable road user assessment, and provide tools and resources that help strengthen the region’s approach to transportation safety issues.
    • Services – Upon recommendation by the Transportation Policy Programming Committee, the committee approved a selection of projects for federal funding that provide transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities. The funding will primarily be used by local agencies to replace and purchase accessible vans, and one grant will be used to establish and operate a transportation service to support employment for individuals with Down Syndrome. 
       
  • Cooperative purchasing — The Kansas City Regional Purchasing Cooperative (KCRPC) saves local governments money by facilitating cooperatively bid contracts. Eighty-six local agencies use contracts for purchases of needed items and materials, and 176 agencies access a larger national cooperative, HGACBuy, through KCPRC. Cooperative contracts include a variety of options including  law enforcement vehicles and salt and sand. The committee renewed a contract with Rita Parker to continue to manage this program. 
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