Updates and outcomes from MARC's September Board meetings

Board members approved the region’s 2024-2029 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan. As the economic development district for the nine-county Kansas City metropolitan region, MARC regularly prepares a CEDS Plan to identify strategies and investments that increase economic competitiveness and resiliency, and support inclusive prosperity. The approved plan includes a focus on biologics and life sciences, biodefense, cybersecurity and critical minerals.

Each year, Board members adopt a state policy agenda that allows MARC to address specific legislation or proposed rules that might affect the Kansas City region. The draft 2025 policy agenda includes key priorities such as investment in transportation safety, affordable child care and food security. The agenda will come back to the Board in October for a vote. 

Members of the Board accepted a recommendation to fund 17 planning studies in communities across the region totaling more than $2 million as part of the Planning Sustainable Places program. The projects include complete street plans, corridor plans and connectivity plans. These projects will be developed with a focus on the integration of transportation, land use and the environment, and will include robust resident engagement.

Staff provided an update about ongoing and upcoming technical services projects in support of the region’s 911 system. Current projects include installing cybersecurity recovery software, upgrading mapping programs and updating 911 equipment. In 2025, MARC will focus on advancing Next Generation 911 goals, updating hardware at call-answering points, and piloting a resident input and transcription program.

Three dozen children participated in the GrandPass program this summer, which provides a free week of camp for the children of older caregivers. Staff reported nearly 30,000 grandparents are raising grandchildren in the state of Missouri and GrandPass provides needed respite. Looking to the future, staff will explore options to increase the number and variety of camps, as well as after-school care and tutoring opportunities.  

MARC observes a set of core values that are developed and operationalized by staff. The organization recently underwent a process to update the values, last revised in 2012, to ensure the values align with MARC’s work as an organization and within the region.