NOVEMBER 2009
Weighing choices: how will Kansas City adapt to new realities?
To predict future travel needs, first we have to forecast how many people and jobs will be located in Greater Kansas City — and where — by 2040. The region's Technical Forecast Committee has combined local comprehensive plans and produced two future growth scenarios for Transportation Outlook 2040 that show alternate ways of accommodating expected growth and development.
The BASELINE growth scenario illustrates how we may develop if past trends continue. The ADAPTIVE scenario illustrates how we could grow more sustainably if land use and transportation policies change at a regional level. MARC's Board of Directors recently directed the Technical Forecast Committee to use the ADAPTIVE scenario to help draft a 30-year forecast for the metro area.
The growth scenarios have generated discussion among elected officials and citizens about our vision for the future. Ultimately, the forecast will help us plan for future transportation needs, and serve as a tool to coordinate local plans and regional strategies on the environment and economic development.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact Tom Gerend at (816) 474-4240.
Compare the 2040 growth scenarios
Growth scenarios presentation made to MARC Board
About the Technical Forecast Committee
Evaluating project ideas
During a recent call for projects for Transportation Outlook 2040, nearly 50 jurisdictions and transportation agencies in Greater Kansas City nominated 600 major transportation projects totaling $18.4 billion. These included roadway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects, projects that support centers of activity and more.
MARC staff and transportation committees are evaluating nominated projects in order to develop a list of priority investments for the next three decades that best meet our goals without exceeding expected revenues. A list of recommended significant projects will be proposed in the next few months. This will give the public another chance to offer key input on long-term transportation priorities.
Analysis of nominated projects
Public feedback received on nominated projects
Interactive project map
As the planning organization for metro Kansas City, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is required to develop a long-range transportation plan that guides transportation decision making and funding decisions over a period of several decades. Transportation Outlook 2040 will be the region's new plan looking ahead to the next 30 years.
