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

World Cup update

Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for KC2026, presented to the Board about ongoing World Cup planning. She highlighted a new monthly email update for public officials and the MARC-hosted World Cup event coordination portal. Board members also heard about upcoming events, including “one year to go” celebrations in June and July.

View the KC2026 Presentation

Connected KC 2050 update

MARC is updating Connected KC 2050, the region’s long-range metropolitan transportation plan. The plan update includes goals, strategies and prioritized projects for the next 20 years and serves as a framework to guide investment of federal transportation funds within the region. The draft plan update will be available for public review and comment in April, with final review and adoption scheduled for June.

View the Connected KC 2050 Update presentation

Federal grant updates

MARC is continuing to track federal actions and possible impacts to funding and pass-through dollars. Staff reported that general changes seen over the past few weeks include reversal of pauses on some grants, new grant opportunities withdrawn, one active grant cancelled, changes to reimbursement submittal processes and slow or no response to inquiries. MARC is monitoring cash flow, grants at risk, partner contracts and staffing.

View the federal grant update presentation

Community data tools

The MARC Data and Digital Services Department has created several tools to make regional data more accessible. The team updates the tools regularly to respond to communities’ evolving needs. MARC staff demonstrated the tools and highlighted updates that are responsive to new priorities outlined by the federal government.

Population Explorer Community Views Additional regional data tools and resources

Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards

Registration now open

Tables and individual tickets are available for the 2025 Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards on Friday, June 13.

Budget and Personnel Committee

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on March 25, attendees took the following actions:

Mental health training – As part of a regional approach to mental health support, 270 first responders, mental health professionals and hospital staff will receive suicide-prevention training. The committee authorized MARC to reimburse CommCARE for every person who attends the training for a total of $67,500.

911 workstations – The committee approved $109,242 to purchase two 911 call-taking workstations for the Blue Springs Police Department and Riverside Police Department. The new workstations, which will be integrated into the regional 911 system, will help manage increasing 911 call volume and improve operational redundancy. MARC serves as the coordinating agency for the regional 911 system, which spans 43 call centers across an 11-county region.

Updates and outcomes from MARC's March Board meetings

Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on March 25.