The Community Support Network (CSN) is a community care hub model launched in 2018 to create a network of community-based organizations and health care entities that provide nutrition, transportation and other supportive services that positively impact health outcomes for individuals. MARC provides centralized support to the network and KC Health Collaborative plays a critical role in developing and supporting this infrastructure. Dan Cranshaw, executive director of KCHC, presented updates on the CSN’s planning progress and efforts to sustain services. 
 

MARC announced the formation of Child Care Works, a child care exchange model that aims to reduce the cost of quality child care in the Kansas City region. This strategy was designed through a regional strategic planning initiative including early learning stakeholders in Kansas and Missouri. Data shows that 96% of local employers have faced employee absenteeism or turnover due to child care issues, and most families spend over 14% of their income on care for one child. Child Care Works would allow employers, families and the state to share tuition costs. Currently, MARC is leading development and engaging providers, employers and the public.

MARC staff reported that in January, Kansas City employed 29,300 federal civilian workers, making up 2.5% of the region’s jobs and ranking 8th in concentration among the nation’s largest metros. Each federal job creates 1.43 additional local jobs; however, planned federal workforce reductions of 10% to 20% could result in losing approximately 7,200 jobs. Staff discussed the types of jobs lost as well as the potential to keep workers in the region. 

Changes in the federal government continue to impact MARC’s work. Staff shared the general changes seen over the past few weeks, including “suspension” and cancellation of active and future grants, threats of significant changes in the upcoming budget, and slow or no response to inquiries. Staff continue to monitor cash flow, grants at risk, partner contracts and staffing. MARC will initiate the 2025 revised/2026 budget process early and has begun a process of evaluating alternative service delivery models. 

The Board authorized a $1.1 million contract with the Cambridge Systematics-WSP-Insight Transportation team to develop the next generation regional travel demand model. Over the past 30 years, MARC has maintained a regional travel demand forecast model, crucial for transportation planning. Given post-pandemic shifts, MARC seeks to transition to an advanced activity-based travel model for greater insight into issues like congestion and remote work trends.