Updates and outcomes from MARC's December Board meetings

Board members heard an update from Jeff McKerrow, with Kimley Horn, on the KC Airport Transit Service Action Plan, which launched earlier this year in partnership with the KCATA to identify opportunities for new transit to and from the airport. Based on the needs of employees and travelers, the plan recommends adding coach bus routes and stops across the metro. Major starter routes would include direct routes to KCI from Union Station and the East Village transit center and from KCI to locations in Overland Park and Lenexa in Johnson County with potential stops in Wyandotte County. Next steps include working with partner agencies to prioritize services and identify funding.  A final report providing additional details is anticipated by the end of January 2024.

While a recession is no longer part of the forecast, the region should expect less growth in 2024 because of low labor supply. MARC staff emphasized that innovation is directly linked to growth and recommended public sector involvement in encouraging young businesses, which are the most likely to innovate and hire.

MARC recently implemented an internal artificial intelligence (AI) policy and shared highlights with the Board. Highlights of the policy are:

• Staff may use built-in AI tools, but not stand-alone ones.
• All staff, contractors, vendors and other business partners must disclose all use of artificial intelligence.

Staff plan to continually review the policy and make adjustments as the field of AI evolves and advances.

To support broader adoption of electric vehicles, the Board authorized an agreement to advance the Kansas City Regional Electronic Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan. The next steps include developing a strategic plan, site sustainability assessment and a funding opportunities guide.

This year’s ozone season was a busy one. From March to October, MARC issued 14 ozone alerts and tracked 16 exceedances, which occur when the air quality index exceeds the federal standard. Twelve of those exceedances came in June, the most in any month in the region’s history. The region also experienced its first red-level day since 2018.  MARC will continue work with state and federal partners to promote ways we can all help to decrease the emissions that cause ozone pollution and how to protect your health when air quality is poor.

Board members approved the MARC 2024 Budget and Work Plan, which will advance MARC’s programs and initiatives across the region. The 2024 budget includes $133,015,121 in expenditures with 76% of these funds being passed on to partners in the region.