Updates and outcomes from MARC's February Board meetings

Board of Directors meeting

Regional 911 System

Board members heard an update on improvements to the regional 911 system, including progress toward geospatial call routing. This advancement will route emergency calls based on a caller’s actual location rather than cell tower sectors, reducing call transfers between public safety answering points and improving response efficiency across the region.
 

KC Fresh Rx

KC Fresh Rx is a produce prescription program that helps eligible participants improve nutrition and manage chronic health conditions. The program partners with 24 Balls Food Stores and is funded by a federal grant and many local foundations. They will enroll a new cohort in 2026.  Participants continue to show positive outcomes related to food security, fruit and vegetable consumption, and key health indicators.
 

Transportation funding

The Board authorized a call for projects for suballocated federal transportation funding for fiscal years 2029-30, supporting investments that align with Connected KC 2050 and regional priorities. Preliminary funding amounts are $57 million for Kansas and $69 million for Missouri. 

Budget and Personnel Committee meeting

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on Feb. 24, attendees took the following actions:

Ozone forecasting

For three decades, MARC’s Air Quality program has delivered public ozone forecasts, known as “SkyCast,” to help protect sensitive groups during Ozone Action Alert Days. A recent request for proposals resulted in Weather or Not being selected to continue providing these forecasts. The three-year contract, funded by MARC air quality public education state grants, totals $81,965. 
 

Natural Hazard Transportation Risk Assessment

In 2025, MARC completed the first phase of its Natural Hazard Transportation Risk Assessment, aimed at strengthening the region’s transportation systems against disruptions caused by natural hazards. Phase one focused on engaging stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and develop frameworks for future planning, while phase two will use federal and local funds to inventory assets, match them with hazard risks and profile regional impacts. The insights will guide recommendations for infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness.
 

Regional 911 system

MARC’s regional 911 system uses Motorola VESTA equipment, and MARC is moving forward with a planned 2026 lifecycle refresh to replace aging workstations at 14 public safety answering points/dispatch centers. MARC will purchase the equipment directly from Motorola Solutions to keep the system consistent and reduce integration, maintenance and support risks. The committee approved the $517,034.72 purchase funded through the 2026 911 allocation budget/capital projects budget.
 

Transportation for older adults

MARC applies annually to the Missouri Department of Transportation for funds to provide transportation for older adults and eligible disabled people, primarily for medical and essential shopping trips. For 2027, MARC plans to request up to $350,000 to incorporate into the area plan transportation budget. The committee authorized MARC to submit the application and pursue these funds.