Updates and outcomes from MARC's June Board meetings

Shannon Moss, clinical director of crisis services at ReDiscover, and Colene Medrano, executive director of crisis at Wyandot Behavioral Health Network, presented to Board members about the impact of 988 in the region. They reported that nearly 80,000 calls to 988 were answered locally in 2024 and about 2,300 mobile crisis responses occurred in 2024, 87% of which were resolved on scene. MARC works to improve crisis response in the region by supporting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the 988 Mobile Crisis Steering Committee.

The Board voted to approve the update of 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 Total Transportation Policy Committee played a critical role in the development of the plan. They also approved the update in June.

Every five years, local jurisdictions must update a hazard mitigation plan to better prepare for natural disasters and remain eligible for FEMA grants. MARC helps coordinate the planning process for the region’s five Missouri counties, including 34 cities, three fire districts, 14 school districts and two colleges/universities.  The planning process includes public engagement, which recently yielded over 1,000 survey responses. Jurisdictions are now adopting resolutions to approve the 2025 plan, available on marc.org. 

Building on previous efforts, including analyses of greenhouse gas emissions and workforce planning,  MARC is working with partners to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the region. The plan will provide a voluntary framework to coordinate local action across the metro. Public engagement is set for the fall, with the plan due to the EPA on Dec. 1.

In support of the region’s youngest learners, the Board authorized acceptance of a five-year $32,918,852 federal grant to continue supporting the enrollment of 1,793 Head Start Preschool students and 557 Early Head Start students. The funds support program operations, training and technical assistance.