Updates and outcomes from MARC's June Board meetings

Nonprofit energy improvements

The Board authorized MARC to execute agreements with nonprofit organizations and a construction project manager to implement the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Nonprofits Grant Program, supported by a $4.7 million federal grant and $1.5 million in local foundation funding. The program will help 30 area nonprofits complete energy-efficiency improvements such as HVAC replacements, LED lighting, weatherization, insulation, roof repairs and building system upgrades, with the first 11 projects ready to begin bidding and construction.
 

MARC Board officers

At the May meeting, Lee’s Summit Mayor and Board Chair Beto Lopez appointed the Executive Committee to serve as a Nominating Committee to fill the vacant Board treasurer position. The committee nominated Mayor Eric Mikkelson, of Prairie Village, as treasurer and Mayor Rick Walker, of De Soto, as Board secretary. The Board approved the recommendation from the Nominating Committee. The 2026 MARC Board officers are:

• Chair — Mayor Beto Lopez, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
• First Vice Chair — Mayor Damien Boley, Smithville, Missouri
• Second Vice Chair — Councilmember Holly Grummert, Overland Park, Kansas
• Treasurer — Mayor Eric Mikkelson, Prairie Village, Kansas
• Secretary — Mayor Rick Walker, De Soto, Kansas
   

Housing design competition

Home Plus One is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition that promotes universal design as a way to address housing needs for older adults in the Kansas City region. The competition will educate stakeholders, raise awareness of age-friendly housing solutions and generate buildable detached ADU plans that incorporate universal design features. Led by Communities for All Ages, the Greater Kansas City Regional Housing Partnership and the R.L. Mace Universal Design Institute, the effort supports local governments in expanding affordable, safe and usable housing options for people of all ages and abilities. The competition kicks off this month.
 

MARC office move

As approved at the August 2025 Board meeting, MARC will be moving this summer to a new building located at 801 Pennsylvania Ave. in Kansas City, Missouri. Some excess furniture will become available as part of the move. Local governments and partner organizations interested in learning more or viewing the available items are asked to email marcinfo@marc.org. 
 

MARC executive director

The MARC Board of Directors selected Geraldine Ide Gardner as the organization’s next executive director following a national search. Gardner currently serves as executive director of the Centralina Regional Council in Greater Charlotte, where she leads strategy, operations and regional initiatives serving nine counties and 2.5 million residents. She will begin her role on Oct 1. 

Budget and Personnel Committee meeting

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on June 23, attendees took the following actions:

KC Investment Playbook rural focus

As part of the KC Investment Playbook initiative, the committee authorized a six-month, $150,000 project that would involve research and engagement with counties under 50,000 population to identify rural assets, successful economic development models and supply chain connections that align with metro-area growth sectors. MARC is seeking partners with rural community expertise and sector-specific knowledge to collaborate on the project, which supports the region’s economic work and is expected to benefit both rural and urban counties.
 

Tournament support

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City requires coordinated regional support to help ensure safety, security and reliable communications. The committee approved a proposed subaward from KC2026 that would provide up to $100,000 for MARC staff time, with funding split between regional coordination and special event planning, and communications and technical coordination. Through this agreement, KC2026 will serve as a convener and technical resource to help align regional partners, distribute timely information and support communications.

Head Start

MARC Head Start serves 2,400 infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families in three Missouri counties. The committee authorized MARC Head Start to administer a cost-of-living adjustment totaling $206,539 from the Administration for Children and Families. Most of the funding will be distributed to partner agencies to provide staff with a minimum .635% hourly pay increase, with those increases added to base contracts in fiscal year 2027. Remaining funds will help offset higher operating costs, including additional printing and supplies associated with upgrades to the Head Start assessment tool.