Updates and outcomes from MARC's June Board meetings

Jul 01, 2022
| Posted in
News
The Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park, Kansas, features a colorful entrance.

Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on June 28. We’re sharing selected highlights from the meetings for your awareness and use in regional conversations.

The MARC Board heard a variety of updates, including:

  • Economic opportunity: Miles Sandler, director of policy and engagement in public affairs for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, briefed Board members on the foundation’s recent “Start Us Up: America’s New Business Plan for 2022.” The plan provides a roadmap to create a more inclusive economy by increasing accessibility and support for entrepreneurs facing systemic challenges. The plan aligns with current regional initiatives including KC Rising, digital equity and inclusion, and workforce development.
View the presentation slides
  • MARC audit: Following approval by the Budget and Personnel Committee, Board members voted to accept MARC’s fiscal year 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Federal Uniform Grant Guidance Supplemental Financial Report. The audit was completed in partnership with RubinBrown and has no current findings. 
View the financial documents
  • Head Start: Board members voted to continue critical services for young children and families through Head Start by approving a $27.9 million grant application. The federal grant would support the enrollment of 1,811 Head Start and 473 Early Head Start children in Clay, Platte and Jackson counties through operations, training and technical assistance in addition to well-child assistance, fatherhood literacy efforts and workforce development.
     
  • Early learning workforce: The pandemic led to previously unseen child care program closures in the region, resulting in the need for at least 400 early education teachers. Board members were briefed about the new Early Learning Workforce Action Tank, which will convene partners to create a regional early learning and care workforce strategy. The group will work to bring the 400 needed teachers into the workforce while supporting current employees.
View the presentation slides
  • 988: Starting July 16, 988 will serve as the new number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. MARC staff have been supporting six community mental health centers in Missouri to develop a shared approach ahead of implementation. A committee of partners will present its findings and recommendations at 1 p.m. July 15.
Contact MARC for more information about the presentation.
  • Regional response to Amtrak derailment: The Board was briefed on the role that the regional Health Care Coalition, supported by MARC and its local partners, served in coordinating hospitals in the Kansas City region and beyond in accepting a portion of the medical emergencies resulting from the Amtrak derailment in central Missouri.

Please note the MARC Board of Directors will not meet in July. The Board will reconvene Tuesday, Aug. 23.

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on June 28, attendees heard reports on:

  • MARC remodeling project: Committee members advanced the MARC office renovation project by approving a contract with general contractor GPS-KC for $693,141. GPS-KC will remodel new space leased on the 4th floor, areas of the third floor and parts of the second floor. GPS-KC was selected from three contractors through an RFP issued on June 1. The renovation is the next step in MARC’s partnership with Odimo Architects to improve the efficiency and use of the office space.
     
  • Security grant: The committee positioned the region to enhance preparedness by authorizing an application for a $1.5 million Urban Area Security Initiative grant. The federal grant program began after Sept. 11 to help designated cities prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. Eligibility to apply for funds is determined each year and Kansas City was among 36 eligible locations. The region proposes using grant funding for intelligence sharing and analysis, cybersecurity, technical rescue capabilities and other needs.
     
  • 911 upgrade: Committee members strengthened regional 911 capabilities by approving a $180,000 agreement with Unite Private Networks to provide redundant fiber connections to public service answering points (PSAPs) in Independence, Lee’s Summit and Sugar Creek. This redundancy ensures there are two pathways into each PSAP for 911 calls—so if one method of connection fails, the other connection can deliver the 911 call.
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