Updates and outcomes from MARC's June Board meetings

Jul 19, 2024
| Posted in
News
Dana Knapp from ArtsKC speaks to the MARC Board of Directors in June 2024.

Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on June 25. 

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 power of art

Members of the Board heard from Dana Knapp, president and CEO of ArtsKC, about a recent report that documents the significant economic and social impact of the arts and culture sector in the Kansas City region. She highlighted that the arts support nearly 9,000 jobs in the metro, and the total economic impact of the sector is estimated at $11 billion in Missouri and $4 billion in Kansas. 

View slides

Public transportation survey results

As part of the update to Connected KC 2050, the region’s long-range transportation plan, MARC contracted with a research company to hear residents’ opinions on transportation priorities. The survey results show that nearly all respondents support a healthy environment, road and bridge maintenance, and increasing safety on all types of transportation in the region. The results also reflect broad public support for investments in public transit across the region.

View the survey findings View slides

Peer regions transit report

MARC periodically compares transit funding in the Kansas City region to peer cities in an effort to aid in ongoing regional transit investment discussions. The updated Peer Regions Transit Report compares funding, ridership, service area and density. The analysis found the region spent $46.53 in state and local funds per capita in 2022, ranking 12th out of 15 peer regions. This is a 28% decrease in per capita funding since 2016.  

View the report. View slides

RecycleSpot.org

Board members learned about the helpful information housed on RecycleSpot.org, which is MARC’s most-visited website. On the site, users can search over 1,800 locations that accept various items for recycling. MARC Solid Waste Management District staff also highlighted the new Recycle Plastics Better flyer.

View slides

2023 comprehensive financial report

Following approval by the Budget and Personnel Committee, Board members voted to accept MARC’s 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Mid-America Regional Council Solid Waste Management District 2023 Financial Report. The audits were completed in partnership with RubinBrown and had no findings.

Budget and Personnel Committee

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on June 25, attendees took the following actions:

  • Services for children — The committee authorized $447,200 to continue important services for MARC Head Start and Early Head Start students, including mental health support, early intervention for children with special needs and translation services. The services reach 846 children across 13 MARC Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 
     
  • Give5 volunteer matching — Committee members approved an extension of MARC’s Give5 volunteer matching program, which connects older adults to meaningful volunteer opportunities. The program launched in 2023 and will offer three sessions in 2025. 
     
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