Updates and outcomes from MARC's September Board meetings

Community engagement

MARC has developed comprehensive organization-wide guidance for community engagement with capacity-building funding from the Health Forward Foundation. This effort utilized staff focus groups, trainings and workshops and resulted in a staff community of practice, online toolkit and community engagement protocol. MARC is assessing how to sustain these resources and practices to strengthen engagement with external stakeholders. 

Public Participation Plan

MARC is updating its regional transportation Public Participation Plan to strengthen and guide public involvement in transportation planning. Drawing on internal and external engagement, peer research and related agency-wide community engagement work, staff developed updated guidance for social media, committee engagement, consultant support and annual engagement workplans. This update will help MARC deliver more consistent, effective and accessible engagement and is scheduled for committee review and public comment before a Board vote in December.

Solid waste management 

For 30 years, MARC has operated the region’s Solid Waste Management District, supporting local reuse, recycling and household hazardous materials programs while managing and distributing grants to service providers. In response to Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) changes that would withhold funds, alter payment schedules and shift grant administration to the state, MARC obtained a legal assessment finding that the changes conflict with state law and shared it with MDNR and Gov. Mike Kehoe. MARC is urging the state to release required funding and work with solid waste districts on practical, lawful improvements that protect local governments’ ability to provide essential solid waste services.
 

FEMA floodplain map updates

MARC is tracking proposed changes to FEMA floodplain maps across the nine-county region and integrating the new mapping layers into its data hub to help communities understand evolving flood risks. Revisions to 100-year and 500-year floodplains could affect local businesses and residences by changing building requirements, insurance obligations and insurability. MARC is encouraging community leaders to review proposed updates, submit comments during FEMA’s public review and appeal process, and prepare residents and property owners for potential impacts.

Budget and Personnel Committee meeting

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on Sept. 22, attendees took the following actions:

Aging services funds

MARC will administer a $1.1 million Senior Services Growth and Development Program grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to help sustain senior center programs, facilities and services across its Missouri planning and service area. Half of the funding will support senior center development, while the remainder will be used to provide services and programs for older adults in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties. Amid a 20% statewide funding reduction for state fiscal year 2026, the committee approved the expenditure, which will enable MARC to continue providing resources and support for older adults in the region.
 

Regional public safety

Committee members authorized an agreement allowing MARC to reimburse the Olathe Fire Department up to $60,000 in Kansas State Homeland Security Grant Program funds for a part-time fire analyst who will serve the entire region through the Kansas City Regional Fusion Center. This position strengthens information sharing, analysis and coordination among public safety, emergency response, healthcare and private-sector partners across the nine-county region through June 2027.