Updates and outcomes from MARC's September Board meetings

Oct 04, 2022
| Posted in
News
Water splashes around the Children's Fountain in North Kansas City.

Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on Sept. 27. 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:

  • Local impact of the Inflation Reduction Act: MARC staff provided a high-level overview of the Inflation Reduction Act, a wide-ranging new law with provisions addressing climate and energy, tax policy and health care. Board members shared comments around the importance of increasing awareness of upcoming federal funding opportunities and possible coordination in seeking funds.
View the presentation.
  • 2023 state policy agenda: Each year, Board members adopt a state policy agenda that allows MARC the ability to address specific legislation or proposed rules that might affect the Kansas City region. The draft 2023 policy agenda is aligned with MARC’s focus areas and includes dozens of key priorities, such as maintaining transportation funding programs to address regional needs and increasing support for apprenticeships and other workforce readiness efforts. 
View the presentation.
  • Regional COVID-19 After-Action Report: Building on an interim report completed in 2021, MARC staff shared a final COVID-19 After-Action Report, which identified strengths, areas for improvement, best practices and lessons learned from the regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
View the presentation.
  • Regional Transportation Safety Plan: Board members advanced regional efforts to reduce traffic deaths by approving the 2022-2027 Regional Transportation Safety Plan. The plan promotes proven strategies to reach a goal of zero roadway deaths by 2050 through layers of protection for road users, including safe speeds and post-crash care.
View the presentation.
  • Stormwater standards: The region will begin updating stormwater standards through a partnership with 22 local governments and the American Public Works Association (APWA) following the Board’s approval. Members authorized approximately $740,000 in funds from local governments and $50,000 from APWA for the project. The updated standards will take into account changes in technology and climate resilience since the last major stormwater standards update in 2005.

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on Sept. 27, attendees heard reports on:

  • Planning Sustainable Places grants: The committee approved $1.2 million in funding for 15 local Planning Sustainable Places projects across the region — six in Kansas and nine in Missouri. The projects include plans for complete streets, corridors and enhanced connectivity. 
     
View the presentation.

  • Veteran Directed Care program: Veterans in the Kansas City region will continue to have more health care options after Board members approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Directed Care program. MARC manages referrals made from the Kansas City VA Medical Center of veterans who opt to receive care in the community rather than in a skilled nursing facility. There are 70 veterans currently enrolled.
     
  • Mobility enhancements: Board members approved $1.6 million in projects across the region to enhance transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. MARC manages the competitive process for federal funding that targets specific users and their mobility needs. The selected projects include purchases of wheelchair-accessible vehicles by community organizations.
     
  • Head Start site upgrades: Children enrolled in two MARC Head Start program sites will receive upgraded technology and outdoor play equipment. The committee authorized $86,000 for technology upgrades in the classrooms at Operation Breakthrough, including replacement of laptops and iPads. Raytown School District’s Three Trails center will receive an outdoor classroom/playground at a cost of $58,000.
     

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