Updates and outcomes from MARC's September Board meetings

We’re sharing selected highlights from the meetings for your awareness and use in regional conversations.

• KC Rising: Since its inception in 2015, KC Rising has worked to grow an inclusive economy. MARC has been a formative partner, along with the Greater Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Area Development Council and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. KC Rising Director Lia McIntosh spoke to Board members about recent successes, including:
  • The KC Rise Fund, which has invested over $100 million in local start-ups.
  • KC Global Design, supporting the growth of the region’s architecture, engineering and construction sectors.

KC Rising is also reorganizing to sharpen its agenda, including forming action teams focusing on supporting emerging sectors, aligning workforce systems, expanding attainable housing and advancing innovation through grant opportunities.

• 2024 state policy agenda: Each year, Board members adopt a state policy agenda that allows MARC to address specific legislation or proposed rules that might affect the Kansas City region. The draft 2024 policy agenda includes key priorities, such as investment in transportation systems, preserving local government authority, and expanding affordable child care, broadband infrastructure and attainable housing.

• Economic forecast: In his economic forecast, MARC Director of Research Frank Lenk told Board members he remained optimistic that there would not be a recession, but market growth will slow considerably. Unemployment rates will likely rise as fewer jobs become available in 2024. Frank also reported on the public sector workforce, where the median age of employees is considerably higher than in the private sector. Median wages remain similar, but there are discrepancies between how public and private organizations compensate managers and other higher-level positions.

• Public sector workforce: Board members heard about a recent $750,000 grant to promote high-demand careers in public service and create more opportunities for disadvantaged workers. The grant will support MARC’s efforts to expand a coalition of public sector hiring managers, identify performance measures and develop a business model to sustain the multi-year initiative. 

• Incident management training for executives and senior officials: MARC is partnering with FEMA to offer training for elected officials and senior management on incident command systems. The training will provide guidance on roles and responsibilities in a large-scale incident. The training will be at the Uptown Market in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 1-5 p.m. The event is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

• WAY TO GO: RideshareKC is now called WAY TO GO. The program recently underwent a rebranding and launched a new website and app to help the region’s commuters, visitors and businesses navigate the many transportation options in the Kansas City area.