Updates and outcomes from MARC's August Board meetings

Board of Directors meeting

Safety and security grant application

In support of the region’s safety and security efforts, the Board approved MARC’s application and acceptance of a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant totaling $3,982,080. If awarded, the funding will enhance regional preparedness for terrorism through election security, emergency communications, cybersecurity and regional training.​

Lease for office space

With MARC’s office lease ending July 2026, the Board approved ongoing negotiations for a new lease at 801 Pennsylvania. Selected after extensive research for its secure parking, modern utilities and efficient layout, 801 Pennsylvania is two blocks from MARC's current location and offers operational advantages. If finalized, MARC would relocate in late spring or early summer 2026. 

Federal impact and footprint

​Federal jobs play a significant role in the Kansas City metro economy—with 29,300 employees, the federal government is the largest employer in the area. The Board heard a report about the impact of federal layoffs, which would have a broad effect on the regional economy, resulting in up to 7,300 job losses. Federal spending in the metro has an even bigger impact than federal jobs, with 2024 federal spending obligations in Kansas City totaling nearly $18 billion, ranging from transportation to education funding. 

Regional Housing Partnership update

In partnership with LISC Greater Kansas City, MARC coordinates the Regional Housing Partnership to improve affordable housing access. The partnership brings together people and groups to create and preserve a wider range of homes at various prices. With strategic goals in place, implementation teams are working on public policy, process improvement, workforce development and changing the housing narrative. Board members and local government staff are invited to learn more about the partnership at a Sept. 30 event. 

Regional 911 network upgrades

Staff shared updates related to the Kansas City Regional 911 System:

• MARC is working toward implementing a geospatial routing upgrade that will improve the 911 system. Currently, emergency calls made from cell phones are routed to 911 call centers based on the nearby cell phone towers. Geospatial routing will use callers’ location coordinates from their phones for more accurate routing, reducing the number of emergency calls transferred between jurisdictions.
• As part of preparations for next year’s World Cup tournament, MARC staff collected 140 emergency numbers used worldwide, noting only two work in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security will collaborate with cell phone carriers to route foreign emergency calls to 911. Additionally, MARC added a second translation line for 911 call centers to use during busy periods.

Transportation committee restructuring

MARC staff reviewed the current transportation committee structure to simplify and consolidate duplicative committees, reduce time commitments for member agencies and increase active participation. The proposed restructure reduces the number of programming and planning committees and adds four roundtables. Committee members will share input on the proposal in the coming weeks, with the MARC Board voting on the final structure in September or October.

Budget and Personnel Committee meeting

At the MARC Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on Aug. 26, attendees took the following actions:

MARC financial report

The committee heard a report on MARC’s financial performance in the first half of 2025. Agencywide revenues and other financial sources totaled $44.7 million, which is 37% of the budgeted fiscal year 2025 inflows. Expenditures totaled $43.6 million, which is also 37% of the budgeted 2025 outflows.