Mid-America Regional Council

We want your input on electric vehicles (EV) to develop the Kansas City Regional EV Readiness Plan! Please take a moment to take a survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kcregionalevreadiness

This will help us, and our partners make the region EV ready from expansion of the EV charging network to reinforcing EV use as a mode of clean transportation and more. Survey is available now through Aug. 31.

How are you celebrating ?
Inspired by the local area code, the day celebrates all things .

We poured our hearts into showing some to public servants in the region for Day.
We visited all nine counties and more than two dozen cities!
And the heartwarming part...our route made a heart in the .
Plus, we stopped by some Parade of Hearts along the way...just in time.
Heart removal will start Aug. 18 and the online auction ends Aug. 23 with proceeds supporting local nonprofits and artists.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited with us and joined in a !
Engaging Local Government Leaders
City of Leavenworth, Kansas Government
City of Tonganoxie, KS Government
City of De Soto Government
City of Olathe, KS Government
City of Cleveland Missouri
City of Lake Winnebago Government
City of Lake Lotawana
Oak Grove Missouri
The Overlook at Crystal Lakes
Wood Heights, Missouri
Gladstone City Hall
City of Kearney, MO
City of Belton, MO, Government
City of Harrisonville, MO
City of Liberty, Mo. Government
Pleasant Valley Fire Department
City of Blue Springs, Missouri - Municipal Government
Jackson County - Missouri
City of Lenexa, Kansas Government
City of Prairie Village Government
City of Weston, MO
Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City KS
Miami County Government, Ks
Johnson County, KS Government
Kansas City
Smithville, Missouri
City of Lee's Summit Government
City of Overland Park, Kansas Government
City of Independence, MO, Government

U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II joined local officials today to kick off the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor project. The 24-mile corridor connects four cities in two states and two counties with the goal of implementing plans for a zero-emission regional transit route to support cleaner air.

“I can tell you, as a legislator, it’s much easier to fund projects if people are working together," said Cleaver. “With a concentration on sustainability, public transportation and economic development, this $5.6 million RAISE grant has an opportunity to be a shining example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can create a sustainable, equitable future for an entire region.”

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City KS's Mayor Tyrone Garner stressed that collaboration and relationships are key to success. “We are a unified Kansas City,” said Garner. "Having these programs and projects that connect people and commerce – we are happy. This is going to be something of great value.”

MARC is coordinating the long-term multi-jurisdictional strategy to support infrastructure, transportation and economic development along this corridor. Multiple organizations and government entities are coming together to thoughtfully develop a specific area in several phases.

After losing jobs in the last half of 2023, the Kansas City area economy reversed course in 2024 in dramatic fashion, adding 20,600 jobs in six months.
This added more jobs in six months – 20,600 – than it normally adds in a full year.
Check out the latest KC Workforce Indicators.

Kansas City economy bounces back | MARC Second quarter 2024 job growth ranks the region second among peers

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. -Winston S. Churchill

Happy National Farmers Market Week!

We're thankful for the dozens of farmers markets participating in Double Up Food Bucks Heartland, including The City Market - Kansas City, Junction City Farmers Market, Lawrence Farmers Market, Lenexa Farmers Mkt and Independence Uptown Market...to name just a few.

With Double Up Food Bucks, SNAP users can double their SNAP dollars on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating locations.

Where is your favorite farmers market?

Have you picked up a copy of the Greater Kansas City Regional Trails & Bikeways Map...or spent time browsing the map online?
We want your input! 🚴
Please take a short survey and tell us what you think:
👉https://ow.ly/BUqU50SNHAE

"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." -Oprah Winfrey

If you are age 50+, living with a disability, or an unpaid caregiver, please take the 2024 Needs Assessment Survey before it closes: polco.us/missouri24
The survey is only open for a few more days, so don’t wait!
Feedback from this effort will inform the statewide Master Plan on Aging.
Share your voice to help shape Missouri’s future!

Earlier this year, we organized a steering committee of early learning educators, providers, business and civic leaders, and other advocates as part of an effort called Connecting the P.I.E.C.E.S. (Plans to Improve the Early Childhood Education System) KC.

Our first event on July 13 was great! Thank you to everyone who attended the Forum on Early Learning and to those who have joined workgroups as we continue important discussions on ways to improve early learning in the Kansas City region.

We especially want to thank our partners who helped make the forum possible: Kansas Action for Children, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Kids Win Missouri, and Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.

Michelle Kang, chief executive officer for the The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), was our guest speaker. Thank you, Michelle, for spending a Saturday with us in Kansas City.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Ji3h50SMKst

Don’t wait! Take the 2024 Needs Assessment today.
We need input from Missourians who are age 50+, living with a disability, or providing unpaid care for another adult.
Share your feedback now: polco.us/missouri24
You can also call 855-773-0665 for phone, in-person or paper survey options.
Please share this post with your neighbors, family, and friends in Missouri.
Thank you for making our state a better place to live and age!

Mental health experts from Kansas and Missouri are encouraging localleaders to promote the and advocate to expand resources for mobile crisis response. Representatives from CommCare ReDiscover Wyandot Behavioral Health Network and Johnson County Mental Health Center participated in the discussion at this month's First Suburbs Coalition meeting in Raytown. Panelists highlighted the important role elected leaders play in promoting mental health services within their communities.
They also explained how trained clinicians answer 988 calls and refer callers to community behavioral health centers for mobile crisis response or follow-up services if needed.

"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." Michael Phelps, the Most-decorated Olympian Of All Time.

Thank you to the panel of local media professionals who shared their insights at today's Regional Association of Public Information Officers meeting!
We enjoyed the visit, Kansas City Call's Jason Joseph, KSHB 41's Charlie Keegan KSHB, Telemundo Kansas City's Ely Martinez, Beacon KC's Josh Merchant and KMBC 9's Victor Monet!

Congratulations to Volunteer Long-term Care Ombudsman Jane Henderson!

She was honored for outstanding community service with a resolution from Missouri State Rep. Patty Lewis last week.
Missouri Community Service Commission Executive Director Brittany Stiffler-Crabtree and Commission Chair Jennifer Ingraham presented the resolution to her. Our ombudsman program staff celebrated with her.

In April, Jane earned the Show Me Service Award for the Kansas City Region in the 50 and over category.
We’re thankful for her dedicated service advocating for better care, quality of life and protection of people in long-term care facilities.

Learn more about how you can make a difference by being the voice to speak for those who can't. Get the details on our Ombudsman program at this link: https://ow.ly/yhHk50SHKCC

Ready to write award-winning grants? Take our Grant Writing workshop on Sept 5-6 to learn everything you need to know from start to finish when it comes to grant proposals! Register today: https://bit.ly/GTI24-GrantWrite

Housing Data!
Housing production in the Kansas City region continues to lag peer metros.
For 15 years, the region has been underbuilding. Our research shows this produced an actual housing gap of 12,000 to 24,000 units.
The lack of supply pushes housing prices and rents higher.
Take a closer look:
https://ow.ly/HahB50SHzsQ

As schools prepare to head back into session, metro health departments emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect children in Kansas and Missouri classrooms this year.
Free or low-cost vaccines are now available, and parents are encouraged to make appointments or visit a walk-in clinic now to avoid the long wait times that typically occur every August.
Learn more and see a list of vaccination clinics in our area: https://marc.org/news/health/kansas-and-missouri-childhood-vaccination-rates-lag-behind-us
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
Miami County Health Department
Wyandotte County Public Health Department
Cass County Health Department
Clay County Public Health Center - Missouri
Jackson County Public Health - MO
City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department
Platte County (MO) Health Department

Kansas and Missouri childhood vaccination rates lag behind the U.S. | MARC Metro health departments are urging parents to get an early start on back-to-school vaccinations.

Are you living with a disability, age 50+, or providing unpaid care for another adult?
Make your voice heard by taking the 2024 Needs Assessment Survey: polco.us/missouri24

The survey closes soon, so share your feedback today. Your input will help the State create a comprehensive Master Plan on Aging that serves all Missouri residents. Help spread the word to your neighbors, family, and friends!

Can’t complete it online? Call 855-773-0665 for phone, in-person or print options.
Thank you for helping our state move forward!

What do yo think?
It’s been almost three months since the 2024 Regional Trails & Bikeways Map hit the streets!
We want to know how you use it and what you think of it.
Has the map helped you find new trails to explore, and new routes to bike your way through the region?
Is it everything you ever wanted, or can we do more?
Let us know by taking a short survey: https://ow.ly/7Ffa50SHyXZ

Just a reminder: There is no Board of Directors meeting today. We look forward to seeing you at the next Board meeting on Aug. 27. If you’d like to see a summary of the most recent meeting, view this news article:

Updates and outcomes from MARC's June Board meetings | MARC Thanks to everyone who joined the MARC Board of Directors and Budget and Personnel Committee meetings on June 25.

Help shape Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging!
Take the State of Missouri 2024 Needs Assessment Survey today if you have a disability, are age 50+, or are an unpaid caregiver of another adult.
If you do not identify with any of the above, please share this link with family, friends, or neighbors who do!
Access the survey online at polco.us/missouri24 or call 855-773-0665 for phone, in-person and printed options.
Thank you for your time and participation in this important community matter!
We appreciate your time and feedback!

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth

Have you been drinking enough water💧?

Try these tips for drinking more water:
✅ Carry a water bottle
✅ Serve water during meals
✅ Choose water over sugary drinks