July 2025

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

Harrisonville swears in new police chief — Darla Harris was sworn in as Harrisonville’s new police chief. Harris, who previously served as the city’s lieutenant, brings nearly 28 years from the Kansas City Police Department. Learn more here.

Lenexa expands drone program for first responders — Lenexa is expanding its drone initiative through a partnership with Paladin Drones Inc., as part of its Capital Improvement Plan. The technology allows first responders to assess emergencies before arriving on the scene. View more information.

Regional transit expansion planned for World Cup — KC2026 is looking to build a regional transit network in preparation for the World Cup. Plans include adding more buses, aiming to cut wait times by half and support the area’s projected economic boost. Learn more here.

Raytown opens a new police department annex — Raytown city officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 3 for the new police department annex, funded by an ARPA grant. The facility is expected to strengthen community services. Learn more here.

Merriam approves mixed-use development — The Merriam city council approved a redevelopment plan June 16 for Grand Station Marketplace, a mixed-use project between Ikea Way and Antioch Road. It will feature restaurants, multi-family housing and shopping. Read more about the development.

Kansas City funds outdoor dining grants ahead of World Cup — Twelve local restaurants will receive more than $200,000 in grants to expand outdoor patio spaces as part of a World Cup economic initiative. This funding will support business potential, local businesses and boost revenue. Learn more about the initiative.

Johnson County to connect historic roads — The Johnson County Transportation Connection Plan will improve connections around Astra Enterprise Park to aid traffic flow to the new Panasonic plant opening July 14 in De Soto. An open house is scheduled for June 11 at the De Soto Community Center. Learn more here. 

MARC presents Regional Leadership Awards — Four recipients were honored June 13 at the Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards. Honorees include:

• Community Services League
• Dr. Kristin Feeback, CommCARE
• KCUR
• Kristin Riott, Bridging the Gap

For more information about the event, read the recap.

Next Managers Roundtable to focus on World Cup planning — The next Managers Roundtable will be Aug. 13 in the MARC Boardroom. The meeting will cover World Cup preparations, including policy considerations, transportation coordination, public safety and security strategies. Register here.

Cyber readiness workshop set for July 15 — City and county managers, administrators, risk managers and legal professionals across MARC’s nine-county region are invited to a 90-minute cyber readiness workshop on Tuesday, July 15, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The session will address resilience planning, leadership strategies and communication protocols to mitigate cyber risks. Participants will assess their organizations’ policies and response frameworks. Learn more and register.

Kansas launches Small Business Office — Kansas has launched the Kansas Small Business Office to help entrepreneurs access support from the state government. The office aims to bolster small business growth and development. Read more here.

Missouri enacts new fireworks regulations — A new Missouri law aligns state fireworks regulations with 2022 standards from the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory. The bill grants new oversight authority to the Missouri State Fire Marshal, outlines requirements for display notices, and places stricter limits on access to certain fireworks. Learn more here.

Cyber threat advisory issued by Missouri Department of Homeland Security — The Missouri Department of Homeland Security has issued a terrorism system bulletin citing a heightened risk of low-level cyberattacks on U.S. networks. Officials warned that increased conflict with Iran could lead to additional threats. Ensure your network is secure and safe for those within your organization. MARC will hold a cybersecurity training on July 15 to highlight the importance of these security measures. Register here.

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Visit our Grant Opportunity web page for current grant opportunities open to local governments.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Missouri STP Priorities Committee Meeting — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  July 8, 1:30 p.m.
• Total Transportation Policy Committee Meeting — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  July 15, 9:30 a.m.
• A Community Engagement Compass for Good Governance by KU Public Management Center — Online via Zoom
  July 23, 12 p.m.
• First Suburbs Coalition — Roeland Park Community Center-Skyline Room, 4850 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, Kansas, 66205
  July 18, 8 a.m.
  Managers Roundtable — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  Aug. 13, 11:30 a.m.

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

• Cyber Readiness Workshop for Senior Leaders — City of Independence Utility Center, 17221 E. 23rd Street, Independence, Missouri, 64057
  July 15, 9 a.m.
• Grant Management Workshop — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  July 28–29, 9 a.m.