December 2025

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

Unified Government elects first woman mayor in two decades — The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, has elected Christal Watson as its new mayor and CEO. She replaces Tyrone Garner and is the first woman to hold the position in 20 years. Learn more.

Raytown names new public works director — Joey Carley has been appointed as the new public works director for Raytown. Carley will oversee the city’s physical assets, maintain infrastructure and manage capital improvement projects. Read about the new appointee.

Lansing hires new public information officer — Lansing has hired Diana Dodd as its new public information officer. Dodd will lead communication efforts including updates on city events, meetings and digital outreach. Read about the hire.

Independence adopts new historic preservation guidelines — The Independence Heritage Commission and the city of Independence have adopted new Historic Preservation Design Guidelines aimed at protecting the city’s architectural character and cultural heritage. See the updated guidelines.

Overland Park launches free home design program — A new initiative called Portfolio Homes will provide residents with free access to pre-approved single-family home development plans for use on any legal lot in Overland Park. Learn more about the program.

Lee’s Summit celebrates largest infrastructure project — Lee’s Summit has completed its largest capital infrastructure project to date with the reconstruction of Colbern Road. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Oct. 20 to mark the milestone. Read about the infrastructure project.

Grandview reopens county tax payment services — Grandview has reintroduced county tax collections services at City Hall. Residents can access services Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn about the services.

Johnson County to offer free World Cup transit — Lenexa and Overland Park city councils have approved the use of tourism tax funds and a federal grant supported by MARC to provide free bus service during the World Cup. The service will run daily from March 1 to Nov. 30, 2026, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., connecting the airport with the Overland Park Convention Center and Lenexa City Center. Read about the service.

Kansas City, Missouri, to restrict right turns on red in school zones — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council has approved new traffic restrictions prohibiting right turns on red in school zones. The changes will take effect in May 2026 to improve pedestrian safety. Learn more about the restrictions.

Olathe launches railroad traffic study — Olathe has initiated a study to analyze traffic delays caused by train crossings, to examine the traffic patterns associated with prominent train delays in the city. The study aims to enhance infrastructure efficiency and pedestrian safety. View more information.

Lee’s Summit opens new airport hangar — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Nov. 13 to celebrate the opening of Hangar 2 at the Kansas City-Lee’s Summit Regional Airport, expanding aviation capacity in the region. Read about the new facility.

Riverside names new amphitheater — Riverside has partnered with Morton Salt to name its new performance venue the Morton Amphitheater. The announcement follows Morton Salt’s relocation of its headquarters to Overland Park, Kansas. See more about the new amphitheater.  

Johnson County launches housing program for foster youth — The Johnson County Housing Authority created the Foster Youth Independence program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program provides housing vouchers, case management and financial support for young people aging out of foster care. Read about the program.

Kansas City, Missouri, police to utilize AI-powered drones — The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department has received $500,000 from the City Council, matched by the Police Foundation of Kansas City, to fund a “drones as first responders” program. The initiative will use AI-enabled drones to enhance emergency response capabilities. Learn about the initiative.

Managers Roundtable to highlight year in review — The upcoming Managers Roundtable will focus on MARC departmental accomplishments from the past year through a series of “20x20” presentations. Each department will share its impact on the region in a fast-paced format featuring 20 slides shown for 20 seconds each. The event will be held on Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sign up to attend.

KCGovJobs.org relaunches to connect public sector talent — MARC has reintroduced the public sector jobs board for the Kansas City metro. Cities, counties, state agencies, and other public-serving agencies will all have listings across the region to help connect and build a stronger workforce. Learn more about the jobs board and visit the new website.

Updated stormwater standards open for public comment — Draft guidance for stormwater management in the Kansas City region is now available for public review and comment. The proposed updates align with the American Public Work Association’s sustainable stormwater recommendations. Review the updated standards.

Water Quality Education Committee grant applications open — MARC is accepting applications for Water Quality Education Committee grants. Funding is available to support educational activities, events, and projects led by nonprofits, schools and community groups that aim to improve local water quality. Read the criteria and apply.

Double Up Food Bucks expands healthy food access — The Double Up Food Bucks program allows SNAP recipients to double the value of their benefits when purchasing fruits and vegetables at more than 160 participating grocery stores and farmers markets across Kansas and Missouri. EBT cardholders can access the benefit at farmers market info booths or grocery store checkouts. See participating stores and information about the program.

MARC Executive Director David Warm to retire in 2026 — At the November meeting of the MARC Board of Directors, David Warm announced he will be retiring as executive director in 2026. Warm has led the organization for 35 years. He will continue serving in his role until a successor is named.

View more information.

Kansas governor goes on statewide listening tour — Gov. Laura Kelly has begun a statewide listening tour to engage with residents and discuss local concerns, including state budget and financial health. Learn more about the tour.

Missouri governor proposes eliminating state income tax — Gov. Mike Kehoe has announced plans to phase out Missouri’s income tax in the coming years. The proposal is expected to be introduced during the next legislative session, despite projections of a $1 billion budget shortfall by 2027. Read more about the goals of the administration.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor, Phase 2 Public Meeting — Don Bosco Senior Center Community Room, 580 Campbell Street, Kansas City, Missouri
  Dec. 9, 5–7 p.m. View more information.
• Managers Roundtable — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 10, 11:30 a.m. Register.
• MARC Board of Directors — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m. View more information.
• First Suburbs Coalition — Virtual
  Jan. 16, 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m.

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

• Grant Management Workshop — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  Dec. 2–3, 9 a.m. Register.