October 2025

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

Shawnee seeks input for downtown wayfinding plan — Shawnee city officials have launched the planning phase for a downtown wayfinding plan aimed at improving walkability and navigation for drivers. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback to help the area become more welcoming. Learn more.

Kansas City fire chief announces retirement — Fire Chief Ross Grundyson announced he will retire in January 2026 from the Kansas City Fire Department. He will assist City Manager Mario Vasquez in selecting his successor. Read about the transition.

Leawood receives grant for electric vehicle chargers — The Metropolitan Energy Center has selected Leawood to receive funding through its Electrifying Transportation in Local Government grant. The funds will support new electric vehicle charging stations aimed at reducing emissions and expanding infrastructure. Learn about the chargers.

Jackson County honors public service employees — Jackson County held their inaugural Public Service Appreciation Awards, recognizing employees for outstanding work over the past year. Presenters included County Executive Frank White Jr., Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Legislator Jalen Anderson and Chief Administrative Officer Sylvya Stevenson. Read about the awards.

Johnson County libraries undergoing renovations — The DeSoto and Spring Hill library branches have temporarily closed for renovations, their first in more than 40 years. The Corinth Library is undergoing a full replacement as part of the county’s Comprehensive Library Master Plan. Learn more about the projects.

Raytown expands animal services with new facility — The city has purchased the former Midwest Animal ResQ building to expand its animal services. The facility will house stray dogs, cats and animals under veterinary care until adoption. Learn more about the new offerings.

Wyandotte County invests in illegal dumping prevention — In response to rising illegal dumping, Wyandotte County has allocated funds for surveillance equipment and a pilot program to address dumping hotspots. The initiative is part of the county’s latest budget. Learn more about the initiative.

Independence begins search for new city manager — Following City Manager Zach Walker’s departure for a new role in Bloomington, Minn., Independence has begun its search for a replacement. Deputy City Manager Lisa Reynolds will serve as interim city manager during the transition. Learn more about the changes.

Overland Park receives federal funding for road safety — Federal funding has been approved for Overland Park’s traffic calming and safety plan. The project aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents throughout the city. Learn more about the plan.

Kansas City waives permit fees for outdoor dining — City officials have approved a three-year pause on permit fees for street cafes, sidewalk cafes and mini parks for restaurants. The move is intended to support small businesses and boost economic activity ahead of the World Cup. The fee suspension will save restaurants $850 annually while also promoting sales. Learn more here.

MARC welcomes new regional housing program manager — Hannah Mitchell has joined MARC as manager of its regional housing program. Mitchell previously served as the data and analytics manager at the Missouri Housing Development Commission and held roles at Rose Brooks Center and Love Columbia. She plans to take a community- and data-driven approach to address housing challenges across the Kansas City region.

Join the Community for All Ages Lead Local webinar — MARC and Community for All Ages are hosting the Lead Local: Pathways for Investing in Resident Leadership webinar on Oct. 2. The session will explore strategies for investing in resident leadership and how these efforts can improve social connection with residents of all ages. Register here.

Regional Bikeway Plan update — MARC is updating its Regional Bikeway Plan to include network recommendations, analysis tools for local agencies, and prioritization and performance measures to convert daily trips from motor vehicles to bicycling options. Two stakeholder workshops are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 to identify barriers and opportunities. A series of conversational bike rides for government stakeholders will be held Oct. 2, 9, 14 and Nov. 6. BikeWalkKC will provide electric bikes, helmets and high-visibility vests for a limited number of participants. Learn about the rides. Sign up for the workshops on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22.

Join the MARC Walktober Challenge — MARC invites residents in the region to walk all October long for the Walktober Challenge. Walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Log walks on the WAY TO GO app or share a photo and/or video on social media with #KCWalks to enter. Participants will have a chance to win a gift card from Urban Hikes KC. View more details.

WAY TO GO Green Commute Challenge returns for 17th year — Throughout October, log environmentally friendly work-related trips in the WAY TO GO app to earn points and enter raffles for prizes from local businesses and creators for the WAY TO GO Green Commute Challenge. Top individuals and team awards will be awarded grand prizes at the end of the challenge. Learn more here.

Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor conducts walk audits — The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor project team invites residents, workers and visitors to take part in a series of public walking audits throughout October. These events offer a hands-on opportunity to explore how people move through the corridor today — and to help shape how it evolves tomorrow. Five walking audits are scheduled to ensure broad community representation across the corridor, which spans from Kansas City, Kansas, to Independence, Missouri. View more information.

Missouri Governor signs new congressional mapping into law — Mike Kehoe has signed the “Missouri First” House Bill 1 into law. This redistricting revises several Kansas City metro counties to have more rural representation in election outcomes. Read more here.

Kansas scientists use AI to support the environment — Scientists at Kansas State University are using artificial intelligence to map invasive vegetation across regional prairies. The project aims to identify evergreen species threatening native grasslands and support long-term conservation efforts. Learn more about the project.

Do you want something featured in Management Matters?
Management Matters is always seeking submissions that feature your city
or celebrate regional government accomplishments.
If you have something you wish to share with the region, submit it here!

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

• 2025 Heartland Certified Public Manager Annual Conference — Kansas Memorial Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, Kansas
  Oct. 14–15 Register.
• First Suburbs Coalition — North Kansas City Parks and Recreation Center, Ryan Hall, 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, Missouri
  Oct. 17, 8:30–11 a.m. Register.
• Managers Roundtable — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri  Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Register.
• MARC Board of Directors Meeting — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. View more information.
  Regional Bikeway Plan Infrastructure Rides — Varying locations.
  Oct. 2, 9, 14 and Nov. 6. View more information.
  Kansas City Economic Outlook Conference — Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
  Nov. 6, 7:30–11:30 a.m. Register.

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

• Lead Local: Pathways for Investing in Resident Leadership — Virtual
  Oct. 2, 10–11:30 a.m. Register.
• Regional Bikeway Plan Update Stakeholder Workshop — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
  Oct. 15, 2–4 p.m. Register.
  Oct. 22, 1–3 p.m. Register.
• Grant Management Workshop — MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri
  Dec. 2–3, 9 a.m. Register.