June 2026

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

MARC is moving! — The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) will be moving to 801 Penn over the next few months. June 30 will be the last day for meetings at 600 Broadway. Most meetings will be held virtually or offsite from July through Aug. 14. We should be moved in by Aug. 17, 2026.

MARC furniture available — As part of the move, MARC office furniture will be available. Organizations in need may contact Amanda Graor or Carol Gonzales.

Kansas City Regional Employer Survey deadline extended — The Kansas City Regional Employer Survey will remain open through June 5. Results will help make sure workforce solutions are aligned with employer needs and shape regional strategy and investments. Take and share the survey.

ADA website accessibility compliance deadlines extended by a year — The Department of Justice has granted public organizations a one-year extension to meet web content accessibility guidelines. Archived web content, pre-existing electronic documents, third-party web content, individualized password-protected documents and pre-existing social media posts are exempt from WCAG 2.1 Level AA technical standards. View the updates.

EPA launches interactive permitting authority map — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an interactive map identifying regulatory agencies responsible for reviewing and approving permits across EPA programs and environmental statutes. Use the map or contact Environmental Programs Director Tom Jacobs for details.

Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference registration open — The University of Kansas Public Management Center is hosting the Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference at the Overland Park Convention Center on Aug. 21. This year’s event focuses on leadership development, value-driven decision-making and meaningful connection in the public sector. Register for the conference.  

Independence welcomes new city manager — Independence has selected Troy Anderson as city manager. Anderson began his role on April 13 and previously served as assistant city manager for Wichita. Read about the new city manager. 

Kansas City, Missouri, appoints chief communications and engagement officer — Andrew Kling has been appointed as Kansas City’s first communications and engagement officer. The role will help support public engagement and community storytelling. Kling previously served as community outreach and media relations director for Unbound, an organization that helps reduce extreme poverty internationally. Learn about the appointment.

Grandview announces new police chief — Capt. Richard Rodgers became Grandview’s police chief on May 23. Rodgers joined the department in 1999 and has served in a variety of roles, including SWAT operator and commander. He also conducted assignments with the honor guard, field training program and special operations and communications. Learn about the new chief.  

Kansas City, Missouri, adopts new Community Health Plan — The 2026–2029 Kansas City Community Health Improvement Plan aims to identify regional health disparities and guide action through data, prevention, policy and community partnerships. Learn about the improvement plan.

Leawood converting former City Hall into community space — The former City Hall and Fire Station No. 1 at 96th and Lee will be renovated into a community space with meeting rooms, outdoor features and an ornamental garden. A governing body meeting is scheduled for June 15 to discuss next steps. Read about the project.

Kansas City opens riverfront streetcar extension — Kansas City has opened the KC Streetcar Riverfront extension, rounding out service from the Berkeley Riverfront to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The project includes a new pedestrian bridge to improve walkability and accessibility between the River Market and Berkley Riverfront. Learn about the extension.

Kansas City, Kansas, becomes sister cities with Concepción, Argentina — Ahead of the FIFA World Cup USA 2026™, Kansas City, Kansas, has established a sister city relationship with Concepción, Argentina. The partnership aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two cities. Read about the partnership.

Clay County recognized for excellence in financial reporting — The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded Clay County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The award highlights the county’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Learn about the award.

Johnson County Museum receives 2026 Museum Impact Award — The American Alliance of Museums has honored the Johnson County Museum for its community impact. The recognized program includes REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation. Read about the award.

Gladstone to open new event venue in July 2026 — AJ Barn, owned by and located in Gladstone, Missouri, is opening in July 2026 as an event venue for weddings, parties, meetings and educational events. Learn about the venue.

Lenexa expands use of public safety app ahead of World Cup — Lenexa public safety officials are using the What3Words app to help emergency personnel locate individuals in parks, trails and other areas without clear street addresses. Learn about the app. 

New MARC open data portal — MARC has launched a new data portal designed to help users navigate regional data and maps by category or subject. The platform allows for exploration of datasets, interactive maps, dashboards and stories across the Kansas City region. Explore the new resource.

HOME PLUS ONE ADU competition — MARC, in partnership with the R.L. Mace Universal Design Institute, announces HOME PLUS ONE, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition for professionals and students that incorporates principles of universal design. The competition invites architects, builders and students to submit innovative ADU designs that support accessibility and aging in place. Learn about the competition.

Missouri announces $15 billion Google data center — Google will begin development of a $15 billion data center in Montgomery County, Missouri. The project is expected to generate nine more jobs in the community for every direct job at the center. Read about the data center.

Kansas offers new incentives to attorneys in rural areas — Kansas is launching incentives to encourage a new generation of lawyers to practice in rural communities. Law students may receive $3,000 stipends for committing to a rural practice, and licensed attorneys may earn $20,000 per year for up to five years serving in rural areas. View the incentives.

Missouri and Kansas pass 23-hour liquor sales laws — Legislatures in both Missouri and Kansas have approved laws allowing restaurants and bars to sell alcohol from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m., a change expected to boost revenue during FIFA World Cup USA 2026™. Kansas cities must opt in to participate, while Missouri cities must opt out to be exempt. Read about the laws. 

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

Missouri Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) applications due July 31 — The FY26 CDBG competitive cycle application is open until July 31. Funding supports demolition, improvement and construction of qualifying structures. View information about the grant. 

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