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March 2026 |
ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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KC Gov Jobs features internship opportunities — MARC’s KC Gov Jobs posts internship and seasonal work opportunities daily. Organizations with open positions are encouraged to submit listings through the website or contact Ashley Hand. Share the current listings with potential candidates.
New tool identifies Treasury Opportunity Zones — In July 2026, governors will nominate census tracts to the U.S. Department of Treasury to designate as Opportunity Zones under updated guidance passed as part of P.L. 119-21 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). MARC’s Data and Digital Services team has developed a tool to help users review and understand which tracts are eligible to meet the new criteria and compare them with existing Opportunity Zones designations. View the new criteria and the interactive map.
Preparing for extreme heat with the World Cup — MARC will host an event to support regional preparations for extreme heat that may occur during the World Cup. The effort aims to protect the health and safety of community members and visitors. See more and register. |
REGIONAL NEWS |
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Leawood names new finance director — Jeremy Willmoth has been appointed as Leawood’s finance director. He brings 25 years of public sector financial management experience to the organization. Learn about the hire.
K-State Olathe receives $5 million in federal funding — A three-bill appropriations package was signed into law to support equipment purchases for K-State Olathe’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub. The funding will support workforce development, research and challenges in high-growth sectors, and more. Learn about the funding.
Excelsior Springs city manager to retire; successor named — Excelsior Springs City Manager Molly McGovern will retire March 3 after 27 years with the city. The city council appointed Melinda Mehaffy, who has been with the city for nine years, as the next city manager. Read about McGovern's retirement and the new city manager.
Miami County may partner on new data center development — Miami County is considering a partnership on a proposed $1 billion data center project on 115 acres. The development is expected to create 60–90 full-time jobs. The project would be supported through a 50% property tax abatement for 10 years and Industrial Revenue Bonds. Learn about the potential data center.
Register for KU’s annual management conference — The 2026 Kansas City/County Manager conference will be held April 30–May 1 at the Oread Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas. This year’s theme, “Running on Empty? Recharge at KCCM.”, invites attendees to reenergize their commitment to public service through speakers, sessions and collaborative discussions. Register.
Kansas City advances affordable housing development —Demolition has begun on the Parade Park Homes housing co-op in the 18th and Vine District to make way for a $300 million development of apartments, townhomes and flats. The project will include about 490 affordable units 535 units priced for households earning 60–80% of the area median family income. Read about the development.
Olathe approves tax incentives for Chiefs relocation — The Olathe City Council unanimously approved local tax incentives to fund the Chiefs’ new training facility, headquarters, and nearby commercial development. The package includes a 1% general sales tax at the site, a share of county sales tax generated there, and 7% of the 9% transient guest tax on area hotels. View the incentives.
Excelsior Springs selected for Small Town Showcase — Excelsior Springs has been chosen to represent Clay and Ray counties in the 2026 Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase, which highlights the culture and stories of Missouri communities. Discover the featured communities.
Shawnee to increase guest tax for World Cup — Shawnee will raise its transient guest tax from 8% to 9% beginning April 1. The tax applies to hotels and short-term rentals. Learn about the increase.
Kansas City launching Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program — Kansas City, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is launching a Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program to expand access to affordable child care for first responders. Eligible participants include employees of city police, fire and aviation departments with children needing full-time care and a household income between 150% and 555% of the Federal Poverty Level. Learn about the program.
Johnson County releases World Cup Playbook — Johnson County, in partnership with its parks and recreation department, has released a World Cup playbook outlining community celebrations, legacy planning and event logistics. See the guide. |
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MARC NEWS |
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MARC Board of Directors elects new officers — The MARC Board of Directors has elected new officers at the Jan. 27 Board meeting, with Beto Lopez, mayor pro tem of Lee's Summit, Missouri, as chair. He replaces Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick, Johnson County, Kansas, who served as chair for the past two years. See the new board. |
STATE & NATIONAL NEWS |
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Missouri using federal funds to remove nuclear-contaminated homes — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have begun demolishing Missouri homes contaminated with radioactive waste dating back to World War II and the building of the nuclear bomb. Read about the risks and contamination.
Kansas responds to wildfires — Southern Kansas continues to battle wildfires and high winds, which have strained local resources and resulted in several firefighters’ injuries. Firefighters from eastern Kansas have been deployed to help. See more about the fires. |
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES |
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Visit our Grant Opportunity web page for current grant opportunities open to local governments. |
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