Westwood hires new city administrator — Katherine Carttar has been selected as the new administrator. In her most recent role, she served as the executive director of the Urban Land Institute Kansas City and has a wide variety of experience in local governments around the region. Learn about the transition. 

Kansas City hires new deputy director of finance — Brenton Siverly has been selected to be the new deputy director of finance for Kansas City, Missouri. Previously he was the director of finance for the School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Learn more about the new hire.  

Recent elections bring new local officials — The recent Missouri general municipal election has brought new leaders from across the region. See who has been elected. 

Kansas City announces new Royals Stadium near downtown — The development will be in the Crown Center shopping area, transforming the space into a baseball hub. The stadium will be built at the original Hallmark headquarters and includes a variety of mixed-use developments. Read about the plans. 

Prairie Village celebrates 75 years — Prairie Village will hold a variety of celebrations to recognize the city’s establishment. There will be a parade on May 2, along with a mix of community events. View the events. 

Independence approves contracting with fire union — The Professional Firefighters of Independence will have a three-year contract with the city, allowing them to boost the starting pay for firefighters by nearly 10%. Read about the changes. 

Johnson County considers new sales tax for expanding park systems — The Playbook OP initiative aims to support the continued growth of the county's parks. This proposal would establish a new tax specifically for these projects, separate from the existing tax the city currently uses for parks and recreation developments. Learn about the sales tax. 

Kansas City launches pre-approved plans program — In an effort to expand affordable housing, Kansas City, Missouri, has approved seven pre-approved home designs available to residents at no cost. This initiative aims to increase our housing supply, promotes safe and accessible housing and allows for sustainable, affordable housing. Read about the plans. 

Overland Park updates farmers market — The downtown Overland Park Farmers Market will open in June featuring a $34 million indoor pavilion, solar panels and screens for World Cup watch parties this summer. Read about the market. 

KC Streetcar extension opens May 18 — The Kansas City Streetcar extension to the Berkley Riverfront park opens on May 18. The route will provide access to CPKC Stadium and extend the 6.5-mile transit corridor connecting the riverfront to downtown Kansas City. Read about the extension. 

Merriam considers grant expansion for a sustainability program — Merriam is considering expansion of its sustainability grant program to further promote biodiversity. If approved, the current “Contain the Rain” program will expand to cover costs for pollinator-friendly landscaping and bee habitats. Learn about the grant program. 

Over 200 public safety personnel practice emergency responses — At the WWI Museum and Memorial, local security partners and responders prepared for worst-case scenarios prior to the FIFA Fan Festival beginning on June 12. See more about the practice.  

MARC's Public Safety Communications Program hosts annual Telecommunicators Appreciation Celebration — The 27th Annual Telecommunicators Appreciation and Outstanding Performance Awards honored those helping keep the region safe. View the honorees. 

Find your trail for National Bike Month — Throughout the month of May, MARC will be spotlighting the region's vast network of paths for National Bike Month through its Regional Trails and Bikeways Map. Bike month will include community events and encourage WAY TO GO participation and organization of local school bike buses. Find more information. 

Safety and Mobility Showcase advances regional goals — On April 16, MARC brought local leaders and transportation stakeholders together to review resources that can be utilized to help advance the safety and mobility goals of the region. This includes the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, the Greater Kansas City Regional Bikeway Plan, the WAY TO GO commuter program and MARC’s e-mobility resources. Learn more. 

New review of e-mobility devices in the Kansas City metro — MARC has prepared a new resource for e-mobility regulations in the Kansas City region. It reviews codes, infrastructure principles and educational efforts to support your city with e-mobility regulation. Read more. 

Missouri approves new congressional maps — The Missouri Supreme Court has approved the state's new congressional maps. The redistricting divides the Kansas City and St. Louis regions, a move intended to provide fair representation for Missouri residents. Read about the changes. 

Kansas signs bill forming sports authority — Gov. Laura Kelly approved a bill that would form a sports authority that would oversee the stadium project for the Kansas City Chiefs. This would consist of an 11-member board that will assist with construction and operation of the development. Learn more here.  

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

FY2025 State and Local Cyber Security Program — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has notified MARC of a cyber security grant funding opportunity. This grant will support Missouri state and local governments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically assisting with reducing systemic cyber risk, improving preparedness and responding to cyber threats. Read about this opportunity. 

Call for Planning Sustainable Places studies is open — MARC is accepting applications until June 22 at 4 p.m. for transportation-focused planning and projects that will advance detailed local activity center studies, advance small area plans and support localized public engagement. Learn about the call.