Mid-America Regional Council

Mid-America Regional Council is a non-profit organization that serves the Kansas City metropolitan area, which includes Jackson County, Missouri, Clay County, Missouri, Platte County, Missouri, and Cass County, Missouri in Missouri, as well as Johnson County, Kansas, Leavenworth County, Kansas, Miami County, Kansas, and Wyandotte County, Kansas in Kansas. The organization works closely with Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and United States Environmental Protection Agency to address regional issues. Mid-America Regional Council collaborates with local governments, such as Kansas City, Missouri, Overland Park, Kansas, and Olathe, Kansas, to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for residents. The organization also partners with University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University to conduct research and analysis on regional issues.

● Introduction

The Mid-America Regional Council plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges, such as transportation planning, economic development, and environmental protection. The organization works with Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and United States Department of Agriculture to respond to natural disasters and promote sustainable development. Mid-America Regional Council also collaborates with American Planning Association, National Association of Counties, and National League of Cities to share best practices and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. The organization's work is guided by its strategic plan, which is developed in consultation with stakeholders from across the region, including Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Kansas City.

● History

The Mid-America Regional Council was established in 1972 as a result of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973, which encouraged the creation of metropolitan planning organizations to coordinate transportation planning at the regional level. The organization's early work focused on transportation planning, including the development of the Kansas City Area Transportation Study, which was conducted in partnership with Missouri Department of Transportation, Kansas Department of Transportation, and Federal Highway Administration. Over time, the organization's scope has expanded to include economic development, environmental protection, and social services, with partnerships with United States Department of Labor, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of Education. Today, the Mid-America Regional Council is recognized as a leader in regional planning and collaboration, with awards from National Association of Regional Councils, American Planning Association, and International City/County Management Association.

● Organization

The Mid-America Regional Council is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations, such as Hall Family Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, and Sprint Corporation. The organization is led by an executive director, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization and working with staff to implement the organization's strategic plan. The Mid-America Regional Council also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as transportation planning, economic development, and environmental protection, with participation from experts from University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Kansas State University. These committees and task forces provide a forum for stakeholders to come together and address regional challenges, with support from United States Department of Transportation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The Mid-America Regional Council offers a range of programs and initiatives that address regional challenges and promote economic development, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs, Community Development Block Grant programs, and Environmental Protection Agency initiatives. The organization also provides technical assistance and training to local governments and non-profit organizations, with support from National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and International City/County Management Association. For example, the Mid-America Regional Council has worked with Kansas City, Missouri, Overland Park, Kansas, and Olathe, Kansas to develop sustainable development plans and implement green infrastructure projects, with funding from United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and United States Environmental Protection Agency. The organization has also partnered with University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University to conduct research and analysis on regional issues, such as transportation planning and economic development.

● Regional_Planning

The Mid-America Regional Council plays a critical role in regional planning efforts, working with local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement regional plans and strategies. The organization's regional planning efforts focus on a range of issues, including transportation planning, economic development, and environmental protection, with participation from experts from Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and United States Environmental Protection Agency. For example, the Mid-America Regional Council has worked with Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Johnson County Transit, and RideKC to develop a regional transportation plan that includes public transportation, bicycling, and walking options, with funding from United States Department of Transportation. The organization has also partnered with United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and United States Department of Agriculture to develop sustainable development plans and implement green infrastructure projects.

● Membership_and_Governance

The Mid-America Regional Council has a diverse membership that includes local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations from across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The organization's governance structure includes a board of directors that is responsible for setting the organization's strategic direction and overseeing its operations, with support from National Association of Regional Councils, American Planning Association, and International City/County Management Association. The Mid-America Regional Council also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as transportation planning, economic development, and environmental protection, with participation from experts from University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Kansas State University. These committees and task forces provide a forum for stakeholders to come together and address regional challenges, with support from United States Department of Transportation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Category:Regional planning