December 2024 

Jump to Events and Training Opportunities

Dianna Wright to retire from Clay County — Clay County administrator Dianna Wright announced she will retire in February 2025. Her public service career spans more than three decades, with achievements that include the implementation of the new charter government, Clay County’s Strategic Plan and strengthening relationships with local communities. Read more.

UG announces new community development director — The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, has named Kay Sharp as the new community development director. Sharp, who has been serving as interim director for the past ten months, brings over 30 years of public service experience, including her role as community engagement lead for the Wyandotte County Health Department during the pandemic. Learn more.

Missouri Department of Transportation names new director — The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission appointed Ed Hassinger as the new director of MoDOT. Hassinger, who succeeds Patrick McKenna following his resignation in September, has over 40 years of experience with MoDOT. Learn more about his appointment.

Shawnee extends landfill special use permit — Shawnee has approved the extension of the Johnson County Landfill’s special use permit. While the permit is typically for a four-year period, the renewal is for one year, to address issues with odor, flaring and blasting measures as the landfill moves operations. Learn more about the permit extension.

Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) spring dates released — The ELA has announced its spring dates, aiming to equip future leaders with essential skills to face unexpected challenges and address complex problems. The program targets promising, non-managerial staff, focusing on leadership, interpersonal communication, relationship-building and navigating change.

Learn more and register.

Leading EDGE program scheduled for March — The Leading EDGE program, hosted by the University of Kansas Public Management Center, will take place in March, offering insights into building high-performing local governments. The program covers visionary leadership, strategic planning, innovative service delivery and collaboration. Participants will explore performance measurement, employee engagement, ethical governance and other strategies that drive organizational health. Register here.

MetroKCGovJobs internship list available — MARC has launched a feature on MetroKCGovJobs.org to help students search for public sector internships in the region. Add your upcoming spring internships to the site to reach a wide audience of students eager to gain government experience. Visit the portal.

MARC plans to continue highlighting public sector

workforce-related content in future newsletters.
If your organization would like to share a recent success or new strategy pertaining to recruitment, retention or other workforce topics, please contact Alex Morgan.

MARC hosts discussion on the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor — MARC recently hosted federal and local leaders for a roundtable discussion on infrastructure projects in the region, including the Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor. The potential for federal funding in these projects was a key point of discussion, with White House Staff Ryan Whalen and David Eichenthal in attendance. Learn more about the discussion.

Managers Roundtable set for December — Join us on Friday, Dec. 13 at 11:30 a.m. for the next Managers Roundtable at the Gladstone Community Center. The event will feature a presentation by Amanda Graor, MARC’s director of data and digital services and chief innovation officer, on artificial intelligence in local government, followed by a tour of Gladstone’s renovated public buildings. Register today.

MARC seeks feedback on transportation plan update — MARC is updating Connected KC 2050, the region’s long-range transportation plan. An online public meeting and a related survey is available to learn about the updates and gather input from the public. The deadline to review the information and submit a survey is Dec. 13. Review the website and give feedback.

MARC hiring director of local government services — MARC is looking for a director of local government services. The role oversees a team of 35+ professionals guiding key regional functions like emergency services and workforce development. Responsibilities include financial management, grant administration and partnership management. View more information.

Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring pledges support for communities — Heat has become a significant issue for communities nationwide. The Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring has announced a new program to help communities monitor and evaluate their heat risk. The program will provide both technical support from a regional center and financial support. The program is part of a nationwide heat data collection campaign. Learn more.

New research showcases broadband’s impact on rural communities — The Center on Rural Innovation has released a report showing that communities with high broadband use experience positive economic outcomes. Businesses, including new ones, thrive with expanded broadband access. High adoption rates of broadband also correlated to increased self-employment in some areas. Read more about the impact.

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

• Managers Roundtable — Gladstone Community Center
  Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• First Suburbs Coalition — Virtual
  Jan. 17, 8:30–10 a.m.
• 2025 Kansas City/County Manager Conference — Lawrence, Kansas
  April 24–25

UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

For information and to register see the GTI Calendar of Events.

• Grant Management Workshop
  Dec. 4–5
• Project Management Fundamentals
  Jan. 14