2016 Congressional Forum - September

Featured:
Mid America Regional Council
Topic: Workforce Development and Update on MARC Initiatives
Speaker: Sheri Gonzales Warren

Sheri Gonzales Warren has been involved in economic development since 2001. She began this work at a large, public university to help develop curriculum in response to workforce needs. She then spent a series of years living and working overseas to create market-driven, community development systems that address basic human needs. She joined Mid-America Regional Council in 2015 to help spur inclusive economic opportunity in the place she calls home – Kanas City.
 
She currently leads the postsecondary initiatives and workforce development efforts in the community and economic development department. She has been the lead staff for the Lumina funded education attainment effort known as GradForce KC – which is focused on improving attainment among low-income, minority and first generation students as well as adults (25+) with some college and no degree. She also supports the human capital component of a business led, economic development initiative known as KC Rising.
 
Sheri holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

What is MARC?
​MARC is a nonprofit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region. Governed by a Board of Directors made up of local elected officials, we serve nine counties and 119 cities. We provide a forum for the region to work together to advance social, economic and environmental progress.
MARC is funded by federal, state and private grants, local contributions and earned income. A major portion of our budget is passed through to local governments and other agencies for programs and services.

What they do:
The Mid-America Regional Council promotes regional cooperation and develops innovative solutions through leadership, planning and action.

Leadership
-- Identify regional challenges and act as a problem-solving forum.
-- Promote consensus and commitment to regional solutions.
-- Educate and engage the public in decision-making processes.

Planning
-- Coordinate policies that guide progress in the region.
-- Develop regional plans for transportation, the environment, emergency response and more.
-- Conduct research and provide technical support to local leaders.

Action
-- Advocate for regional issues at the state and federal levels.
-- Provide cooperative services between local governments.
-- Allocate resources for regional systems.

Luncheon Choices:
Steak, Salmon or Vegetarian. Please maintain your original meal selection day of event.