[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DAVID WARM ON HIS RETIREMENT AS MID-AMERICA REGIONAL 
                        COUNCIL (MARC) DIRECTOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a deep sense of gratitude that 
I rise today to honor the lifelong public service career of Mr. David 
Warm, who has served as the Executive Director of the Mid-America 
Regional Council (MARC) for 36 years. Let us take a moment to recognize 
this accomplished individual in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District 
who has worked to build better communities for the people of Kansas 
City and beyond for nearly four decades.
  A Southern California native, David earned a Bachelor of Arts in 
political science and economics from the University of California, 
Santa Barbara and later received a Master of Public Administration from 
the University of California, Riverside. As a Cookingham-Noll Fellow, 
David relocated to Kansas City in 1979 to learn about the ins and outs 
of local government and the opportunities found in city management. 
What was only meant to be a year of experience would mark the start of 
his distinguished career and lead to a life-long dedication to service 
in our community. David planted roots in the Midwest and took on the 
role as Assistant City Administrator of the City of Liberty and 
eventually became the City Administrator for the city.
  After years of experience working in local government, David took his 
expertise to MARC, a nonprofit organization serving as a council of 
governments across the state line, where he joined as the Executive 
Director in 1990. Under David's selfless leadership, MARC grew from 50 
to 160 staff members, a total of 9 counties, functioning with a budget 
of 20 percent more than what it once was. The organization has been 
fundamental in transforming the Kansas City metropolitan area and 
regional surroundings through its comprehensive solutions on questions 
regarding transportation. early education, and environment.
  Throughout his 36-year tenure, David has faced challenges headstrong 
with patience and innovation. With an understanding of government and a 
deep respect for democracy, David grew the organization into a resource 
hub for cities, building trust and ambition and in turn, bridging 
collaboration among the many different governments MARC aids. An avid 
problem solver, David often sees issues as opportunities for growth and 
helps take what was once a mere idea into a reality. From taking on the 
management of more Head Start programs in the area to helping cities 
overcome the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, David led by listening to 
the issues that were raised and handling them through innovative 
approaches. As a testament to his invaluable work ethic and devotion to 
serving his community, he was named the Kansas Citian of the Year by 
the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in 2020. Furthermore. his 
influence and impact did not go unnoticed when he received the 
President's Award from the National Association of Regional Councils 
(NARC) in 2021.
  Most recently, as a host of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kansas City made 
its way to the global stage and welcomed the world. Its success, 
safety, and efficiency are the result of the collective action of many 
partners and cities built around a broader network made possible by 
MARC. Serving as a liaison between so many voices, David and his team 
have strengthened the foundation between the cities and coalitions 
while assisting them in reaching their goals in an effective and 
efficient manner. Beyond his role at MARC, David is active in many 
initiatives and civic groups, serving on nonprofit boards focusing on 
education, health care, and community development, among many more.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
David for his tremendous accomplishments, his commitment and tireless 
community service. As executive director for 36 years, David focused on 
ways that he could better his community, and his selfless spirit of 
determination is displayed throughout his career. His immense impact 
will continue through the multitude of lives he has impacted. On behalf 
of Missouri's 5th Congressional District, I wish David great joy and 
relaxation in his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________