Economy & Housing Articles

Two studies examine workforce housing challenges in the Kansas City region. Both identify the need to increase the supply of affordable, quality housing options all residents.
  

New analysis shows how a shortage of affordable housing options in the Kansas City region challenges the workers our communities depend on most

July saw a sizable expansion of employment in the Kansas City region.

June’s employment situation in Kansas City continued to flash signs of a slowing regional economy. Employment growth has remained largely flat since December 2021 and more recently there are indications of a slight decline.

Employment has largely remained flat since Dec 2021. Seasonally adjusted employment decreased in May 2022 by 500 jobs, largely offsetting the gains from March to April.

In April, seasonally adjusted employment increased by 1,500 jobs, offsetting some of the losses from last month (2,400 jobs). The Kansas City economy has now recovered 82% of the 139,300 jobs lost from the recession.

The Kansas City economy has recovered 80% of the 139,300 jobs lost from the recession. The Kansas City metropolitan economy needs to recover another 27,200 jobs to return to the pre-pandemic peak level of employment.

The 11th Annual Greater KC Workforce and Education Summit was held on Dec. 7 and drew more than 150 participants to the virtual program.

Given the depth of the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the region’s economic recovery has exceeded expectations and is now moving into the expansion phase, according to Frank Lenk, MARC’s director of Research Services.

WYCO WORKS offers free services in wake of COVID-19 recession