Exciting Job Growth in Kansas City: A Year in Review

Exciting Job Growth in Kansas City: A Year in Review

Hey there, Kansas City! If you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you’ll be pleased to hear some good news about our local job market. Over the past year, our beautiful region has added a whopping 14,500 jobs, placing us fourth among 10 other comparable metropolitan areas in the U.S. according to a recent report by the Mid-America Regional Council.

Job Creation Rollercoaster

This year has been a bit of a mixed bag for the job market. The numbers reveal that the Kansas City metropolitan area initially experienced a massive boost, adding around 17,500 seasonally adjusted jobs during the first half of the year. However, things took a bit of a dip in the third quarter when we lost about 4,000 jobs. But fear not! On average, that impressive gain of 14,500 jobs puts us in a solid position among our peers.

Keep an Eye on the Competition

So, who are we up against? Kansas City’s peers include cities like Indianapolis, Charlotte, Raleigh, Austin, Denver, Nashville, Cincinnati, Portland, Minneapolis, and Columbus. Each of these places has its unique advantages and challenges, but we’re climbing that ladder, and that’s what counts!

Sector Spotlight

Now, let’s break down which industries are shining bright and which might need a little help. The Education and Health Services sector has seen a slowdown in job growth, dropping to 4,500 jobs by September 2024. Meanwhile, the Accommodation and Food sector wasn’t exactly thriving either, losing around 2,200 jobs in the same timeframe.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope in the Professional and Business Services sector. While they lost about 400 jobs by September, this is a significant improvement compared to last year’s losses of 3,400 jobs. And let’s not forget the Trade, Transportation and Utilities sector, which grew to 4,000 jobs annually, showcasing some real strength in these categories.

Heads Up for Future Changes

While there’s good news to revel in, we also need to keep an eye on the horizon. The local GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, KS, is set to lay off workers as it adjusts production to focus on the Chevy Bolt EV. This kind of shake-up can cause ripples throughout the local economy, so it’s essential to stay aware.

On a brighter note, the new Panasonic battery plant located in De Soto is gearing up to create more than 4,000 jobs when it opens its doors in 2025! This could be a game-changer for our economy, bringing new opportunities and a much-needed boost to our job market.

What’s Next for Kansas City?

In summary, Kansas City is in a bit of a transition phase, with a mix of job growth and sector challenges. As we move into the future, it’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these changes. Many people are doing great work to stabilize the job market, and with projects like the Panasonic plant on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to!

This year may have had its ups and downs, but one thing is clear—the spirit of Kansas City is strong and ready to tackle whatever comes next. Keep your chin up, everyone, and let’s continue to support our local businesses and communities!