At LaSalle for MO7, we’re committed to addressing the employment challenges facing Kansas City and Grandview, Missouri. Job creation and employment are top priorities for our communities. Joey wants to promote employment and jobs for Kansas City and Grandview.
We’ve analyzed the current job market, identified key growth sectors, and developed targeted strategies to boost economic opportunities in our region. This post outlines practical steps we can take together to create a thriving job market and support local workforce development.
What’s the Job Market Like in Kansas City and Grandview?
Robust Employment Growth
Kansas City and Grandview demonstrate significant employment growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Kansas City MO-KS metropolitan area added 21,400 jobs from May 2023 to May 2024 (a 1.9% increase). This growth rate outpaced the national average of 1.8%, indicating a strong local job market.
Thriving Sectors
The education and health services sector stands out as a top performer. It added 7,900 jobs over the past year, growing at 4.8% (compared to the national average of 4.2%). Healthcare and social assistance contributed significantly to this growth.
Leisure and hospitality also showed remarkable gains, adding 5,700 jobs. This uptick suggests a strong recovery in tourism and hospitality-related businesses, benefiting local restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.
The trade, transportation, and utilities sector experienced positive growth as well, adding 2,800 jobs. This increase points to ongoing economic activity in logistics and services, which are vital for our region’s economic health.
Challenges and Opportunities
While many sectors thrive, some face challenges. The professional and business services sector experienced a decline, losing approximately 3,200 jobs. This trend suggests a need for targeted support and development in this area.
A primary challenge for our local workforce is the need for continuous skill development to match the evolving job market. As new technologies emerge and industries transform, our workforce must keep pace. This situation presents an opportunity for focused training and education initiatives.
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Future Prospects
The job market in Kansas City and Grandview holds significant potential. Kansas City has experienced consistent employment growth throughout 2022 and into 2023, with growth rates ranging between 2.5% and 3.5% during the middle of 2022. Companies are expanding their operations, bringing new opportunities to our communities.
To capitalize on these opportunities, we must focus on workforce development, support for small businesses, and attracting new industries to our region. These efforts will help ensure that Kansas City and Grandview continue to provide ample employment opportunities for all residents.
As we move forward, it’s essential to examine specific strategies that can boost employment and create jobs in our region. Let’s explore some targeted initiatives that can drive economic growth and foster a thriving job market.
How Can We Create More Jobs in Kansas City and Grandview?
Creating jobs is essential for the economic vitality of Kansas City and Grandview. Our strategy focuses on three key areas: attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and investing in workforce development.
Attracting New Businesses
To bring more jobs to our area, we must make Kansas City and Grandview attractive destinations for businesses. We should advocate for competitive tax incentives and streamline permitting processes to encourage companies to set up shop here. The Missouri Works Program offers tax credits to businesses that create new jobs (a powerful tool for economic growth). We should also highlight our region’s strengths, such as our central location and skilled workforce, to draw in diverse industries.
Fostering Local Entrepreneurship
Small businesses form the backbone of our local economy. We must support their growth through various initiatives. The Kansas City Economic Development Corporation offers low-interest loans and grants to help small businesses expand. We should also promote mentorship programs that connect experienced business owners with new entrepreneurs. These programs provide valuable guidance and support, increasing the chances of success for new ventures.
Investing in Workforce Development
To prepare our residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow, we must focus on workforce development and training programs. We should partner with local community colleges and vocational schools to create targeted training programs that align with the needs of local industries. The Full Employment Council in Kansas City offers free job training and placement services to help residents acquire in-demand skills. They provide opportunities such as Police Officer Candidate positions with pay starting at $65K per year, and other positions with hourly rates ranging from $17.50 to $23.97.
Revitalizing Downtown Areas
A thriving downtown attracts businesses and creates jobs. We should invest in infrastructure improvements, beautification projects, and mixed-use developments to make our downtown areas more appealing to businesses and residents alike. This approach can create a vibrant urban core that fosters economic growth and job creation.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation
To stay competitive in the modern economy, we must embrace technology and innovation. We should establish tech incubators and co-working spaces to nurture startups and attract tech talent. Partnerships between local universities and businesses can drive innovation and create high-paying jobs in emerging industries.
These strategies can help create a thriving job market in Kansas City and Grandview. Our goal extends beyond increasing the number of jobs; we must ensure these jobs provide stable, well-paying opportunities for our residents. The next step involves examining specific initiatives that can drive economic growth and foster a robust job market in our region.
Driving Economic Growth in Kansas City and Grandview
Targeted initiatives are key to boost economic growth in Kansas City and Grandview. Our approach focuses on the revitalization of urban areas, innovation fostering, and maximization of local strengths.
Revitalize Downtown Areas
Downtown revitalization propels economic growth. The Power & Light District in Kansas City exemplifies urban renewal. Tax incentives can be seductive to local officials as they feel like a magical source of “free money” for economic development. We propose similar initiatives for Grandview, starting with a $10 million investment in Main Street improvements (including facade upgrades, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and mixed-use developments).
To attract businesses, we suggest a “Downtown First” policy. This policy would offer tax incentives for companies that relocate to the urban core. A 5-year property tax abatement could make downtown locations more appealing.
Foster Innovation and Technology
Kansas City has made strides in becoming a tech hub, but growth opportunities remain. We propose the establishment of a “Tech Corridor” along the Missouri River, which would connect downtown Kansas City to the suburbs. This area would feature high-speed internet infrastructure and collaborative workspaces.
To kickstart this initiative, we recommend the allocation of $5 million for a startup incubator program. This program could provide seed funding for promising tech startups annually. Additionally, partnerships with local universities like UMKC and Rockhurst University can create a pipeline of skilled tech workers.
Leverage Local Strengths
Kansas City and Grandview possess unique assets that can drive economic growth. The recent renovation of Kansas City International Airport positions our region as a major transportation hub. We should capitalize on this advantage through the development of a logistics and distribution center near the airport.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Missouri’s economy. We propose the establishment of an AgTech innovation center in Grandview, which would leverage its proximity to rural areas. Missouri is the gateway to the future of advanced farming, and achieving this will demand greater growth in innovation, partnerships, and investment.
We must also tap into Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s jazz scene attracts visitors annually. An investment in marketing and infrastructure for music venues could boost tourism and create jobs in the hospitality sector.
Final Thoughts
Job creation and employment stand as cornerstones for the growth and prosperity of Kansas City and Grandview. We explored strategies to boost our local economy, from attracting new businesses to revitalizing urban areas. These initiatives form a comprehensive approach to create a thriving job market that benefits all residents.
Community involvement plays a key role in the success of these efforts. We can create a stronger, more resilient economy that provides opportunities for everyone. Each of us has a role in shaping the future of our region, whether through supporting local businesses or advocating for growth-promoting policies.
At LaSalle for MO7, we commit to driving these initiatives forward (creating a brighter future for Kansas City and Grandview). We encourage you to get involved in local economic development efforts and support businesses in your community. Together, we can build a job market that offers stable, well-paying opportunities for all residents.
Republican Supermajority and Joey LaSalle’s Role
Missouri’s Republican supermajority plays a key role in shaping legislative decisions and directing resources. Joey LaSalle has the skills and experience to work effectively within this political environment to advocate for District 7. His ability to navigate the supermajority is essential for addressing community concerns and driving meaningful change. To learn more about how the supermajority impacts state policies, explore the Missouri Senate District Map 2024 and details on Missouri State Senators 2024.
Call to Action:
Joey LaSalle takes a proactive approach to solving problems in District 7. He is committed to reducing crime, boosting the economy, creating jobs, and improving community resources like education, health services, and infrastructure. Kansas City has faced years of misrepresentation in Jefferson City. Now is the time for effective leadership that truly understands our community’s needs. Joey aims to lower taxes and ensure affordable housing, making him the only Republican candidate capable of genuinely representing Kansas City and Grandview in Missouri’s supermajority. Unlike typical politicians, Joey focuses on solving real problems and putting people first.
For more details on Joey’s plans for Missouri’s 7th District, visit joe4mo7.com. To see how he compares to other candidates, check out this article at Missouri Senate District 7 | KC Voter Guide 2024. You can also find additional insights about his campaign and political stance on Ballotpedia and his profile on Lyke. Joey proudly supports Tracey Chappell for prosecutor in Jackson County, the only candidate with the right experience to tackle the county’s challenges.
Additionally, we support Republican Derron Black’s initiatives in District 9. Like Joey, Derron is committed to authentic leadership that puts the community ahead of political ambitions.
For a stronger future in Kansas City and Grandview, vote for Joey LaSalle, the candidate who delivers real change. Stay connected with Joey on Facebook and Twitter and learn more about his priorities at joe4mo7.com. Together, we can bring the leadership Kansas City deserves to Jefferson City.