Economy & Housing Articles

Regional planners tackle housing challenges at MARC roundtable workshop
June 2, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
Shot of the audience, from behind, looking at the presenter

The workshop focused on how communities across the region can better align policies, resources and public understanding to address housing shortages and affordability concerns. 

Home Plus One: ADU Design Competition coming to the Kansas City region
May 21, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
A detached image of a slanted ADU home behind the main home framed by trees

Home Plus One is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competition that incorporates principles of universal design.

Forum brings together experts to discuss housing construction workforce issues
May 18, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
Housing forum attendees stand in front of a burgandy wall.

Topics included practical, Kansas City-focused strategies to expand the construction workforce, strengthen training and career pathways to better align talent with industry demand.

How preapproved building plans can reform small-scale housing production
March 31, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
portfolio-home-design-collage

The Kansas City region faces persistent underproduction of housing across price points as demand grows. Preapproved building plans are one solution cities like Overland Park are using to reduce permitting time and quicken the development process for missing middle housing.

The region repriced: What new housing data reveals about affordability in the Kansas City metro
March 16, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
apartment-for-rent-sign

Key takeaway: Rentals under $1,000 a month nearly halved, home values rose up to 72% and cost burden affects nearly a third of renters in every county in the region.

Initial figures show Kansas City region lost jobs in 2025
March 12, 2026 | Posted in Economy & Housing
View of Kansas City skyline with KC Scout statue in right foreground

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the Kansas City region economy lost 3,600 jobs — falling to 1,150,100 from 1,153,700.

The World Cup is coming: What it means for short-term rentals and housing availability
December 10, 2025 | Posted in Economy & Housing
short-term-rental-housing-image-living-room

How will the region’s housing system respond to temporary, concentrated demand?

Kansas City metro’s 2026 economic outlook
December 4, 2025 | Posted in Economy & Housing
A view of downtown Kansas City at dusk with brown native grass in the foreground

The latest economic forecast for the Kansas City metro area paints a picture of cautious stability with challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Regional Housing Partnership expands coalition working to address housing affordability and instability issues
October 8, 2025 | Posted in Economy & Housing
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New initiatives announced to help change the housing narrative and inspire more stakeholders to champion housing solutions

Registration open for KC Economic Outlook Conference
August 4, 2025 | Posted in Economy & Housing
Text: KC Economic Outlook

Gain timely insights and understanding of current economic conditions, namely those impacting regional and industry growth, at this half-day conference on Thursday, Nov. 6.