While this report contains a wealth of data, one statistic stands out: The monthly Kansas City labor force and employment figures in 2021 were higher than 2019 for all twelve months of the year. The greatest economic shock of 2020 was the unprecedented loss of jobs, and we all understood there could be no real recovery until people were back to work. Throughout 2020, we heard various narratives on why people weren’t returning to work around the country. But in Kansas City, where entrepreneurship and work ethic are essential elements of our identity, people showed up to work. I can’t think of anything more promising for KC’s future than the strength and commitment of our labor market.
