The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Mid-America Regional Council co-hosted the inaugural 2025 KC Economic Outlook Conference in November. This event gathered business executives, community leaders and decision makers from all over Kansas City to share research and insights into the economic factors impacting the Kansas City economy.
Throughout the day, leaders from all over Kansas City gained beneficial insights into the opportunities and challenges being faced at a metrowide level. This event provided an opportunity for experts from the Federal Reserve and the Mid-America Regional Council to present their perspectives on the local, regional, and national economy. Additionally, it facilitated engagement among community leaders and representatives from across the area, enabling them to share their experiences with one another and with the Federal Reserve. Events like these are critical for the Kansas City Fed, as engaging with community and business leaders helps the Bank better understand and represent the Tenth District.
Kansas City Economic Outlook Conference Summary
In this video, Kansas City Fed Regional Executive Jeremy Hill provides insights from the the inaugural 2025 KC Economic Outlook Conference. The event, hosted by the Kansas city Fed and the Mid-America Regional Council, gathered business executives, community leaders and decision makers to share research and insights into the economic factors impacting the Kansas City economy.
The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Schmid. Following President Schmid’s opening remarks, Kansas City Fed Senior Vice President and Economist Lee Smith shared his outlook on the current macroeconomic climate. Then, Jeremy Hill, regional executive of the Kansas City Fed, provided his insights into the factors at play in the regional economy of the Federal Reserve’s Tenth District, citing notable movements in the labor and manufacturing spheres. Next, Frank Lenk of the Mid-America Regional Council provided a glimpse into the specific factors affecting Kansas City’s economy, particularly focusing on his population forecast and how this impacts Kansas City’s labor market, both today and in the future.
To close out the event, a panel of CEOs from the Kansas City area spoke on the Kansas City Investment Playbook – a local business community initiative that identifies key industries in the Kansas City economy that are poised to make a significant impact in GDP production, job opportunities, and investment. This panel consisted of executives from Black & Veatch, MRIGlobal, the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas Medical System. In addition to the Investment Playbook, the panel discussed specific details of how their firms are driving growth and innovation within the Kansas City metropolitan area. For more details regarding the event, please see the posted agenda.
Jeremy Hill, who organized the event, looks forward to future Economic Outlook Conferences and the impact it can have on the community.
“When we share insights and collaborate across industries, we build momentum,” he said. “This conference helps Kansas City's leaders prepare for change, seize opportunities, and continue investing in a strong future for the region.”
If you are interested in getting more information regarding this event, future events, or in engaging with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in the future, please email Chandler Rhoades.
The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City or the Federal Reserve System.