Bryan Stalder
Contributor

As the Historic Northeast community prepares for a summer of growth and professional development, a new regional initiative is seeking direct input from the local business owners and creative professionals who drive the area’s economy.

Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw is calling on local business leaders and employers to participate in a comprehensive regional workforce survey. This collaborative effort—led by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation, and the KC Regional Workforce Alliance—aims to ensure that the voices of local employers directly inform future investments and talent development strategies.

Why Your Input Matters

The data collected will be used to create a State of the Workforce Report, scheduled for release this fall. For Northeast artisans, writers, wage-workers, and tradespeople, this is a vital opportunity to highlight the specific challenges and opportunities unique to our neighborhood’s diverse economy.

The survey is designed to be concise, taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. Employers will be asked to:

  • Identify their most critical roles and hiring needs for the next year.
  • Share specific challenges regarding retention and skills gaps.
  • Provide feedback on partnerships like internships, upskilling, and work-based learning.

A Mission of Growth

This initiative aligns with upcoming local efforts to bolster career paths for students and professionals in Northeast. Historic Northeast Media is supported by a grant from the Rooted Change Fund of the Community Capital Fund, which will fund three community workshops and job fairs hosted by Northeast News throughout June, July, and August.

“This survey is an important opportunity to ensure that employer voices across the region directly inform workforce strategy,” Councilwoman Parks-Shaw stated, noting that the goal is to reach a broad and representative group of employers to strengthen the overall Kansas City economy.

How to Participate

The survey will remain open through May 15, 2026. Local business owners, nonprofit directors, and independent contractors are encouraged to participate to ensure Northeast is well-represented in the final report.

For more information on the survey or to get involved in the upcoming summer workforce events, stay tuned to Northeast News for updates as details develop.