Later sunrises may mean more color on your morning commute. | Photo by @mikedayphotography
More than 1 million people (and thousands of businesses) power Kansas City’s $145.95 billion economy. But who are the metro’s biggest players?
The key industries
Eight industries represent the Kansas City metro’s economy, based on data from the Kansas City Area Development Council. Here are two of the top by employment numbers.
Distribution | 103,230 employees
Smack dab in the middle of the US — a robust, multimodal transportation network makes the metro a logistics magnet. Looks like we owe more to the 435 Loop than just traffic jams.
Architecture, Engineering + Construction | 80,000 employees
From the Las Vegas Sphere to 27 of 30 NFL stadiums, KC firms leave their mark worldwide. With 1,200 AEC companies, the metro holds the highest concentration of top US design HQs.
The major players
Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are two major employers:
Ford Motor Inc.
Distribution, Manufacturing | Search jobs
This assembly facility produces and distributes the Ford F-150 and the Ford Transit. Does that make KC built tough too?
Burns & McDonnell
Architectural Engineering | Search jobs
Headquartered here in KC, Burns & McDonnell landed No. 7 on Engineering News-Record’s 2025 Top 500 Design Firms list.
Leawood Touch-a-Truck | 4-7 p.m. | Leawood City Park, KS | Free | Bring the kiddos to see fire trucks, snow trucks, police cars, racecars, military vehicles, and more up close, with food truck + photo ops to boot.
Yappy Hour | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, KS | $7 | Bring your pup down as the museum turns into a fully-fenced off-leash dog park for the night, with live music, brews, and gourmet hot dogs for the pet parents.
Friday, Sept. 12
5th Annual Greatest Cornholio | 2:30-7 p.m. | GrindersKC | $12 | Toss bags, win prizes, and support Veterans Community Project at this annual cornhole showdown.
Brush Creek Art Walk | Friday, Sept 12-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Brush Creek Greenway Park | Free | Watch plein air painters capture KC’s urban waterway in real time during this juried competition.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Deaf Cultural Festival | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free | Explore American Sign Language through hands-on art activities and enjoy entertainment from distinctly Deaf perspectives.
Independence Uncorked Wine Festival | 1-6 p.m. | Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Independence | $35+ | Sip and stroll your way through 20+ Missouri wineries at this historic estate.
Garage Beer Bowl | 6-9 p.m. | SERV, Overland Park, KS | $75 for spectators, $95 to participate | Pregame Chiefs vs. Eagles with giant pong, flip cup Connect Four, cold Garage Beer, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Sunday, Sept. 14
All About Pilates | 2-3:15 p.m. | The Practice Yoga and Pilates, Liberty | $25 | Curious about Pilates? Learn the basics in a supportive, beginner-friendly workshop.
Bring your appetite for a full lineup of food trucks and downtown eats from Krazy Crepes, Bryce’s, The Melt Truck, Taco Naco, and more — plus fresh picks at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market.
Shopping? Yes, please.
Trust us: You won’t leave empty-handed after a visit to the artisan fair, featuring 75+ booths of handcrafted goods, jewelry, art, candles, clothes, and home decor.
September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. Honor the occasion at the annual Kansas City 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Mt. Olivet Cemetery’s First Responder’s Memorial at 5:30 p.m.
Coming Soon
Two more businesses are moving into Lenexa’s City Center: NEAT. Cocktail Bar takes over the former Savoy Tea space this winter. The Groom Gallery will relocate its current Lenexa location by early 2026. Stay up to date on even more openings with our Restaurant Roundup. (KCBJ)
Ranked
Turkey legs for breakfast? Why not. KC Turkey Leggman just landed on The New York Times’ list of “America’s Best Restaurants 2025,” which means KCK’s favorite handheld feast is about to come with a side of long lines. Lucky for you, it opens at 8 a.m.
Biz
Trade your couch for a desk at Belong Space, KC’s newest coworking hub inside The Wonder Shops + Flats on Troost. Think private offices, open workstations, a conference room, and easy access to The Combine for lunch breaks. (Startland News)
Arts
Caravaggio’s “Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness” is back from its Roman holiday at Palazzo Barberini. See it reinstalled at the Nelson-Atkins — or browse more gems in our KC museums guide.
Try This
Celebrate the launch of “Linda Lighton: Love & War, A Fifty-Year Survey, 1975-2025,” at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-8 p.m. This 208-page monograph presents a compelling overview of the American artist’s pioneering body of work. Enjoy a reception and book signing with the artist.*
Drink
A mellow moment in a can? Count us in. Cycling Frog is offering a free THC seltzer (just cover $2 shipping). Each flavor (Black Currant, Ruby Grapefruit, or Wild Cherry) pairs THC and CBD for a crisp, balanced sip that’s legal, low-key, and perfect for unwinding.*†‡
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in KCtoday + get primo placement in front of our 74,000+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Are you in favor of — or against — Kansas City’s push to slim down roads?
When asked if Kansas City should put more streets on a “road diet,” 53% of readers gave it the green light — and when we asked which street should be next, one corridor kept popping up: Ward Parkway.
“Ward Parkway on both sides of [Brush Creek]. Crossing to/from the Friendship Bridge is dangerous, as cars often run the pedestrian light on the south side.”
“Ward Parkway from the Plaza south to 75th. It’s currently three lanes — one more than necessary — and the lanes now are too narrow for the larger vehicles we drive.”
The Wrap
The Wrap
On my bike ride up the Trolley Trail yesterday, I noticed that Ding Dong Dogs has officially opened its UMKC-adjacent storefront on 51st. I’m curious if they’re looking for any specialty flavor suggestions...
‡Limit 1 can of seltzer. First-time customers only. Must be 21+.
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