Hosted by the Government of Kansas City, MO

Trade volatility is reshaping how companies, communities, and regions think about competitiveness and resilience. In the heart of North America, Kansas City offers a compelling case study: a region where infrastructure, manufacturing strength, logistics connectivity, and technical leadership come together to support growth amid uncertainty.

This GovLab will examine what makes regional economies resilient when trade conditions shift—from the foundations that sustain an industrial base to the infrastructure and talent that enable companies to adapt. Looking beyond tariffs themselves, the panel will explore how Middle American communities can strengthen their position within increasingly interconnected North American supply chains and turn uncertainty into an opportunity for long-term competitiveness.