2025 Q2 Luncheon: Housing Update
The Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) hosted its second Quarterly Member Luncheon on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Embassy Suites KCI. This event featured four guest panelists who shared their housing expertise:
- Will Ruder, Executive Vice President – Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City
- Raynard Brown, President & CEO – Inspired Homes
- Dan Hartman, Treasurer – Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors
- Lynn McClure, Commercial Relationship Leader – Central Bank of the Midwest
PCEDC Chairman Brian Johanning of Superior Bowen opened the luncheon by welcoming attendees and acknowledging elected officials and other key stakeholders, including high-level investors and board members. He also recognized five new PCEDC investors: Capitol Federal, Google, Great Jobs KC, Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, and Martinrea.
Event moderator Will Ruder opened the program with a "State of Homebuilding" presentation, highlighting key trends currently shaping the housing market, such as inflation and tariffs. He also presented data on single-family housing permits issued across the Kansas City metro and Platte County. Ruder ended his presentation by introducing the "5 L's of Housing Supply," giving the audience valuable insight to consider during the panel discussion. To see the full presentation, click here.
Ruder then introduced and welcomed the panelists to the stage, each offering a unique perspective from key sectors of the housing industry, including home building, real estate, and commercial lending. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from barriers to building quality, entry-level homes, to current mortgage rates and the real estate market in Platte County. Additionally, panelists shared their thoughts on ways to advocate for a stronger housing market and the steps needed to expand affordable housing options for younger generations.
We genuinely appreciate our Event Sponsors, Central Bank of the Midwest, Inspired Homes, and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City for their support of this event. Finally, thank you to Will Ruder (will@kchba.org), Raynard Brown (rbrown@inspired-homes.com), Dan Hartman (dan@hreteam.com), and Lynn McClure (lynn.mcclure@centralbank.net) for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in this conversation!
Additional Housing Information: