JCERT’s 15-Year Economic Report Shows Significant Regional Impacts
August 15, 2025
A recent study by the Mid-America Research Council shows JCERT is delivering on its promise to provide annual and long-term economic benefits to the Kansas City region.
From increases in personal incomes to expanded career opportunities, the Kansas City region continues to reap substantial financial returns and community benefits from the ⅛-cent JCERT sales tax that began in 2009.
The JCERT Authority recently partnered with the Mid-America Research Council (MARC) to determine the 15-year economic impact of the JCERT sales tax. MARC worked closely with the three JCERT partners – K-State Olathe, the KU Edwards Campus and the University of Kansas Clinical Research Center – to evaluate the economic benefits flowing from the investments made and programs created utilizing the tax.
The research results estimate the extent to which the Kansas City metropolitan economy has grown due to the JCERT investment. The study found that per year, the sales tax generated an average of $18 million and returned an average of more than $105 million in economic impact.
The value of the estimated increase in the region’s GDP is expected to be more than $1.5 billion, and the increase in personal income is expected to total nearly $600 million, for a total of $2.1 billion over 20 years (2010-2030). Because MARC kept the size of JCERT-funded programs constant at 2022 levels in terms of revenues, employment and graduates, the numbers are likely conservative estimates of JCERT’s impact going forward.
Other benefits to the community – not strictly measurable in financial terms – include new curriculum aligned with regional workforce needs, greater local and regional access to potentially life-saving clinical trials, expanded career opportunities, community outreach efforts, public-use facilities and support for entrepreneurs.
“Fifteen years ago, local business, civic and community leaders envisioned a unique partnership to create economic stimulus and enhance the area’s economic future,” said JCERT Authority Chairman Kevin Honomichl. “JCERT is continuing to fulfill those promises and delivers significant value to the region.”