Why is EVERYTHING So Expensive? Unpacking the High Cost of Living

Groceries. Rent. Childcare. Utilities. Health Care. Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, the cost of living keeps climbing and no one seems to agree on what’s driving the squeeze or how to fix it. As we head into a new year with midterm elections on the horizon, tariffs shaking global markets, a disrupted farm economy, and the national debt at historic highs, this program asks a simple question: why is everything so expensive, and what does that mean for communities like Kansas City? Join American Public Square for a candid, fact-checked conversation about the forces shaping our wallets. Our panel of economic experts will unpack the pressures behind the rising cost of living and explore solutions we may be overlooking. In-person and virtual options available. Doors will open at 5:30 PM for a Member Happy Hour. The event will start at 6 PM, followed by a post-event “After the Square” reception open to all attendees.

American Public Square provides forums to build stronger, more connected communities through civil discourse, engagement, and education. We host fact-based conversations about urgent topics, convening subject matter experts and creating community spaces for necessary discussions. APS champions the ideals of a civil society—where community members engage respectfully, collaborate on shared challenges, and pursue their aspirations with purpose. We are hosting this event in partnership with the National WWI Museum and Memorial, America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community.