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University of Missouri Extension tells Smithville EDC the local workforce will tighten as baby‑boomers retire
Summary
University of Missouri Extension analyst Matt Peezel told the Smithville Economic Development Committee that the city’s population is just under 12,000, most residents commute out daily, and aging and health factors will create workforce shortages; Extension offered training and outreach resources.
Matt Peezel, labor and workforce development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, told the Smithville Economic Development Committee on Aug. 28 that the community faces a tightening labor market as older workers retire and participation challenges persist.
"Smithville has a population of just under 12,000," Peezel said, and the ZIP‑code data he reviewed shows roughly 4,600 residents commute out daily while only about 500 work in town. That pattern, he said, marks Smithville as a bedroom community and shapes what kinds of businesses are likely to thrive locally.
Peezel reviewed regional demographic trends and workforce data, noting that the 25‑to‑54 age cohort — the core working age population — has not grown as fast as older cohorts and that the 55‑to‑74 group has increased substantially. "As these baby boomers age out of the workforce, it will be more challenging to fill those spots," he said, citing increased demand for health‑care workers and other skilled positions.
He also identified health and other participation barriers: substance misuse, chronic pain and long COVID have removed some people from the labor force, and mental‑health challenges remain a concern. Peezel highlighted Missouri’s adoption of the 988 mental‑health hotline and free training options, including mental‑health first aid, as tools to help employers and schools support workers.
Peezel described Extension programs available to Smithville: recovery‑friendly workplace certification for employers, a pre‑apprenticeship paid training program tied to local employers, veterans’ programs such as 'Heroes to Hives,' and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) supports. He offered to share the full slide deck and follow up with local contacts to provide targeted data and trainings.
Committee members asked about broader migration trends and whether Missouri is growing faster or slower than other states. Peezel said Missouri’s overall growth is modest compared with much of the country but remains positive, driven in part by domestic and international migration and by federal broadband investments that may support remote work.
The committee thanked Peezel and invited further engagement with Smithville Public Schools and local employers to develop mock interviews, leadership boot camps and workforce training. Peezel said he would provide additional data on request and offered contacts for employer tax credits and other programs.
Next steps: Peezel will share his full slide deck and follow up with staff on possible training and school partnerships.
