This Month's Latest Tech News in Olathe, KS - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Against a backdrop of nationwide tech sector turbulence - including over 23,400 layoffs in April alone as TechCrunch details in its comprehensive 2025 industry layoff report - Olathe and Johnson County are charting a more resilient and forward-thinking path.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners recently adopted an innovative AI policy, prioritizing transparency, ethical decision-making, and human oversight, as highlighted in The Olathe Reporter's local government coverage.

This policy is already bearing fruit: local 911 dispatchers are piloting AI-powered call simulators to enhance emergency response and training. Lieutenant David Ross notes,

“We are the first agency in Kansas to sign on with Comms Coach AI. We hope to be the model for how this works in the future.”

Read more about this training program's launch in KSHB's spotlight on Johnson County public safety innovation.

While national uncertainty dominates headlines, the KC metro's investments in digital access, responsible tech governance, and upskilling signal a determined, community-centered vision for 2025.

Johnson County is taking a leadership role in government technology with the adoption of a comprehensive policy to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across county operations.

Approved by the County Commission in late April, the policy emphasizes transparency, ethical review, and accountability in all AI-driven decision-making processes, reflecting the community's growing demand for responsible innovation.

The April 10 Board of County Commissioners meeting highlighted both this policy move and broader themes of fiscal responsibility, with initiatives including a $704,451 upgrade to the county's Emergency Operations Center and over $8 million committed to wastewater infrastructure improvements.

As AI governance becomes a nationwide issue - more than 700 AI-related bills were introduced in the U.S. in 2024 alone - Johnson County's structured policy puts it at the forefront of local government innovation.

Learn more about Johnson County's new AI policy.

For details on the commission's deliberations and public calls for transparency, see the April 10 Johnson County Commission recap.

To compare regional approaches and stay informed on AI governance trends, visit the Future of Privacy Forum's AI legislation tracker.

“The policy outlines transparency when using AI, review of AI-driven decision making and ethical ...”

Nationwide tech layoffs in early 2025 have continued to reshape the industry landscape, as companies large and small adapt to post-pandemic realities and accelerate investments in artificial intelligence.

According to TechCrunch's comprehensive layoff tracker for 2025, over 45,000 jobs have already been cut across 234 companies this year, with more than 23,400 layoffs reported in April alone.

The reduction in workforce is driven by a mix of economic uncertainty, overhiring in previous years, and a strategic shift toward automation and efficiency. Major players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and TikTok are streamlining teams, prioritizing AI initiatives, and trimming middle management.

The impact is particularly pronounced in regions like California, where tech companies announced 17,874 job cuts in the first quarter, underlining the sector's vital role in both local and national economies.

As noted by the Los Angeles Times, employees across engineering, design, and product roles are facing tough transitions, with some choosing to reskill in high-demand areas like AI, cybersecurity, and green tech.

The demand for emerging tech skills remains high, and a recent ZipRecruiter report found that 65% of laid-off tech workers in 2023 secured new - and often better - positions within six months.

This aligns with The HR Digest's analysis highlighting job market resilience through upskilling and proactive adaptation.

The tech sector is “recalibrating, not collapsing, with resilience and innovation key to overcoming current challenges.” (OpenTools)

VML has promoted Kansas City native Jeff Geheb to CEO of its $1.5 billion Enterprise Solutions division, a move that affirms the region's rising influence in the tech industry.

Geheb, a 25-year VML veteran, now leads a global operation that delivers consulting, customer experience, commerce, and technology transformation solutions to more than 150 major clients, including Ford, Google, The Coca-Cola Company, and IKEA. As part of the WPP family, VML Enterprise Solutions combines creative excellence with advanced technology, underpinned by the AI-driven WPP Open platform, and employs over 10,000 professionals across 40+ offices worldwide.

The division, which contributes 40% to VML's overall business, stands out for its integration of brand creativity and digital innovation - a strength noted by both Geheb and VML Global CEO Jon Cook.

As Geheb put it in a recent interview,

“The fusion of top-brand creativity and cutting-edge technology has always been VML's greatest market differentiator... We never take this unique and relevant opportunity for granted.”

The group's formalized structure follows VML's recognition as a leader in Forrester's 2025 Wave for Marketing Creative and Content Services and marks a new chapter in the agency's rapid post-merger growth.

For a deeper look at this strategic leadership transition, visit Bizjournals' feature on VML naming Jeff Geheb as CEO of Enterprise Solutions, Adweek's analysis of VML's newly formalized global tech division, and the overview at Adgully covering Geheb's vision and VML's industry recognition.

Kansas City's own Tech N9ne is redefining the boundaries of music and technology with his recent collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony, presenting a groundbreaking blend of hip-hop and orchestral performance at the Midland Theatre.

This historic partnership, with music arranged by Grammy-nominated composer Tim Davies, featured a medley derived from 33 Tech N9ne songs and an impressive 63-piece orchestra - marking the Symphony's first collaboration at this scale with a non-classical artist.

Tech N9ne, renowned for incorporating orchestral elements throughout his storied career, emphasized,

“If you are a deep Tech N9ne fan, you know orchestral sounds and elements have been in my music since the beginning.”

For the May 4th concert, fan favorites like “Red Kingdom” and “Riot Maker” were reimagined, fusing energetic beats with rich symphonic textures and aiming to expand the audience for both genres.

As outlined in an in-depth Kansas City Star report, the event not only bridges Kansas City's vibrant music and cultural communities but also seeks to inspire a new generation of artists to experiment and innovate.

For more on the ethos and ambitions behind genre-blending orchestral-hip-hop performances, see this Q&A with composer JooWan Kim, whose contemporary Hip-Hop Orchestra Experience echoes many of the values driving Tech N9ne's local and national impact.

Behind the global tours and platinum hits of Kansas City's Tech N9ne lies Strange Land - the futuristic centerpiece of Strange Music's sprawling six-building compound just outside KC. This high-tech headquarters fuses world-class recording studios lined with gold and platinum plaques, a multimillion-dollar merchandise production facility, and the Midwest's largest music video soundstage - all dedicated to empowering artists with in-house control.

As one Strange Music artist notes,

“I have never seen a label with this kind of setup where everything is done in-house and as an artist, I have all this available.”

The studios, equipped with million-dollar gear and diamond-encrusted medallions, welcome both local talent and international stars - drawing praise from names like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Lady Gaga.

Strange Music's creative hub is also a business powerhouse:

“Touring and merchandising have still to this day been within 4% of each other and it is a multimillion-dollar revenue stream annually,”

says co-founder Travis O'Guin.

For fans eager to witness the label's innovation and artistry, upcoming Tech N9ne tour dates and VIP experiences are available at Strange Music Inc. official tour dates and VIP experiences, while a photo-rich look inside the facility is featured in an exclusive Strange Music headquarters tour with photos and videos.

Dive deeper into the story behind Strange Land and its culture of artistic autonomy, secured operations, and future expansion at The Kansas City Star's investigative feature on Strange Music's Strange Land.

Kansas City's tech-driven arts scene is making national waves, highlighted by a landmark collaboration between renowned hip-hop artist Tech N9ne and the Kansas City Symphony.

This historic concert, held at the Midland Theatre on May 4, 2024, marked the first time the Symphony partnered with a non-classical artist, bridging genres with a medley of over 30 Tech N9ne hits reimagined for orchestra by Grammy-nominated composer Tim Davies - who praised the project as “an opportunity to grow” Kansas City's cultural footprint.

The partnership not only demonstrated the city's musical innovation but also set the stage for further cross-genre projects, with Tech N9ne noting,

“If you are a deep Tech N9ne fan, you know orchestral sounds and elements have been in my music since the beginning.”

The sold-out show is a testament to Kansas City's thriving festival and performance landscape, where tech sophistication and artistic ambition go hand in hand.

For a deeper look at Tech N9ne's journey and the technology behind Strange Land Studios, explore the Kansas City Star's feature on Tech N9ne's hometown impact.

For event specifics and symphony achievements, visit the official Kansas City Symphony announcement of the 2024 concert.

Read more about this genre-blending performance and its implications for future collaborations in KC Studio's coverage of the Symphony's foray into hip-hop music.

The table below highlights key metrics from the event and Symphony's reach:

This year, the tech industry is undergoing a major shakeup as deep investments in artificial intelligence (AI) reshape roles and shift expectations in the job market.

Over 100,000 tech jobs have been cut in 2025 alone, with major firms like Intel, Meta, HP, and Autodesk leading sweeping restructuring efforts to reallocate resources toward cloud computing and AI innovation.

A comprehensive analysis notes that

“AI and automation drive efficiency and cost reduction but cause significant job displacement,”

prompting companies to cut costs and optimize for future skills needs rather than traditional roles.

The impact is seen in Autodesk's recent layoff of 1,350 employees - 9% of its workforce - aimed at transitioning to more self-service and AI-driven offerings, while fiscal performance remains robust with a 12% revenue increase to $1.64 billion.

Yet, the flood of layoffs is paired with a talent gap: Autodesk's State of Design & Make report shows that 46% of business leaders now prioritize AI skills in hiring, and 58% cite a lack of skilled talent as a primary barrier to growth.

As Autodesk's CEO Andrew Anagnost notes,

“The accelerating pace of innovation and demand for sustainability is reshaping skill requirements across the industries we serve. This creates both a challenge and a massive opportunity… Companies that invest in bridging the skills gap will be more resilient and better positioned to leverage emerging technologies.”

For affected regions and tech workers, the evolving landscape requires swift action on upskilling and adaptation, making AI literacy and technical agility more critical than ever.

For detailed breakdowns of recent layoffs and their drivers, see the comprehensive 2025 tech layoffs tracker, an in-depth report on how AI investment is driving workforce change, and Autodesk's own insights on AI skill needs and industry outlook.

VML is putting Kansas City on the national stage with a string of high-profile achievements, following the promotion of local executive Jeff Geheb to CEO of its $1.5 billion Enterprise Solutions division in April.

This tech powerhouse unites over 10,000 experts across more than 40 global offices, offering consulting, engineering, and AI-driven business transformation services for some of the world's most recognizable brands.

VML's active presence at major industry events such as the National Retail Federation's Big Show 2025 showcases partnerships with Fortune 500 retailers and innovators, emphasizing modern strategies that blend human connection, AI, and omnichannel commerce.

The division has received accolades from Gartner and Forrester, being named a “Visionary” for digital experiences and a “Strong Performer” for customer experience consulting.

Learn more about Jeff Geheb's appointment and VML's expanded mission, explore their impact at industry-defining events like NRF 2025, and discover why their Enterprise Solutions division is a leader in global digital transformation.

VML's momentum not only cements Kansas City's reputation as a vital tech hub but also sets a benchmark for innovation and corporate sophistication across the country.

The economic repercussions of ongoing tech and federal layoffs have struck Kansas City and Olathe particularly hard, reverberating well beyond the tech sector.

In 2025 alone, more than 22,000 tech jobs have been lost nationally, with major companies like Intel announcing plans to lay off over 21,000 employees and significant reductions at household names such as Meta, Google, and Expedia.

The region's large federal workforce - nearly 30,000 employees, including at key agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration - faces additional turmoil as buyouts, early retirements, and direct layoffs sweep through, potentially eliminating up to 6,000 federal jobs locally and doubling that figure in overall economic impact (TechCrunch's comprehensive 2025 tech layoff report).

These cuts have cascading effects: food pantries are reducing grocery allotments as $500 million in USDA food deliveries are halted, vital public health lab upgrades and community health grants have been canceled, and property owners in the region are facing vacancies and financial strain as federal tenants depart (KCUR's in-depth analysis of local economic fallout).

In response, Kansas City has moved to expedite municipal job applications for laid-off federal workers, with city officials warning that, “The long-term impact of having unemployed people will have a negative impact on our city” (PSHRA's coverage of Kansas City's workforce response).

As the region confronts these sweeping layoffs and program cuts, local leaders and experts underscore the risks to public services, economic stability, and community well-being.

“The mass layoffs pushed by the current administration and DOGE are not just uprooting the lives of dedicated federal workers, they are putting at risk the essential services our communities rely on every day.” - Rep. Sharice Davids

The tech industry in 2025 is witnessing a sweeping shift as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are rolled back in favor of efficiency and investments in AI, a trend starkly evident amidst widespread layoffs.

Industry leaders such as Meta, Google, and Intel have scaled back or eliminated DEI programs - Meta cited changing legal frameworks as the impetus, stating,

“The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States has changed. The Supreme Court of the United States has recently made decisions signaling a shift in how courts will approach DEI.”

Across the sector, April alone saw over 23,400 tech employees laid off, with companies often justifying cuts as a move to streamline for AI-driven priorities and compliance with new regulations (TechCrunch's comprehensive list of 2025 tech layoffs).

While some organizations, like Apple and Nvidia, remain committed to diversity, many others are reducing DEI budgets, dismantling teams, and rebranding efforts to mitigate political scrutiny and economic pressure, according to a recent in-depth analysis (CIO's in-depth report on DEI policy changes in the tech industry).

However, the transformation is nuanced - only 19% of companies have cut diversity funding, but 38% have dropped public representation goals, and most no longer disclose them internally or externally (Fast Company's survey on DEI funding reductions).

As more organizations prioritize AI adoption and internal efficiency, the future of corporate diversity remains uncertain - evolving in language and visibility but not disappearing entirely.

As uncertainty shapes the national tech landscape, Olathe and Johnson County exemplify how local leadership and innovation continue to drive thoughtful progress in a complex environment.

Johnson County's recent adoption of a responsible AI governance plan, emphasizing transparency, ethical review, and human oversight, positions it as a model for public sector adaptation amid shifting federal priorities and debates over AI bias and regulation.

Learn more about Johnson County's AI governance policy.

On the ground, initiatives like AI-powered 911 dispatcher training underscore a pragmatic approach to emerging technologies, with Lieutenant Ross noting,

“We are the first agency in Kansas to sign on with CommsCoach AI… We hope to be the model for how this works in the future.”

While the national conversation grows increasingly polarized - reflected by federal actions scrutinizing efforts to reduce algorithmic bias and changing support for diversity and inclusion in tech - the local community demonstrates the importance of responsible experimentation.

Explore the policy debate on AI bias and regulation.

At the same time, collaborative trends resonate far beyond Kansas, as institutions like Yale and the University of Utah gather global leaders to chart the future of responsible AI, equity, and workforce preparation.

Discover how the global conversation on responsible AI is evolving.

In this moment of rapid change, Olathe's commitment to careful stewardship and innovation offers a blueprint for resilient tech communities navigating both new risks and new opportunities.