$3 Million to Advance “Sound Jobs” – Boosting Economic Mobility and Worker Well-Being in Seattle-King County’s Hospitality Sector
New partnership unites employers, labor unions, and workforce leaders to strengthen talent pipelines and business competitiveness in Washington’s largest workforce region.
SEATTLE, WA (March 19, 2025) – The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) has launched Sound Jobs, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening economic mobility and worker well-being in the hospitality sector, backed by a $3 million Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment supports a coalition of labor unions, workforce organizations, and employers—including Braided Rivers, FareStart, WeTrain Washington-UFCW 3000, Seattle Good Business Network, and Pacific Northwest Hospitality Training Program-UNITE HERE! Local 8—working to enhance workplace practices and career pathways for hospitality workers across the region. The initiative aims to set a model for equitable growth and economic resilience in Seattle-King County’s essential service industry, which employs over 111,000 people in hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores.
The Sound Jobs initiative, led by the WDC and its partners, is designed to strengthen workforce and business competitiveness in hospitality by improving team morale, enhancing productivity, and better enabling businesses to attract and retain top talent. This first-of-its-kind program offers 100 selected employers in Seattle-King County complimentary services valued at more than $10,000, providing access to workplace well-being experts, peer learning opportunities, and tailored support to strengthen talent pipelines. Businesses can apply for these no-cost resources and review program benefits at www.seakingwdc.org/sound-jobs.
Participating businesses will gain actionable strategies to improve retention, productivity, and customer satisfaction—demonstrating how investing in workers drives long-term business success. Programs like WeTrain Washington’s efforts to train and place immigrants, refugees, and other job seekers into grocery union jobs illustrate how targeted career pathways boost economic mobility, creating stronger, more resilient workplaces.
“This initiative is about ensuring hospitality jobs are gateways to economic mobility,” said Marie Kurose, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. “Through this project, we’re helping employers attract and retain talent while empowering workers—especially those from marginalized communities—to build careers that support their families and strengthen our regional economy.”
For employers, Sound Jobs provides tools to create work environments where employees thrive. Braided Rivers’ Workplace Wellbeing Compass will serve as a key tool for businesses to assess workforce retention and operational excellence. “Participating employers will survey employees to pinpoint improvement areas, engage in peer workshops for best practices, and access targeted training,” said Braided Rivers CEO and Founder Nicole Trimble. “Together with the WDC and partners, we’ll ensure that data-driven strategies benefit both employees and employers.”
FareStart, another key partner, highlights the dual responsibility of both workers and employers in creating sustainable employment. “Sustainable employment doesn’t just depend on job seekers—it also requires employers to have the right tools and resources to attract, retain, and support their workforce,” says FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio. “Through Sound Jobs, FareStart looks forward to working alongside hospitality employers to build a stronger employment ecosystem and more economic mobility, especially for people overcoming barriers to obtaining and keeping jobs.”
Seattle-King County’s hospitality industry faces significant workforce challenges, including recruitment and retention difficulties driven by the region’s high cost of living. Many hospitality jobs, including waitstaff and food prep positions, offer wages that struggle to keep pace with these rising costs, leading to high turnover and workforce instability. Pay gaps and inequitable hiring practices also disproportionately affect marginalized communities, with BIPOC workers making up 39% of the food service workforce but remaining underrepresented in higher-paying roles.
“Seattle’s hospitality industry is a cornerstone of our city’s economy, and investing in workers is the key to a stronger, more equitable future,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “The Sound Jobs initiative bridges the gap between employer needs and worker advancement, ensuring businesses can thrive, and employees are supported through living wages, benefits, and career pathways that reflect our city’s values.”
For many workers, structured training and career advancement opportunities have been life-changing. William Mitchell, a fishmonger at Town & Country Markets in Shoreline, is a testament to this. “My experience in Town & Country Market’s fishmonger apprenticeship program ignited my passion for my fishmonger career and the broader seafood industry. I am excited that other hospitality workers will get the opportunity to train and get placed at my company so they can have the same outstanding educational experiences that I’ve enjoyed.”
“King County’s economy is strongest when every worker has access to a good job with fair wages and opportunities for career growth,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The Sound Jobs initiative reflects our commitment to the workers who fuel our region’s hospitality industry. By improving job quality, we’re supporting our regional workforce and building a more sustainable, resilient economy for all.”
For many local businesses, investing in employees has long been a business strategy for success in our region. “The Sound Jobs initiative aligns perfectly with our values and our commitment to creating sustainable, life-changing careers in the hospitality industry,” said Denise Brown, CFOO of Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream. “We’re excited to deepen our development and career pathways programs and demonstrate that living wage jobs with great benefits and growth potential aren’t just good for employees—they make our local economy stronger and more resilient.”
Employers who implement improvements through Sound Jobs will receive formal recognition for leadership in workforce equity and innovation, signaling their commitment to investing in their employees. Through this collaboration, WDC and its partners aim to create sustainable career pathways for frontline workers, closing gaps in economic mobility and fostering a more competitive regional economy.
“The heart of our business has always been our people and the communities we serve,” said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets. “Through Sound Jobs, we’re strengthening our promise to invest in our team members, making sure everyone has the stability and opportunity to build a rewarding career with us. We’re excited to work alongside other businesses who share this vision in creating workplaces where people feel valued and supported in their growth.”
Applications and nominations for the Sound Jobs program are now open at www.seakingwdc.org/sound-jobs.
Media Contact
Joe Taylor, Senior Communications Manager
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
jtaylor@seakingwdc.org