King County is a hub of innovation and economic opportunity, yet many of our neighbors face significant challenges in achieving financial stability. In fact, 27% of Washington's struggling households are located here. With rising costs of living and systemic barriers to employment, traditional solutions alone aren’t enough. That’s why the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) proudly supports the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program—a transformative initiative helping individuals move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Job quality is central to our mission. For employers, it’s essential for retaining employees and fostering satisfaction. By promoting fair wages, supportive environments, and growth opportunities, we help businesses build productive teams, driving long-term success and a thriving workforce.

We are excited to announce that we have joined the National Skills Coalition’s newly formed WIOA Advisory Council. This council brings together over 20 leaders from 13 states and two tribal nations to help shape the future of the nation’s workforce system, just as Congress moves toward reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

We were honored to welcome Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA 9) to WorkSource Rainier last month, where he joined us for an engaging discussion on the future of workforce development in Seattle-King County. During the visit, Congressman Smith took a deep dive into key topics shaping our region, including how youth are accessing vocational training, the importance of community partnerships, and the role of employers in building a strong workforce pipeline. We also showcased the impactful work of our multilingual and culturally responsive team at WorkSource Rainier, where staff members speak 26 languages, helping to meet the diverse needs of job seekers.

In 2023, Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) formed the Task Force on Data, Access, Alignment, and Integration for Improved Workforce Outcomes, an executive task force formed from workforce development boards across the country, to explore how federal policies can better utilize existing workforce systems to deliver people-first, equity-centered results for all. Marie Kurose, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, was honored to serve as a member of this task force. The principles and recommendations outlined in this report lean into the power of the nation’s workforce development system while remaining locally responsive and data-driven.

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is proud to announce its participation in the National Skills Coalition’s Infrastructure Equity Policy Project. This initiative aims to train the next generation of infrastructure and clean energy workers by advancing policies in multiple states that intentionally open doors to millions of people, particularly women and workers of color, who seek new career opportunities.

We’re excited to announce our participation in the Beyond the Cliff Coalition, a national collaborative to help families achieve economic prosperity by addressing the benefits cliff. This issue affects millions of low-income families who face financial setbacks when increased earnings lead to a sudden loss of public assistance. The Beyond the Cliff Coalition is led by the Martha O’Bryan Center, with funding from the Kresge Foundation, and includes various partners across the nation.

We want everyone to have access to high-quality training programs. These programs should open doors to good jobs with career pathways. We’ve joined forces with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) to figure out what changes we need to make the U.S. workforce training system better for everyone. Especially, to center racial equity and job quality within the needs of both today’s job market and what’s expected in the future.

The passage of SB 5236, HB 1451, and HB 1525 represents significant achievements in advancing the WDC's policy priorities. These legislative victories highlight the commitment of Washington state to foster job quality, support workforce development, and address critical issues in healthcare, childcare, and apprenticeship programs. The impact of these bills will be felt across Seattle-King County and beyond.