Every quarter, workforce programs across our region support people who are navigating career changes, training, and the search for stable employment through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Below are three recent participant stories that offer a snapshot of that work. We’ve lightly edited them for clarity and length, but otherwise share them as they were reported, highlighting real moments of progress, transition, and next steps. (Stock photos are used to protect participant privacy.)

WorkSource Rainier in Seattle will temporarily close for remodeling for approximately two weeks beginning Thursday, Dec. 4. The site is expected to reopen on Monday, Dec. 22. During the closure, job seekers and other customers can access in-person services at nearby WorkSource locations.

We’re proud to reaffirm our participation in the Beyond the Cliff coalition, a growing national network of more than 70 organizations committed to eliminating the benefits cliff—a persistent barrier that prevents many working families from achieving lasting financial stability. The coalition now spans 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, uniting nonprofit workforce and social service organizations, state and local governments, and multi-sector collaboratives around a shared mission: helping families achieve economic prosperity that endures beyond public assistance.

The inaugural Enterprise Nexus event was a success! Hosted by our WorkSource Seattle-King County One-Stop Operator Team — Niecko Glover, Harpreet Marwah, and Karel M. Cleveland — in partnership with Jay Lyman from The Seattle Public Library, this groundbreaking event brought together over 45 small businesses and 20 partner organizations for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment.

The WDC is proud to announce a new partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF), made possible through funding from the Schultz Family Foundation. This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of youth career exploration in King County — ensuring young people have access to the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive.

Equipping communities for the future of work starts with building access to the digital world. That’s why we are celebrating the incredible people and partnerships driving digital equity in King County.

Join us in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week (DIW), a nationwide event dedicated to advancing digital equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Community-Driven Digital Futures,” highlights how the most effective solutions to bridging the digital divide are born from within communities themselves.

As we close out the 2024 program year, we want to take a moment, with deep pride and gratitude, to reflect on the meaningful progress we’ve made together. In a year marked by both challenge and change, we remained grounded in our values: advancing equity, investing in community-led solutions, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and embracing innovation.

In March 2024, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) released results from a groundbreaking Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot that paired flexible monthly stipends with personalized workforce support to advance economic mobility. The outcomes were striking: employment rose from 37% to 66%, savings among families with children increased from 0% to 42%, and participants reported lower financial stress, improved health, and stronger progress toward education and career goals. One year later, the work hasn’t stopped—it’s scaling. But a need for continued investment means the future is uncertain.

We had the honor of celebrating the small businesses and nonprofits from across King County who were the recipients of our Small Business Investment Grant and Workforce Accelerator Grant.

Hosted in partnership with the Rainier Beach Action Coalition, a longtime community partner and trusted anchor in South Seattle, the ceremony was part of their Walk the Block Party which brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community-based organizations for a day of recognition, connection, and reflection.

In early 2025, widespread federal layoffs across Washington triggered a coordinated statewide response. Led by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, partners quickly mobilized to connect displaced federal workers to unemployment support, job training, and reemployment services.

Jumpin Jambalaya, a beloved culinary staple known for its bold Cajun Creole fusions and community spirit, received funding from the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County’s Small Business Investment Grant, through the Community Reinvestment Project. We caught up with Youpa Valentine, CEO of Jumpin Jambalaya,to learn more about her journey into small business success.

The first quarter of 2025 has been filled with collaborations that are moving the needle for workforce opportunity. These moments, meetings, and milestones are a part of our mission to create a more accessible, equitable, and empowered workforce ecosystem.

We’re partnering with Employment Security, Workforce Snohomish, and the Future Workforce Alliance of Snohomish County to connect laid-off Boeing workers with training and high-quality job opportunities. This $2 million National Dislocated Worker Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is a critical investment in the regional economy—and a recognition of the vital role local workforce boards play in moments of disruption.

We see our role as more than a convener—we are a backbone organization committed to connecting policy to people. As federal workforce development policies evolve, so too do the systems that impact our region’s employers, training and service providers, and most importantly, our workers. Staying informed about these changes helps us better align our local strategies with national direction—ensuring we’re not only responsive, but proactive in advocating for a more accessible and resilient workforce system.

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is proud to announce that 50 small businesses and nonprofits across King County have been selected to receive the Workforce Accelerator Grant of up to $6,500 each. These grants will support employee training and expand employment opportunities for small businesses in historically underserved communities.

We are honored to receive the 2025 WIOA Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB)—a national recognition of our commitment to building an equitable, community-driven workforce system that meets the needs of all in Seattle-King County.

The 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 to enhance workplace practices and career pathways for hospitality workers across the region.

State and local agencies are coming together to support federal workers affected by recent layoffs, offering vital resources to help navigate this challenging time. A series of statewide webinars will provide information on unemployment benefits, health coverage options, and reemployment services. These efforts aim to ensure that impacted workers have access to the support they need to regain stability and plan their next steps.

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.