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 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 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.