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.

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.

A $500 monthly boost led to significant employment growth, enhanced savings, improved debt management, and better quality of life for diverse King County residents facing poverty. The Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot, designed by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) and independently evaluated by Applied Inference, showed promising outcomes over its 10-month course.

In this video, meet Afzal, a refugee from Afghanistan who arrived in King County in 2021, after being evacuated from Kabul as the country fell to the Taliban. After connecting with Neighborhood House and enrolling in services blended from local (VSHSL), state (EcSA) , and federal (WIOA) resources he was able to find a job, receive training, and cover basic costs like rent and transportation. Afzal's story showcases the potential of community-based programs and the impact they can have in helping refugees and other vulnerable populations find stable employment and build a new life.