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Summary
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced today a $25 million investment through 2026 to strengthen the human services workforce and help sustain essential community services following new data that shows federal funding cuts, economic uncertainty, and the rising cost of living are straining the ability of providers to meet growing needs.
Story
King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced today that the county will invest up to $25 million through 2026 to support nonprofit human service providers and workers with higher wages, cost-of-living subsidies, improved benefits, hiring and retention bonuses, professional development, and more.
Recent findings from King County’s Nonprofit Wage & Benefit Survey and Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey show how reductions in federal funding, rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, declining individual donations, volunteer shortages, and other factors are threatening the sector’s viability.
This investment is made possible through the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), a local funding source.
"At a time when many nonprofits are facing state and federal funding cuts, King County is stepping up to stabilize this workforce that bolsters our county’s work and helps strengthen the communities we serve,” said Executive Braddock. “This is an investment that supports local jobs and strengthens the foundational services that countless members of the public rely upon each and every day.”
Two surveys conducted by 501 Commons analyzed 224 nonprofit organizations in King County that employ over 20,000 individuals. The findings show how burnout, turnover, and financial pressures are impacting both the organizations and their employees:
- One in three employees reported holding a second job to make ends meet.
- 60% of employees reported spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
- Voluntary turnover remains high: 18% for full-time staff and 20% for part-time staff over the past year.
- 27% of reported turnover was attributed to high stress and burnout, 53% to losing staff to higher-paying opportunities.
- Only 32% of organizations offer structured leadership development programs, creating gaps in succession planning and career growth for staff.
“It takes people to care for people,” said Kelly Rider, director of King County’s Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS). “By investing in a strong, diverse nonprofit and human services workforce, we can help more residents access the support they need to meet basic needs, improve their well-being and become more connected to community.”
So far this year, King County has awarded $11.4 million to support workforces across 90 nonprofit organizations that deliver a range of services, including housing, senior services, gender-based violence advocacy and prevention, support for immigrants and refugees, disability support, as well as legal and veteran services.
“The human services workforce plays a critical role in ensuring that people across King County have equitable opportunities to live healthy, happy, and connected lives,” said Michael Bailey, director of King County DCHS’ Adult Services Division that oversees the VSHSL. “Despite their historical contributions, staff turnover continues to be a challenge. It’s time we support these workers and the vital work they do every day. This investment is a step in the right direction and will have a tremendous impact not just on workers, but the communities they serve.”
Through 2029, King County's VSHSL will invest a total of $57 million to help stabilize the nonprofit human services workforce.
More about the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy
The VSHSL expands access to critical human services to improve overall health and well-being, create thriving communities, and reduce disparities throughout King County. A six-year property tax levy, the VSHSL provides funding and partners with organizations that offer programs and services to help King County residents achieve housing and financial stability, become more socially connected and engaged, increase health and wellness, and access systems and services that support their individual needs.
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