King County Executive Dow Constantine recently unveiled the recipients of two grants, totaling $800,000, for priority hire initiatives led by the Highline School District and the City of SeaTac. This funding forms a key component of a freshly minted $3 million grant program designed to bolster local priority hire programs within cities, school districts, and public entities. The overarching aim is to create a construction industry workforce that mirrors the community it serves.
The grant initiative builds upon the triumph of King County’s existing Priority Hire program, established in 2016. Geared toward fostering equitable access to apprenticeships and family-wage employment, the program has been successful in elevating retention rates and broadening opportunities for women and individuals of color in the construction industry.
Constantine introduced the City of SeaTac and Highline School District as the inaugural beneficiaries of the newly introduced priority hire grant program. The program, set to disburse a cumulative $3 million by 2024, is dedicated to aiding local jurisdictions in the establishment of their own priority hire initiatives. Priority Hire, a comprehensive workforce and economic development strategy, fosters training and family-wage job prospects in the construction sector.
“Priority hire is a crucial workforce and economic development approach that provides individuals with access to well-paying careers and a pathway to lasting economic stability. It concurrently cultivates a trades workforce that mirrors our diverse communities,” said Constantine. “I am gratified that the City of SeaTac and Highline School District have chosen to align with King County’s vision by investing in opportunities that pave the way for community and regional prosperity.”
Mayor Jake Simpson of SeaTac expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the support garnered from various quarters.
“We are excited to contribute, as a city, to the training and development of the next generation of union building trades members,” said Simpson. He further emphasized the positive impact of a local Community Workforce Agreement combined with priority hire. The collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including trade organizations and the SeaTac Public Works team, was acknowledged.
Ivan Duran, Highline Superintendent, noted the program’s alignment with the district’s goals.
“This grant echoes our commitment to ensure every student graduates prepared for their chosen future,” Duran stated. “It opens doors for our students and families to access living wage jobs and apprenticeships within their own community.”
Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council, lauded the historic nature of the initiative. Anderson highlighted the inclusion of a Community Workforce Agreement and its potential to advance equity and economic prospects for workers through apprenticeship and Priority Hire.
“This grant supports our Highline promise for every student to graduate prepared for the future they choose,” said Anderson. “It will provide greater opportunities for our students and families to obtain living wage jobs and apprenticeships in their own community.”
Funding for the grant program stems from Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funds, an extension provided to King County as part of the federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act). Applications are currently open on a rolling basis, with the process concluding once all available funds have been allocated.
