Ten community-led organizations across South King County, Beacon Hill, and the Duwamish Valley will receive a total of $2.7 million in funding through the Port of Seattle’s South King and Port Communities Fund Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program. The initiative aims to connect underrepresented communities to living-wage jobs and careers in port-related industries such as aviation, construction, maritime, and green jobs. This funding opportunity, released in March 2025, attracted a record number of applicants and was evaluated through a competitive process involving both community members and Port staff. The selected programs will launch in November 2025.
The EOC Program evolved from the Port’s Economic Recovery Program, established in 2020 to help communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, it was restructured to focus on advancing long-term economic opportunities rather than short-term recovery. The Port also increased funding for community-led projects from $10 million to $14 million for the 2024–2029 cycle, expanding eligibility to include new areas identified by the Port’s Equity Index as facing social and environmental inequities.
Port of Seattle leaders emphasized that this investment strengthens both the local workforce and the environment by creating sustainable pathways into port-related industries. The initiative targets historically underserved neighborhoods that have faced overlapping challenges such as health disparities and environmental burdens. By engaging local organizations, the Port is helping residents develop skills, access career opportunities, and build resilience through inclusive economic development.
Workforce development remains a priority as many port-related industries continue to face labor shortages. Through these grants, the selected organizations will offer participants career navigation, technical and soft-skills training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized certifications. These programs aim to equip residents with the tools and experience needed to secure well-paying, stable jobs while promoting diversity and inclusion across the region’s growing industries.
The South King and Port Communities Fund, originally launched in 2019 as the South King County Community Impact Fund, has since provided over $9.25 million to more than 50 organizations for over 80 community-led projects. By fostering equity-based partnerships and supporting local leadership, the fund continues to bridge gaps in access to jobs, training, and environmental improvement in areas most affected by Port operations.
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