Economic Security for All (EcSA) is a state funding stream for Workforce Development focused on poverty prevention and reduction. It enhances and aligns existing programs and resources in local workforce systems across the state to move individuals from poverty, or at risk of falling into poverty, to self- sufficiency.
*Data points from July 2023 – June 2025
WWA’s top priority is to enhance Economic Security for All resources to increase service levels and simplify the program’s administration. EcSA provides a state funding stream that aligns existing workforce and support programs across the state to amplify their collective impact. These funds are a critical resource that addresses the need to connect businesses with workers and sustain the infrastructure for individuals to receive training and credentialing to be self-sufficient and
achieve economic independence. EcSA funds primarily assist traditionally underserved communities, including BIPOC, justice-impacted, and rural populations, in creating generational economic success by providing individuals with the necessary resources and support to thrive in the workforce.
EcSA core services received $12.338 million in the 2025-27 biennium operating budget, an $8 million reduction in direct funding. An additional $14.475 million from the Community Reinvestment Project (previously $48.25 million) will continue to partially supplement EcSA’s efforts to support marginalized communities and enhance economic development opportunities. Despite the significant funding drop, these remaining resources are critical to sustaining community-based programs that address economic disparities and promote
workforce development.
EcSA makes existing government programs more accessible and effective.
A June 2025 evaluation of EcSA, comparing over 4,400 participants to a matched group of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Youth enrollees, found that co-enrollment in EcSA consistently delivers stronger labor market outcomes— making EcSA a great complement to federal WIOA investments. Outcomes include:
EcSA Results: July 2023 – June 2025
In the two years EcSA since was codified into law, the
combined results show a positive impact on our most
vulnerable Washingtonians:
Return on Investment
Taxpayers and budget writers see an immediate return on investment. These are the annual returns and savings:
$25,348,575 total estimated return generated by EcSA July 2024 – June 2025 from a $9.6 million investment in Local Workforce Development Boards
$2,690,439 total estimated increase in sales tax revenue generated by EcSA July 2024 – June 2025
$22,658,136 total estimated benefit savings for the state generated by EcSA July 2024 – June 2025
The US Department of Labor has recognized EcSA as
a best practice.
More information on EcSA can be found in ESD’s 2024 Legislative Report.
When Deylene, a determined single mother, came to People For People, she was living with her parents and struggling to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, she carried a dream: to become a substance abuse counselor and help others overcome the struggles she herself had faced. With a history of justice involvement due to substance use, she knew firsthand how difficult the journey could be.
At People For People, Deylene shared her aspirations with her Career Development Counselor, Michele, who enrolled her in EcSA. This support put her on the path toward a brighter future. Deylene began her studies at Yakima Valley College, excelling academically and emerging as a leader on campus, even being elected president of the Wellness Society club.
With supportive services and the EcSA Career Accelerator Incentive, Deylene gained the stability she needed to provide for her son while pursuing her education. In May, she graduated from YVC and accepted a full-time position as a counselor at Merit Resources. Today, she is living her dream—helping others in Yakima find hope and freedom from addiction.
Deylene’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of support. She has transformed her life and now dedicates herself to transforming the lives of others.
Charlie, a dedicated single mother of three, approached North Central Workforce Development Council (SkillSource) in search of scholarship funding to pursue her nursing degree. Balancing the demands of her personal life, parenting, and her studies proved challenging, and she often faced financial difficulties. Throughout her training, SkillSource provided crucial support services, helping her maintain the stability needed to focus on her education. Charlie put in the effort, working as a nursing technician during the summer to keep her skills sharp.
With the assistance of SkillSource and funding from Economic Security For All (EcSA), Charlie persevered through the rigorous nursing program at Big Bend Community College. In addition to support services, Charlie was enrolled in the financial incentive program that is based on satisfactory progress on her career
plan. The support she received helped her overcome significant obstacles that might have otherwise derailed her progress. Her determination, combined with the resources and guidance from SkillSource, ultimately led to her success in the program.
Charlie’s hard work paid off in a remarkable way. Upon graduating, she secured not just one, but two positions—one at Samaritan Hospital and another as a part-time home health nurse. These opportunities not only provided financial security for her family but also marked the beginning of a fulfilling career in the high demand healthcare field.
“Wow, thank you. I can’t imagine how much harder it would have been without the help I got. I feel like I barely made it as it was. The help from SkillSource has had a major impact on my life and I am so grateful for your program!”
~ Charlie
EcSA is a critical tool to help Washington respond to new federal work requirements and the loss of key safety net supports. By connecting participants to training, credentials,
and the tools needed to build meaningful career pathways, EcSA empowers individuals to move off state and federal benefit programs and into long-term self-sufficiency.
This work has never been more urgent. With 920,000 Washington residents facing the loss of SNAP benefits – an average cut of $55.95 per household per month – and more than 320,000 adults impacted by a $42 billion reduction to Medicaid over the next decade, EcSA provides the bridge from instability to opportunity. It ensures that people are not left behind by Federal changes, but instead supported in achieving economic security and resilience.
Community Reinvestment Program Impacts
The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) is a statewide effort designed to strengthen the workforce and economic development across Washington, prioritizing Black, Latine, and Tribal communities. Local workforce boards are working to implement key components of this project, including direct
financial support to participants, support to help businesses grow and thrive, and Matched Investment Savings Accounts (MISAs) that help individuals build financial security. These efforts are designed to create meaningful pathways to economic stability and self-sufficiency for those most in need.
Results: December 2023 – June 2025
12% increase in job seekers served from Black, Latine, and Tribal communities over a 1-year period
Career Accelerator Incentives
Business Support
Financial Literacy: Matched Investment Savings Accounts
Source: Employment Security Department Community Reinvestment Project Quarterly Report June 2025
When Chocolate Marie Jones founded 777ish Cookie Desserts, she set out to bring joy and comfort through imaginative cookies and “cookie milks.” What began as a dream rooted in community care has grown into a thriving business thanks to support from EcSA, funded through Washington’s Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). With CRP-backed EcSA resources, Chocolate invested in energyefficient equipment and compostable packaging, reducing costs while aligning with her values. The funding also allowed her to hire part-time staff and expand initiatives like cookie dough fundraisers that return 45% of proceeds to families and individuals in need. For Chocolate, business success is inseparable from compassion – whether
providing food and comfort to unhoused neighbors or helping families cover critical expenses. “Receiving this grant is like a warm hug,” she says. “Small and slow still gets the job done.”
EcSA, powered by CRP, helps businesses like 777ish Cookie Desserts grow stronger, stay sustainable, and give back— showing how smart investment creates economic vitality and community impact.
Alvaro Enriquez is the proprietor of Al’s Automotive Repair, located in Pasco on Lewis Street. Due to the undertaking of a large renovation-based project on the Lewis Street Bridge many of the small minorityowned businesses experienced reduced foot traffic, the primary source of income. During this time, the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council team met Alvaro and his wife Blanca, owner of Paris Beauty Salon. They shared the financial impact of the transportation project on them financially and feared they may not be able to withstand the lost business.
We worked with Alvaro and Blanca to create a plan on how the services offered through the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) could support their businesses and the jobs they sustain. As part of the plan, Alvaro decided to expand the services offered by his shop to include AC repair and freon refills but lacked the funds to add equipment for the services. With the help of the CRP Alvaro received financial assistance to purchase an Industrial AC Servicing Unit and a Tire Calibration Machine, which allowed him to diversify his services and add to his customer base and add employees.
Volunteers are the heart of a community. Our volunteers are a valuable resource for our fast-growing, fast-paced city.
Our city relies on our volunteers for everything from staffing special event, such as Freedom Fest and Merry Main Street, to assisting departments with daily activities, such as shelving library books, filing records or using GIS equipment.
