Pierce County Labor Secures $5 Million in State Funding to Create Childcare and Workforce Hub
TACOMA, WA — The Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO (PCCLC) and its nonprofit arm, the Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency (PCLCSA), are proud to announce a major milestone in their mission to support Pierce County workers: the acquisition of the former Willard Elementary School building. On May 1, the Labor Council officially signed a purchase agreement with Tacoma Public Schools following a $5 million allocation from the Washington State capital budget to fund the purchase—thanks in large part to the leadership of Senator Yasmin Trudeau, a champion for working families in our region.
The facility, located in Tacoma’s Eastside, will be transformed into an innovative, multi-use community resource supported by and serving a network of local unions, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners. The project will address two of the most pressing challenges facing working families: the lack of accessible, affordable childcare, especially during non-standard work hours, and the need for equitable workforce development.
“Childcare costs and availability are huge barriers for working families across Pierce County,” said Nathe Lawver, Secretary-Treasurer of PCCLC. “This project reflects our commitment to solving challenges for today’s workforce and offers hope for a new model for tomorrow’s. With this budget allocation and subsequent purchase, we’re not just buying a building—we’re laying the foundation for a childcare and training center that works as hard as our families do.”
This acquisition builds on momentum from a January 2025 announcement, when Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards helped to secure a $10,000 Dollarwise Grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors to support planning for this initiative. The shared vision has remained clear: to co-locate 24-hour childcare with meaningful, family-sustaining job training in a single, transformative facility.
“This state investment is a game-changer for working families in Tacoma and Pierce County. By transforming this Eastside facility into an innovative 24/7 early learning and workforce training center, we’re tackling two major challenges: the high cost and limited availability of childcare—especially during non-standard hours—and the need for equitable, family-sustaining job opportunities,” said Tacoma Mayor Woodards. “This project builds on the vision we began through the Good Jobs, Great Cities partnership and has been further shaped by the Dollarwise Grant earlier this year. This project reflects our commitment to creating a future where every family has the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful to our state and the Pierce County Central Labor Council for making this bold, innovative vision a reality.”
Why This Project Matters
Childcare in Pierce County costs working families an average of $16,000 to $21,000 per child each year, oftentimes exceeding 40% of a household’s income. Availability lags far behind demand, especially during early mornings, evenings, and weekends, when less than 1% of childcare needs are met county-wide. Meanwhile, the childcare workforce itself—overwhelmingly women and people of color—faces poverty wages and burnout, contributing to declining availability.
The project is a cornerstone of the Labor Council’s vision for an inclusive, economically vibrant future where every working family in Pierce County has the tools and support to thrive. More details on the project can be found at www.pclaborcares.org/childcare.