For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Announces Request for Proposal for Two Year $534,000 App-Based Worker Outreach and Education Fund
Seattle, WA (January 7, 2026) – The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announces the availability of $534,000 dollars in funding to expand outreach, education, and technical assistance to app-based Seattle workers about the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment and App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights ordinances. OLS will award 24-month contracts totaling $267,000 dollars per year for July 2026 – June 2027 and July 2027 – June 2028 to fund local community organizations that assist low wage app-based workers with the highest rates of workplace violations, including BIPOC workers and immigrant and refugee workers. The 24-month contracting period begins in July 2026.
This Request for Proposals is funded by the Network Company Licensing Fee imposed by companion legislation to the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment and App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights ordinances. The ordinance requires app-based companies to collect a fee for online orders and remit the fee monies to the City. The regulation of app-based work ensures that such workers can perform their services in a safe, reliable, and dignified manner. The goal of this funding is to build capacity among, and partnership with, community-based organizations who can increase app-based workers’ knowledge of Seattle’s app-based labor standards through methods that are community centered, culturally relevant and accessible, and language specific.
“OLS is excited to offer a unique funding opportunity to expand our reach to Seattle app-based workers. We invite trusted community organizations to apply to help app-based workers learn about their rights and how to navigate the digital platform workplace. OLS looks forward to partnering with selected recipients as we continue to lead the country in advancing app-based worker protections,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
Application Process:
To find the full Request for Proposal and application requirements, including optional presentation dates, visit App-Based Worker Outreach and Education Call for Proposal – LaborStandards | seattle.gov. App-Based Worker Outreach and Education Call for Proposal
Important dates for the RFP are noted below. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 5:30 pm using the OpenGov portal.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend our voluntary information session on January 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm. This session will provide an overview of the work and discuss the requirements for a successful proposal.
2026-2028 App-Based Worker Outreach and Education Fund RFP Online Information Session
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89999627399?pwd=vKsqxOfjIBxK2BYjtQdHzb5vkswQK7.1
Accessibility: Interpretation requests or other accessibility requests can be made by emailing OLS_RFP@seattle.gov no later than January 14, 2026.
A recording of the workshop will be posted on the RFP website after the session is completed.
Schedule:
- RFP Release – Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Optional Information Session and Q & A via Zoom – Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:00pm
- Deadline for Questions – Thursday, February 5, 2026, 11:59 pm
- Response Deadline – Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Optional Presentation – February 16 – March 6, 2026; times to be booked after application submission
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