2026 Economics for Emancipation King County Learning Cohort

We all need and deserve a safe and affordable place to live, good food on our table, clean water and air, and loved ones surrounding us.

As the cost of living increases and the federal government cuts basic services like food and healthcare assistance, it becomes more and more clear that the economy isn’t designed to work for everyday people. A small group of corporations and wealthy individuals have way more resources and control than the rest of us. They use their capital to tip the scales in favor of their own self-interest, to accumulate and hoard more and more wealth. They use politics to build and secure their power and to rig the rules. We’re told to keep up, but we don’t have much of a chance.

So, what does it take to create an economy that truly serves people? To create the economy we all deserve?

PEL’s 2026 Economics for Emancipation King County learning series will answer this question and more, and prepare participants to take action on what they learn.

What: an engaging series of interactive learning sessions where we delve into transformative economic systems and visionary alternatives to capitalism. Led by People’s Economy Lab, and using the Economics for Emancipation curriculum as our foundation, we'll explore innovative economic models that can help us reimagine and reshape our local economy together.

When & Where: January through March 2026

  • The afternoon of January 16, in person (location TBD)

  • January 29, 12-2pm, online

  • February 5, 12-2pm, online

  • February 19, 12-2pm, online

  • February 26, 12-2pm, online

  • The afternoon of March 13, in person (location TBD)

Who: A cohort of 20-25 participants, prioritizing people on the frontlines of economic and environmental injustice. We’re looking for King County community members, especially those living or working outside Seattle; staff and board from community-based organizations, labor organizations, and philanthropic organizations; artists; organizers; small business owners; government employees; and elected and appointed leaders. We’re looking for people who are curious about alternative economic systems. Most importantly, we want participants who will apply and share this knowledge within their communities and workplaces. You must be affiliated with a group to participate, whether that’s a nonprofit, government agency, foundation, community group, collective, business, or something else.

Note: If you work in King County but live somewhere else, that still counts. Just put your work zip code in the application instead of your residential zip code.

How much: Free! No cost to participate. If you’re not being paid to participate by your employer, or your employer needs support to help you participate, we’ll pay you! $125 for each virtual session and $250 for the longer in-person sessions. 

Fill out this form by December 7, 2025 to apply. Email laura@peopleseconomylab.org if you have any questions.
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Name *
Email address *
Phone number
King County zip code (where you live or work) *
Organizational affiliation (You must be affiliated with a group to participate, whether that’s a nonprofit, government agency, foundation, community group, collective, business, or something else.) *
In some cases, it may be helpful to have multiple people from your group/organization join the learning cohort. If you are applying with a buddy, they still need to fill out their own application, but please tell us the name of your buddy below.
How would you describe your community, and in what ways are you currently engaged in your community? *
How do you typically share what you learn and experience with your community? *
Why do you want to participate in the Economics for Emancipation King County learning series and cohort? *

What questions do you have about the Just Transition or solidarity economy framework, principles, or practices? Or, what are you most interested in learning about during this series?

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Are you currently working on a project, program, business, system, and/or policy change related to a Just Transition and the solidarity economy? If so, please describe briefly.
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How do you hope to use the skills, knowledge, and relationships you build through Economics for Emancipation King County? *
Will you be available for at least five out of six sessions? *
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