City Cast Seattle logo
September 16, 2026

What It Takes to Raise a Kid in King County Right Now

City Cast Seattle

What It Takes to Raise a Kid in King County Right Now

00:00:00
View all City Cast Seattle episodes

City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it.

In this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, Jane speaks with Tristen Hall, co-lead of the King County Early Learning Coalition, and Carlina Brown-Banks, executive director of Voice2Power Lab and a member of the Be3 Coalition, about why early learning and K-12 education aren't nearly as separate as Washington's funding system treats them. They get into why coalition work can do what no single organization can on its own, the legislative win last year that protected educational rights for students experiencing homelessness after hundreds of people emailed the Senate, and why childcare in Washington eats up something like a third of a family's paycheck. They also talk about what changes when you actually trust that parents already know what their kids need.

To get involved, sign up for Be3 Coalition updates through Building Changes or connect with the King County Early Learning Coalition at brightspark.org/kcelc.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Seattle

Stay connected to City Cast Seattle and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 16

Recess Shrinking, Macklemore Dropped, and WA's Trees Are Under Attack. Plus, Mayor Wilson's Gun Violence Plan

A beautiful but deadly beetle has arrived in Washington for the first time, and host Jane C. Hu talks with Daria Gosztyla,  an urban and...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 15

Can We Eat Lettuce Again? Plus, Where To Get a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Jane’s back from vacation! And she needs to know what’s going on, so contributors Lex Vaughn and Hannah Krieg join to update her on all s...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 14

What Does Public Safety Really Mean? Plus, Community Garden Origin Stories and Goodbye to Spot Saver

For Brett Hamil’s last day as fill-in host, contributor Guy Oron and producer Sam J Leeds join to dig into the real numbers behind Seattl...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 11

SPS Budget Realities and Students Using AI. Plus, Do Bite of Seattle Texts Vindicate Mayor Wilson?

With school (almost not) back in session, Brett is joined by Seattle Times Reporter Claire Bryan to discuss the school year that almost w...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 10

Dr. Doom Crashes City Council, Cybercabs Start Test Driving, and the UW Parking Garage Skaters Love

Brett Hamil is back as guest host to explain why a supervillain showed up to give public comment at a Seattle City Council meeting and ot...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 9

Bumbershoot Success, Belltown Shootings, and Public Safety in Seattle. Plus, Late Night Eats

Today on the podcast, Brett Hamil (and his soothing NPR voice) joins as guest host to discuss all the news from over the long weekend. Fi...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 8

Could the Fremont Troll Get Built Today? Plus, the Argument for More Light at Green Lake

Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year about one of Seattle’s most iconic works of art: the Fremont...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 4

Bumbershoot's Stacked Lineup, Massage Ordinances Explained, and the Punk Band That Literally Lit the Stage on Fire

Today on the podcast, Bumbershoot is back! Executive Producer Ashley Smith – who is filling in for Jane – and producer Sam J. Leeds are j...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 3

How Can Washington Protect Its Forests, Water, and Citizens?

Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Today on the podcast, Jane speaks with UW Professor Julian Olden about the news that the Trump admin...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 2

District 5’s Top Issues According to Both Candidates

Come November, Seattleites living in District 5 will vote on a new city council member who will fill the seat vacated by Cathy Moore last...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art