
AGENCY OVERVIEW
About the Seattle Urban League
What does the Urban League do?
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle was established in 1930 to become one of approximately 92 affiliates of the National Urban League (NUL). Today, ULMS implements its mission within our Seattle/King County service area through advocacy, direct programming, community outreach, and coalition building in seven major pillars of focus: (1) housing, (2) education, (3) workforce development, (4) public health, (5) entrepreneurship, (6) civic engagement, and (7) financial empowerment.
As the second-oldest civil rights organization in the state of Washington, ULMS is one of the region’s essential economic first responders, helping families cope with challenges through a variety of programs designed to support and encourage self-sufficiency in all aspects of life. ULMS also serves as a liaison between community members, local businesses, city and county government, and other service based organizations that share our concern for the welfare of the Black community and other disadvantaged residents in the Greater Puget Sound area.
- 120+ dedicated staff members
- 22 passion-fueling board members
- 280+ committed volunteers
- 160+ trailblazing Young Professionals
- 40+ devoted Guild members!
Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban league spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, the National Urban League has 92 affiliates serving 300 communities in 37 states and the District of Columbia; providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people.
To visit the National Urban League Website, please click here.









Our Mission
To empower Black and other historically underserved people to thrive for generations through social and economic justice.
Our Vision
Black Equity, Education, & Economic Empowerment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LEADERSHIP HERE
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General Overview
With a community first approach, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle works to empower and support the needs of those we serve every day.
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Guiding Principles
Our Values
The following values are crucial for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, as they guide the organization’s actions, decisions, and interactions with the community. By embracing equity, authenticity, integrity, compassion, transformative change, and resoluteness, ULMS can effectively fulfill its mission of empowering underserved populations, advocating for justice, and creating lasting positive impact in Seattle and King County.
These values were created by the staff and leadership of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to demonstrate how we will lead, operate, and treat those we serve, our community, and each other.
Foundation of Social Justice: Equity ensures that everyone has fair access to opportunities and resources, which is critical for addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social justice.
Inclusivity: By prioritizing equity, ULMS can create programs and initiatives that are inclusive and tailored to meet the unique needs of marginalized communities.
Impactful Change: Focusing on equity allows the organization to make a more significant impact by addressing the root causes of disparities and ensuring that everyone can thrive.
Trust Building: Authenticity fosters trust between ULMS and the communities it serves. Being genuine and transparent in actions and communications builds credibility.
Community Connection: Authentic engagement with the community helps ensure that ULMS’s initiatives are relevant and resonate with the lived experiences of those they aim to support.
Organizational Integrity: Authenticity aligns with the organization’s mission and values, ensuring that all actions and decisions are true to its core purpose and goals.
Ethical Standards: Integrity upholds high ethical standards, ensuring that the organization operates with honesty and accountability in all its endeavors.
Trust and Reliability: By maintaining integrity, ULMS becomes a trusted and reliable partner for community members, donors, and stakeholders.
Long-term Success: Integrity is key to building a sustainable and respected organization that can achieve long-term success and positive impact.
Empathy and Understanding: Compassion drives ULMS to empathize with the struggles and challenges faced by the community, leading to more effective and sensitive support.
Supportive Environment: A compassionate approach fosters a supportive and caring environment, both within the organization and in the community, promoting healing and well-being.
Motivation for Service: Compassion is a fundamental motivation for the work of ULMS, ensuring that the organization remains committed to helping those in need.
Visionary Change: The value of being transformative reflects ULMS’s commitment to creating significant, lasting change in the community, rather than just addressing surface-level issues.
Innovation and Growth: A transformative mindset encourages innovation and continuous improvement, allowing ULMS to adapt and grow in response to evolving community needs.
Empowerment: By focusing on transformative change, ULMS empowers individuals and communities to achieve their full potential and create a better future.
Determination and Perseverance: Being resolute signifies the organization’s unwavering commitment to its mission, even in the face of challenges and obstacles.
Consistency: A resolute approach ensures that ULMS consistently works towards its goals with determination and dedication, providing reliable support to the community.
Strength and Stability: This value reflects the strength and stability of ULMS, reinforcing its role as a steadfast advocate for social justice and community empowerment.
Service
Families Served
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle team works relentlessly alongside our local partners and community supporters to ensure the needs of the families we serve are being met and the economic challenges they face overcome. Over the last five years (2020 – 2025), team ULMS has served an average of 5,982 families annually through our essential programming and services.
Agency Yearly Average
Yearly Average by Department
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Community Impact
Why are Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle programs and direct services so critical to those we serve?
2024-2029 Strategic Priorities
Economic Empowerment & Workforce Development
Enhance economic mobility for the Black community and under-represented groups. Leverage relationships with current & future partners to increase opportunities for generational wealth accumulation through increasing Black home ownership and entrepreneurship education.

Dismantling Systemic Racism & Injustice
ULMS will unapologetically advocate for the betterment of Black people, and other underrepresented people in the Puget Sound Region. ULMS will be the leading voice for our community and those we serve. We will be a thought leader/partner in advocacy and policy for effective change in the Black community in the region.

Advancing a Healthy & Joyous Community
Promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those we serve with community led solutions centering joy, our rich heritage, and the sustainability of our environment through workshops, events, local partnerships, and more.

Strategic Development
Create community-driven development projects that enhance neighborhood infrastructure, safety, and vibrancy. Partner with developers and government agencies to increase the availability of affordable housing units, youth and adult shelters, transitional housing, low-moderate income housing, permanent supportive housing, workforce housing, and homeownership support opportunities.

Preparing the Next Generation
Ensuring that we are adequately preparing the next generation of leaders through educational attainment, work readiness, and family support.

Organizational Excellence & Sustainability
Strengthen ULMS's organizational capacity and sustainability to effectively serve the community by investing in professional development and training for staff to enhance skills and effectiveness. In addition, ensuring that our technology, innovation and service delivery is provided in a manner that is consistent with what our community expects and deserves.

careers
Join the ULMS Team
Interested in working for #TeamULMS? Here’s how to get started!
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