HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 9/19/2023 - Memorandum From Ginny Sawyer Re: Boulder County Minimum Wage Effort
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 14, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ginny Sawyer, Policy, and Project Manager
Thru: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
RE: Boulder County Minimum Wage Effort
Bottom Line:
Staff continues to participate in monthly/bi-monthly meetings of communities within the Minimum
Wage Working Group (a subgroup of the Boulder County Consortium of Cities) as they consider
a regional local minimum wage.
The Consortium is made of the Boulder County and 11 incorporated municipalities. Information
can be found here: https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/commissioners/consortium-of-cities/
Boulder County is currently conducting outreach on an effort to increase the County’s minimum
wage by 15% in 2024. There will be a public hearing on November 2, 2023. If the item passes,
the wage would only apply in unincorporated Boulder County. (See attachment.)
Background:
The Consortium of Cities first discussed a local minimum wage pre-pandemic and then again in
September 2022 and June 2023. Boulder County has decided to advance a shorter timeline
than the Working Group, implementing a wage increase in 2024. The Minimum Wage Working
Group includes communities of Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and Erie continue to
meet and have garnered local City Council support to conduct economic analysis and begin
community engagement to consider a regional minimum wage effort in 2024 targeting
implementation of an increased wage in 2025.
This group is releasing a Request For Information in mid-September to gauge costs for a full
Request For Proposal likely to be released later in the year. These requests are focused on the
economic analysis.
Boulder City Council recently voted (on a split vote) to stay with the 2025 timeline rather than
join with Boulder County. (Article attached.)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C
UPDATED: Boulder County to Introduce Local Minimum Wage in 2024
Businesses and Residents Invited To Share Views on Long-Term Strategy for Wages in Boulder County
Este mensaje sigue en español.
Boulder County, Colo. -- The Boulder County Commissioners will introduce a new hourly minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County, which will see the county’s local minimum wage rise
to 15% above Colorado’s 2023 minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2024. The move, which would bring the minimum wage to $15.69/hour*, is being made in response to the needs of unincorporated
Boulder County’s lowest paid workers in the face of the rising cost of living.
In 2019, Boulder County supported the state legislation that empowers counties and municipalities to set their own minimum wage by up to 15% per year above the state minimum wage .
The City and County of Denver implemented a local minimum wage in 2020. Denver’s minimum wage is currently 27% higher than Boulder County’s current minimum wage.
Why a Local Minimum Wage?
The rising unaffordability of Boulder County is something which residents often raise with the Boulder County Commissioners. The commissioners believe quick action is needed to address rising
costs and economic hardship facing residents and that increasing the spending power of low hourly wage households leads to more money being spent in the local economy on essentials, such
as housing, childcare, transportation, and food.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) recently issued the 2023 Minimum Wage Report , which indicates that in the three years since Denver implemented a local
minimum wage, the city did not suffer from economic stagnation or growth in unemployment. In that three-year period, Denver outpaced the rest of the state in jobs, wage growth, and sales tax
revenues.
Provide Feedback on Long-Term Strategy for Wages
To respond to the rising cost of living, the county continues to consult with local municipalities and neighboring counties to work towards consistency in the region and reinforce our community’s
ability to attract and retain a locally qualified workforce, reduce competition across the region for workers, and contribute to the quality of life for many area workers. The county is aware of the
many pressures on local workers and businesses alike and looks forward to learning more as economic conditions evolve and future plans are considered.
The county is looking for feedback on the ongoing approach to wages in future years. Feedback can be shared with the Boulder County Commissioners by email or through an online survey
which will be available shortly in English and Spanish.
Listening Sessions for Business Community
In addition to written feedback, the county invites the business community to attend online listening sessions with Commissioner Claire Levy, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners:
▪ Morning Session: Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
▪ Evening Session: Monday, Oct. 2, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
▪ Mid-day Session: Friday, Oct. 6, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Registration details to be announced shortly. Sign up to receive registration links when available .
Town Hall: October 12 – Niwot
The commissioners will host an in-person Town Hall event on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Left Hand Grange (195 2nd Ave, Niwot, CO 80544). Residents and businesses are welcome to
attend and share comments and questions in person.
Public Hearing: November 2, 2023
The Boulder County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. Public comment can be shared in-person (Commissioners’ Hearing Room, 1325 Pearl St, Boulder),
virtually via Zoom, or by phone. Registration links and further details will be available in the Commissioners’ Advance Agenda on Friday, Oct. 20. Sign up to receive the Advance Agenda.
*An earlier version incorrectly stated $15.70/hour. This would be higher than allowed by the state's legislation.
El condado de Boulder introducirá el salario mínimo local en 2024
August 4, 2023
Property Search Jobs News Elections County Government Departments Contact Select Language ▼
/ News / UPDATED: Boulder County to Introduce Local Minimum Wage in 2024
UPDATED: Boulder County to Introduce Local Minimum Wage in 202... https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-county-to-introduce-local-mi...
1 of 3 9/11/2023, 9:12 AM
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C
Se invita a empresas y residentes a compartir opiniones sobre la estrategia a largo plazo para los salarios en el condado de Boulder
Los comisionados del condado de Boulder introducirán un nuevo salario mínimo por hora en la zona no incorporada del condado de Boulder, con lo que el salario mínimo local del
condado aumentará un 15% por encima del salario mínimo de Colorado a partir del 1 de enero de 2024. La medida, que elevaría el salario mínimo a $15,69/hora*, se realiza en respuesta a
las necesidades de los trabajadores con los salarios mas bajos del condado no incorporado de Boulder ante el aumento del costo de la vida.
En 2019, el condado de Boulder apoyó la legislación estatal que faculta a los condados y municipios a �jar su propio salario mínimo hasta un 15% anual por encima del salario mínimo
estatal . La ciudad y el condado de Denver implantaron un salario mínimo local en 2020. El salario mínimo de Denver es actualmente un 27% más alto que el salario mínimo actual del
condado de Boulder.
¿Por qué un salario mínimo local?
La creciente inasequibilidad del condado de Boulder es algo que los residentes plantean a menudo a los comisionados del condado de Boulder. Los comisionados creen que es necesario
actuar con rapidez para abordar el aumento de los costos y las di�cultades económicas a las que se enfrentan los residentes y que el aumento del poder adquisitivo de los hogares con
salarios bajos por hora hace que se gaste más dinero en la economía local en productos esenciales, tales como la vivienda, el cuidado de los niños, el transporte y la alimentación.
El Departamento de Trabajo y Empleo de Colorado (CDLE) publicó recientemente el Informe 2023 sobre el Salario Mínimo, que indica que en los tres años transcurridos desde que
Denver implantó un salario mínimo local, la ciudad no sufrió un estancamiento económico ni un crecimiento del desempleo. En ese periodo de tres años, Denver superó al resto del
estado en puestos de trabajo, crecimiento salarial e ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas.
Proporcionar información sobre la estrategia a largo plazo para los salarios
Para responder al aumento del costo de la vida, el condado sigue consultando con los municipios locales y los condados vecinos para trabajar por la coherencia en la región y reforzar la
capacidad de nuestra comunidad para atraer y retener a una mano de obra local cuali�cada, reducir la competencia en toda la región por los trabajadores y contribuir a la calidad de vida
de muchos trabajadores de la zona. El condado es consciente de las muchas presiones que sufren tanto los trabajadores como las empresas locales y espera aprender más a medida que
evolucionen las condiciones económicas y se consideren los planes futuros.
El condado está buscando opiniones sobre el enfoque actual de los salarios en los próximos años. Puede compartir sus comentarios con los comisionados del condado de Boulder por
correo electrónico o a través de una encuesta en línea que estará disponible en breve en inglés y español.
Audiencias para la comunidad empresarial
Además de los comentarios por escrito, el condado invita a la comunidad empresarial a asistir a audiencias en línea con la comisionada Claire Levy, presidenta de la Junta de
Comisionados del Condado:
-Sesión matutina: jueves 28 de septiembre, 7:30 a. m. - 8:30 a. m.
-Sesión vespertina: lunes 2 de octubre, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
-Sesión de medio día: viernes 6 de octubre, 12 p. m. - 1 p.m.
Los detalles de inscripción se anunciarán en breve. Inscríbase para recibir los enlaces de inscripción cuando estén disponibles .
Asamblea pública: 12 de octubre - Niwot
Los comisionados organizarán un acto presencial en el Ayuntamiento el jueves 12 de octubre a las 5:30 p.m. en Left Hand Grange (195 2nd Ave, Niwot, CO 80544). Se invita a los
residentes y a las empresas a asistir y compartir sus comentarios y preguntas en persona.
Audiencia pública: 2 de noviembre de 2023
Los comisionados del condado de Boulder celebrarán una audiencia pública el jueves 2 de noviembre de 2023. Los comentarios del público pueden ser compartidos en persona (Sala de
Audiencias de los Comisionados, 1325 Pearl St, Boulder), virtualmente vía Zoom o por teléfono. Los enlaces de inscripción y más detalles estarán disponibles en la agenda anticipada de
los comisionados el viernes 20 de octubre. Inscríbase para recibir la agenda anticipada.
*Una versión anterior indicaba incorrectamente $15,70/hora. Esto sería superior a lo permitido por la legislación estatal.
UPDATED: Boulder County to Introduce Local Minimum Wage in 202... https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-county-to-introduce-local-mi...
2 of 3 9/11/2023, 9:12 AM
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023
A split council this week decided not to join Boulder County in pursuing a $15 per hour
minimum wage by January 1. Boulder will instead continue on a plan to raise wages
starting in 2025, in cooperation with Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette and Erie.
The city and county have been talking about establishing a higher local minimum wage
since 2020 (https://boulderbeat.news/2020/02/14/boulder-transportation-tax-affordable-housing-
minimum-wage/), the first year municipalities were allowed to pursue higher wages under
state law. Denver was the first region to take advantage of the new law, setting a $12.85
hourly minimum (https://denverite.com/2019/11/25/denver-approves-a-minimum-wage-that-will-rise-
to-nearly-16-an-hour-in-2022/) in 2020.
Like the state minimum wage, the rate increases each year, a model that Boulder hopes to
emulate. This year, Colorado’s minimum wage (https://cdle.colorado.gov/wage-and-hour-
law/minimum-wage) is $13.65; Denver’s is $17.29 (https://denverite.com/2023/08/03/denvers-
minimum-wage-will-rise-to-18-29-next-year/#:~:text=3%3A52%20p.m.-,Aug).
Locally, minimum wage efforts were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discussions did not resume until April 2022 (https://boulderweekly.com/news/minimum-wage-
debates-gun-control-and-a-full-docket-for-next-weeks-city-council-meeting/), and other municipalities
did not fully come on board until recently, according to council assistant Taylor Reiman and
Councilwoman Lauren Folkerts, who are both part of the collaborative working group.
A regional approach is preferred by other towns because of the shared costs and workload
in preparing legislation. Collaboration is also encouraged by the state legislation, which
limits the number of municipalities that can mandate higher wages.
Boulder will not join county in seeking minimum wage increase for 2024 https://boulderbeat.news/2023/08/26/boulder-minimum-wage/
3 of 10 9/11/2023, 9:03 AM
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C
The working group coalesced around a plan to raise minimum wage beginning in 2025,
Folkerts said. City council affirmed the work (https://www.dailycamera.com/2023/05/25/boulder-
city-council-discusses-financing-of-facilities-plan/), and the timeline
(https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=182111&dbid=0&repo=LF8PROD2),
at a May 25 study session.
Then, in July, Boulder County pulled out of the working group. On August 4, county
commissioners publicly announced their intent (https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-
county-to-introduce-local-minimum-wage-in-2024/) to raise the wage to $15.70 per hour on
January 1, 2024, a year earlier than expected, and thereafter work on an escalation plan.
The faster schedule is supported by labor unions (https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-
county-to-introduce-local-minimum-wage-in-2024/) and some human services agencies
(https://boulderbeat.news/2023/08/19/opinion-minimum-wage-efaa/), which are being overwhelmed
by demand for aid amid unprecedented levels of hunger and homelessness.
Thursday night, Boulder’s elected officials debated whether or not to join the county. The
four council members in favor of a 2024 increase — Junie Joseph, Nicole Speer, Aaron
Brockett and Folkerts — cited the dire need of low-income community members.
“People are telling us they need it right now, nonprofits are telling us even though they will
be impacted by higher wages,” Speer said. “A living wage is a matter of survival.”
“Doing a smaller increase now seems doable to me,” added Brockett, who was the only
council member to originally support a 2024 timeline when council discussed the issue in
May. “I want to defer final decisions to next year when we can do full engagement (and)
economic analysis,” both of which could not be completed before January.
Boulder will not join county in seeking minimum wage increase for 2024 https://boulderbeat.news/2023/08/26/boulder-minimum-wage/
4 of 10 9/11/2023, 9:03 AM
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C
It’s also unknown how many people will be impacted by Boulder County’s increase, which
covers unincorporated areas of the county. One-third of the county’s jobs are in Boulder;
another third are in Longmont, and the remaining third are split between Louisville,
Lafayette, Erie and unincorporated Boulder County.
Those missing pieces were a big reason the majority of Boulder’s city council felt 2024 was
too soon. Boulder would also have to step back from the working group to focus on
engagement and drafting an ordinance, possibly jeopardizing the collaboration. None of
the other towns would be ready for a rapid implementation, Reimann told council
members.
“We did tell people 2025 in May,” councilwoman Tara Winer said. “It’s almost September,
and we’re saying 2024. I don’t know how we can promise something and un-promise it.”
“Maybe if we had started this in May, maybe that would be achievable,” Bob Yates said.
“It’s too late, folks.”
Boulder County’s commissioners have yet to vote on the 2024 wage increase. A public
hearing and vote (https://bouldercounty.gov/news/boulder-county-to-introduce-local-minimum-wage-
in-2024/) is scheduled for November 2.
A new council will be responsible for voting to raise wages in Boulder. The majority of
candidates (https://boulderbeat.news/2023/06/23/raucous-caucus-2023/) have publicly pledged
support for the effort, including current council members Winer, Yates, Speer and Brockett.
— Shay Castle, @shayshinecastle or on Mastodon at toot.bldrweb.org/@shayshinecastle
Boulder will not join county in seeking minimum wage increase for 2024 https://boulderbeat.news/2023/08/26/boulder-minimum-wage/
5 of 10 9/11/2023, 9:03 AM
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6C32755E-4AC8-4B43-BFA1-F33E17EFDC4C