Local news- Press Release
Louisville Public Library Colorado - Regional effort underway to explore an increase to the local minimum wage 28 February 2024 ( news )
Louisville Public Library , state Colorado ( By Press Release office)
Feb 28,2024
| 8| 0
The Cities of Boulder , Lafayette , Longmont , Louisville and the Town of Erie are collectively exploring a potential increase to the local minimum wage in their respective communities , as allowed by state law . At the end of this exploration , these municipalities will consider an increased minimum wage level that is competitive , responsive to current and future needs , and meets as many shared outcomes as possible . The minimum wage amount will be determined through thorough research and community engagement over the next few months .
Regional collaboration is not a commitment to adopt a new minimum wage , but a recognition that any decision made will have impacts that extend beyond city boundaries as many people live and work in different communities . Information collected from community engagement and economic analysis will inform elected officials in each jurisdiction whether and how to move forward with ordinances regarding local minimum wage .
An economic analysis is being conducted by
ECOnorthwest
to determine the potential economic effects of increasing regional minimum wage on local businesses , employers , workers , and overall local socio - economic indicators . The results of the analysis will include recommendations for a new target wage , how to escalate the target , and how the new minimum wage could be adjusted annually after the initial target is reached .
Beginning this month , there are opportunities to engage virtually and in - person , with English and Spanish options . Community engagement will help elected officials understand how much people are currently being paid , how people feel about raising the minimum wage , and any positive and negative impacts that may come to individuals , businesses , and the community .
People are invited to respond to the
online questionnaire ( disponible
en español
) , and in particular local governments are inviting low wage earners and employers to participate in one of many focus group sessions available . Visit this link to learn how to join a focus group in each of the cities participating in the study . The window for engagement is expected to close on April 15 . In summer of 2024 , councils will be presented with feedback from community engagement as well as the findings of the third - party economic analysis as they consider if and how to move forward with an increase to the minimum wage .
Each engagement session is designed with a specific audience in mind; however , anyone is welcome to attend any session . Business sessions are intended for business owners , employers and self - employed people . Community sessions are intended for near - minimum - wage earners , students and retirees . Spanish interpretation will be available at all events , and some of the business and community sessions will be offered completely in Spanish ( with English interpretation ) .
A community engagement session in Louisville is set for Thursday , April 4 from 5:30–7 p . m . at the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center , 900 West Via Appia Way . For a full list of engagement opportunities , visit the
Exploring an Increase to the Minimum Wage project page
.
If municipalities decide to move forward with the implementation of a new minimum wage it would become effective on January 1 , 2025 .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information :
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
