UPDATE: Boulder County commissioners are moving forward with a proposed minimum wage increase, aiming to slow down the pace of raises. During a pivotal meeting on October 3, 2023, commissioners expressed support for aligning the county’s minimum wage with the city of Boulder, setting it at $16.82 per hour starting January 1, 2026.
The proposed plan indicates a shift in strategy, tying future minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index starting in 2027. If the annual CPI increase is projected at around 3%, the minimum wage could rise to approximately $18.93 by 2030. This development comes as the current minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County is $16.57 per hour, which has faced considerable backlash from local business owners.
During the meeting, Boulder County staff shared that the existing minimum wage schedule, established in 2023, was intended to reach $25 per hour by 2030 through annual increases of about 8.6%. However, the reaction from the business community has been overwhelmingly negative, prompting a reevaluation of these plans.
Commissioners Marta Loachamin and Claire Levy voted in favor of the new ordinance, emphasizing the need for a wage structure that supports workers while addressing the concerns of local businesses. Loachamin stated, “Setting a minimum wage that is higher than the current one is important for workers, providing them security.”
Conversely, Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann opposed the proposed changes, advocating for a more aggressive increase to $25 per hour by 2030. She highlighted the sacrifices made by essential workers during the pandemic, asserting, “We have to stop letting down the people we call heroes of the community.”
The proposed adjustments to the wage increase schedule are expected to be drafted into an ordinance, although no date has been set for its first reading. This decision comes after a public hearing where community members expressed polarized views. Supporters of the increase argued for the necessity of a living wage, while opponents, including small business owners and farmers, raised concerns about the impact of rising labor costs on their operations.
With Boulder’s current minimum wage at $15.57 per hour, scheduled to rise by 8% annually until it also transitions to CPI adjustments in 2028, the county’s decision represents a significant shift in how local wages are structured. The focus now turns to how this proposed ordinance will be received by the public and the implications it holds for both workers and employers in the region.
As discussions continue, residents and business owners alike are urged to stay informed about the upcoming changes that could redefine the economic landscape of Boulder County.
