Local Minimum Wage Working Group
In 2019, the Colorado State Legislature passed legislation (HB19-1210) that allows local governments to set a local minimum wage standard that is higher than the state minimum wage. In January 2020, Denver enacted a citywide minimum wage to help those working in the city better keep up with the increasing cost of living.
Connection to Boulder County Consortium of Cities
For local cities to adopt their own minimum wage, they must consult with surrounding local governments and engage stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, small and large businesses, businesses that employ tipped workers, workers, labor unions, and community groups.
To start this process, the Consortium of Cities’ Local Wage Working Group hosted a Local Wage Webinar in September 2022 to hear presentations about the state legislation, the cost of living and wage history in the Denver Metro Area, and the economic rationale for increasing wages.
Webinar presenters included the Colorado Department of Labor, the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, and the National Employment Law Project.
A working group of the Consortium of Cities has been convening a group of local elected officials in the Denver Metro Area to gather information on the legislation and explore opportunities to develop a regional process to achieve a common minimum wage in Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, and Jefferson counties.
The Local Wage Working Group continues to research, discuss, and recommend options for cities and towns in Boulder County to consider when addressing the need for a standard living wage.
Consortium of Cities
For more information, visit the Consortium of Cities webpage or contact Nick Robles, staff liaison, at nrobles@bouldercounty.gov.