City Council Minutes 2023 07 11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2023 Page 4 of 6 Taylor Reimann, Assistant to Boulder City Council, reviewed the components of the new legislation. It requires community engagement; enables a regional approach; requires that increases must occur on January 1; and limits the escalation rate to $1.75 or 15% whichever is higher. They reviewed the state minimum wage and what is in place in some other municipalities. They reviewed possible approaches including a self-sufficiency proposal; aligning with the workforce living wage; and aligning with regional neighbors. They noted the regional partners included in this working group; the proposed timeline; and the engagement that has already taken place. They added information about the scope and tasks that may be included. Commissioner Levy noted this is a complex project and there is an advantage of doing this regionally. Public Comments Peggy Leech, Louisville, on behalf of the League of Women's Voters of Boulder County, stated the League supports a self-sufficient minimum wage and addressing poverty. There are many needs in the community. They support the regional working group and Louisville's participation. Speaking individually she added her support for the process. Beth Eldridge, Louisville, stated raising the minimum wage is the way to keep people out of poverty and allow low wage workers to live in the community. She urged the Council to support these efforts. Morgan Fromme, Louisville, stated she supports these efforts as it is an important for the sustainability of our society. Amy Austin, Louisville, urged the Council to be a part of this effort. She stated having a self-sufficient wage will help address diversity and economic justice. Suzanne Crawford, CEO Sister Carmen Community Center, stated that over the years Sister Carmen has changed from emergency assistance to ongoing assistance for those you don't make a sustainable wage. They get more requests for rent assistance than they can fulfill. She urged the Council to stay involved in this project. Ana Fernandez Frank, Emergency Family Assistance Association, agreed with the previous caller that the needs of the community continue to grow due to inflation, the pandemic, and rising costs in general. She asked the Council to consider raising the minimum wage on January 1, 2024.