During a recent Boulder City Council meeting, community members passionately advocated for a significant increase in the minimum wage, urging the council to align it with Denver's rates by 2027. The discussions highlighted the pressing need for wage adjustments to reflect the high cost of living in Boulder, where many workers struggle to make ends meet despite working full-time.

Lindsay Loberg, a director at Boulder Food Rescue, emphasized the importance of wage equity, sharing that her organization pays its lowest staff member over $25 per hour. She argued that if a small nonprofit can achieve this, larger businesses should also be able to follow suit. Loberg pointed out that the current wages are insufficient for workers, particularly those supporting families, and called for a minimum wage of approximately $33 per hour for a single adult with a child.

Several speakers echoed Loberg's sentiments, advocating for a 15% increase in 2025, followed by an 8.5% increase in subsequent years to match Denver's minimum wage. They stressed that the proposed increases should not exclude unemancipated minors, as many young workers contribute significantly to their families' incomes.

Katie Farnan highlighted the disparity between Boulder and Denver, noting that Denver's minimum wage is 27% higher despite its lower cost of living. She urged the council to take decisive action, stating that a modest increase would not suffice in addressing the economic challenges faced by many residents.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among community members that the current minimum wage is inadequate and that a more aggressive approach is necessary to ensure that all workers can support themselves and their families in Boulder. The council is now faced with the challenge of responding to these calls for change as they consider the future of the city's minimum wage policy.