During a recent Boulder City Council meeting, community leaders and advocates passionately urged council members to consider a significant increase in the local minimum wage. The proposed plan includes a 15% increase in 2025, followed by 8.5% increases in the subsequent two years. Proponents argue that such measures are essential to combat rising poverty levels and support the most vulnerable populations in the community.

Erin Shannon, director of education at SafeHouse, highlighted the alarming 25% increase in domestic violence cases in Boulder, attributing financial instability as a key factor that keeps victims trapped in abusive situations. She emphasized that raising the minimum wage would directly support the self-sufficiency of those most at risk, urging the council to adopt the higher wage proposal.

Marjorie McIntosh, a long-time Boulder resident, echoed these sentiments, stating that the current minimum wage fails to provide a livable income for workers, even those holding multiple jobs. She criticized the alternative proposal of an 8% increase over three years, arguing it would leave Boulder workers earning significantly less than their counterparts in Denver by 2027.

Julie Van Domlen, executive director of EFA, pointed out the increasing demand for food assistance and housing support, exacerbated by cuts in county human service funding. She called for a robust first step in wage increases to address the growing needs of the community and promote equity.

Boulder County Commissioners also weighed in, advocating for alignment of the city’s minimum wage with the county’s proposed increases. They stressed that a unified wage policy would benefit workers across the region and address the ongoing challenges posed by the uneven recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussions reflect a growing consensus among community leaders that raising the minimum wage is a critical step toward ensuring economic stability and equity for Boulder’s lowest-paid workers. The council is expected to deliberate further on the proposals in the coming weeks.