NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY
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During a recent public hearing, the Boulder County Commissioners unanimously agreed to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County to $25/hour by 2030. The county’s new Local Minimum Wage Ordinance, which brings the minimum wage to $15.69/hour in 2024, was passed in response to the needs of unincorporated Boulder County’s lowest paid workers in the face of the rising cost of living. The new wage comes into effect in just six weeks on Jan. 1.
“Thank you to all the workers and employers who shared their views with us,” said Commissioner Claire Levy. “The support from the county’s residents is clear, but we also appreciate the feedback from businesses and nonprofit organizations during this process about the challenges they face. We believe the new minimum wage will benefit the whole of our community and we look forward to continuing to work with everyone to foster a successful and vibrant Boulder County.”
“The cost of living has continued to rise and our lowest paid workers are struggling to pay for basic needs, which is why the Boulder County Commissioners agreed the time for action is now,” said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. “Denver’s average house values are nearly 24% lower than Boulder County, but their minimum wage is 27% higher. We need to do what we can to support our residents to meet basic needs as well as maintain their dignity and quality of life.”
“As a former small business-owner, I believe we can do collaborative work to ensure that both Boulder County’s small businesses and our area workers thrive,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “We will continue to work with our business community to provide financial support as we find solutions to ease this transition. As consumers, we also can choose to support local restaurants and shops. When our lowest paid workers thrive, we all thrive.”
$25/Hour by 2030
In the first year of implementing a local minimum wage, counties and municipalities may only raise their minimum wage by up to 15% per year above the state minimum wage, according to state statute. The county’s new ordinance outlines how the minimum wage will increase each year:
2023 – Minimum wage $13.65
2024 – Minimum wage $15.69 (15% increase)
2025 – Minimum wage $16.57 (5.67% increase)
2026 – Minimum wage $17.99 (8.58% increase)
2027 – Minimum wage $19.53 (8.58% increase)
2028 – Minimum wage $21.21 (8.58% increase)
2029 – Minimum wage $23.03 (8.58% increase)
2030 – Minimum wage $25.00 (8.58% increase)
Starting in 2031, the county’s local minimum will keep pace with the Consumer Price Index for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Area. This is the same calculation the state uses for its annual minimum wage increase.
Engagement With the Community
The Boulder County Commissioners received over 350 responses to their Local Minimum Wage online survey, which revealed overwhelming support for a local minimum wage. The commissioners hosted in person and online meetings in English and Spanish with both workers and employers.
What is Unincorporated Boulder County?
Unincorporated Boulder County is made up of the parts of the county that do not fall within incorporated towns and cities. Under the state legislation, the Boulder County Commissioners only have the authority to set the local minimum wage for the unincorporated parts of the county, but they are committed to working with local governments to achieve a county-wide minimum wage.
The new minimum wage does not apply in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, Lyons, Nederland, Ward, or Jamestown.
If you’re not sure if your place of employment is in unincorporated Boulder County or if the new minimum wage applies to you or your employees, visit the county’s Minimum Wage website for instructions on how to find out.
Resources for Employers
More information for employers can be found on the county’s Minimum Wage website. In response to feedback received during engagement with employers, Boulder County will be launching an assistance program for small businesses in unincorporated Boulder County in early 2024 to help navigate local economic pressures while supporting continued business success.
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