At today’s Tacoma City Council Economic Development Committee meeting, Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell led a discussion on how the Tacoma City Council could raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour.
“We need a minimum wage that works for the City of Tacoma,” said Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell. “Cost of living remains one of the top concerns for Tacoma residents, and I’m committed to an inclusive, thoughtful analysis of a minimum wage proposal that considers the diverse experiences and perspectives that make up Tacoma’s economy. That includes hearing from as many people as possible on this issue.”
Tacoma residents have engaged in conversations over the years about what fair wages mean for workers, families, employers, and the overall health of the local economy. Recognizing the importance of hearing directly from the people and organizations who would be most affected by any potential policy changes, Deputy Mayor Bushnell engaged stakeholders representing a wide cross-section of Tacoma to create the Tacoma Minimum Wage Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report, including labor unions, nonprofits, local businesses, healthcare leaders, childcare providers, students, and the Tacoma Anchor Network.
Following today’s presentation of the report to the Economic Development Committee, Deputy Mayor Bushnell is developing an ordinance to bring to the full Council for consideration in the fall. Deputy Mayor Bushnell is calling on Tacoma residents to weigh in on this important discussion and share their thoughts on what the right approach to the minimum wage is in Tacoma.
City Council regular and committee meeting access details are available at cityoftacoma.legistar.com.