The Olympia City Council is actively working to enhance local economic opportunities and resilience for community members, a conversation that has been ongoing since 2015. Recently, the council accepted a set of strategies known as Olympia Strong, aimed at supporting those facing economic challenges.

Key topics under consideration include minimum wage, fair scheduling, and workplace safety, collectively referred to by some labor groups as the \"workers' bill of rights.\" However, the council clarified that no decisions have yet been made regarding a specific minimum wage increase or its implementation timeline. This has led to confusion among community members, particularly small business owners, who anticipated an ordinance would be adopted by the end of the year.

The council expressed regret for any stress or surprise caused by the lack of clarity surrounding the minimum wage discussions. They emphasized their commitment to a thorough and thoughtful process moving forward, which will involve research on comparable cities, data analysis, and listening sessions with a diverse range of community members and businesses.

A draft of the community engagement plan, including a process and timeline, will be discussed during a study session on October 22. While public comment will not be permitted during this session, community members are encouraged to attend in person or remotely via Zoom, with the meeting also being live-streamed.

The city council reiterated its dedication to improving community engagement processes, drawing parallels to previous initiatives that involved extensive outreach and public participation. The council aims to foster a robust dialogue with residents, employees, and employers in Olympia as they navigate these important economic discussions.