During a recent government meeting, council members engaged in a heated discussion regarding a proposed minimum wage increase that would exclude unemancipated minors. Advocates for the increase argued that this exclusion disproportionately impacts youth of color and undermines the city’s commitment to equity. They emphasized the need for a 15% wage increase to support low-wage workers and the nonprofits that assist them, aligning with similar measures taken by neighboring jurisdictions like Denver and Boulder County.

However, some council members expressed concerns about placing the burden of this wage increase on small businesses, particularly in light of funding cuts from the county and state. One member highlighted the unfairness of expecting local businesses to compensate for broader systemic failures, questioning the sustainability of such a move without adequate support from higher levels of government.

Another point of contention was the impact on unemancipated minors, with discussions revolving around the need for job opportunities for young people. While some members advocated for maintaining the current wage structure for minors to encourage employment, others stressed the importance of monitoring job availability for this demographic, especially given recent declines in employment rates among minors.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing fair wages with the economic realities faced by small businesses, as well as the need for inclusive policies that support all young workers in the community. As the council prepares to vote on the amendment, the outcome remains uncertain, with implications for both local businesses and the youth they employ.