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Santa Fe committee advances living-wage ordinance after amendments, including raise to $20
Summary
The Public Works and Utilities Committee voted 3-0 to advance a living-wage ordinance as amended, after hearing survey results, business feedback and public testimony. Two amendments adopted during the meeting require a $17.50 floor for city employees beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and raise the citywide minimum to $20 while removing some exceptions; the
Santa Fe — The Public Works and Utilities Committee voted Monday to advance a living-wage ordinance to the next round of council review after adopting two amendments and hearing more than a dozen public commenters and staff presentations.
The ordinance (Bill No. 2025-21) would amend Santa Fe City Code (SFCC) 19-87, section 28-1.5, to update the formula and increase the city minimum wage; committee members approved the measure as amended by voice/roll call (Councilor Castro, Councilor Michael Garcia and Chair Chavez voted in favor).
The committee heard a 1,400-response city survey and a 72-response Santa Fe Chamber survey prepared by city staff. Alicia Montoya, the city’s community development director, said roughly 70% of city-survey respondents “strongly support” raising the living wage to $17.50 and that 85% of respondents said the current $15 wage does not meet Santa Fe’s cost of living. The Chamber responses showed mixed business views but that many local employers already pay higher wages and provide benefits.
Why it matters: Advocates said a higher locally…
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