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Portland council votes 5–4 to send amended $19‑by‑2028 minimum‑wage measure to November ballot
Summary
After hours of testimony from workers, business owners and nonprofit leaders, the council approved an amended citizens’ initiative timetable that raises the city minimum wage in stages and then ties it to inflation; opponents warned the change could strain nonprofits and fixed‑reimbursement providers.
The Portland City Council voted 5–4 on Aug. 25 to place an amended minimum‑wage measure on the November ballot, approving a revised schedule that ramps up the city minimum wage more slowly than the petitioners’ original proposal and then indexes it to inflation.
Under the version the council approved to appear before voters, the local minimum wage would increase to $16.75 in 2026, $17.75 in 2027, and $19.00 in 2028, after which it would be adjusted annually by the consumer price index. Council supporters said the change addresses housing‑cost pressures for Portland residents; opponents raised concerns about nonprofits, childcare providers and health‑care employers that rely on fixed state or federal reimbursement rates.
The measure under consideration was filed as Order 2392425, an order setting an election date on an amendment to Portland City Code chapter 33. Councilors debated the substance of the proposed schedule and fielded lengthy public comment from restaurant operators, childcare directors,…
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