Council Sets May 23 Second Hearing for Hotel Worker Minimum-Wage Ordinance After 12-3 Vote

The Los Angeles City Council voted to adopt a fiscal report and set a second consideration for a hotel worker minimum-wage ordinance (described in the meeting as a modification to the city—s ‘dignified wage’ measures). The council voted 12 in favor and 3 opposed on a motion to update the ordinance record and schedule the item for second reading on May 23.

Small limited-service hotel operators and managers addressed the council during the special meeting—s topic-specific public comment period, urging the council to exempt or distinguish small, family-run limited-service hotels from the ordinance. Vanessa Conoy, who identified herself as an assistant manager at Boulevard Hotel Studios, said she appreciated the job flexibility but feared a closure that would cost her job if operators could not absorb higher labor costs. Marisol Claro, general manager at the same property, told the council she supported higher wages in principle but said the property was still recovering post-pandemic and might not survive an immediate cost increase.

Why this matters: councilmembers and numerous public speakers framed the decision as balancing worker protections with the viability of small hotels that provide neighborhood lodging and rely on lower operating margins. Several commenters said the city should consider carve-outs or tiered treatment for limited-service hotels — citing Long Beach—s approach as an example they urged the council to emulate.

What the council did: a motion was made to incorporate the fiscal report dated May 15, 2025 into the ordinance record and to set a second hearing for May 23; the motion was seconded and carried 12-3. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; it scheduled the next formal consideration. The clerk announced the tally: “12 votos a favor, 3 en contra.”

Public comment highlights: Vanessa Conoy (Boulevard Hotel Studios) said the property offered “flexibility” that is important for employees who are parents and worried that a wage increase could force closures. Marisol Claro (Boulevard Hotel Studios) said, “aunque yo apoyo un aumento de sueldo mínimo, estoy preocupada por lo que esto le va a costar a nuestro hotel de servicios pequeños,” and asked the council to consider the post-pandemic market realities for small operators.

Next steps: the ordinance will return to the council on May 23 for second consideration. Council staff will carry the fiscal report into the record and may provide further impact analyses before the final vote.