Boulder County Commissioners Announce Slower Minimum Wage Increases

UPDATE: Boulder County commissioners have just announced a significant change to the minimum wage increase plan during a meeting held earlier today. The new proposal aims to align the county’s minimum wage with the city of Boulder, setting it at $16.82 per hour starting on January 1, 2026.

This development is crucial as it impacts the livelihoods of many workers in the area. The previously approved schedule called for an aggressive annual increase of approximately 8.6% until the wage reached $25 per hour by 2030. Under the new plan, the minimum wage would instead be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting in 2027, with projections indicating a rise to $18.93 per hour by 2030, assuming a typical annual CPI increase of 3%.

Currently, the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County stands at $16.57 per hour, while Boulder’s wage is $15.57 and is scheduled for increases of 8% annually until it also ties to the CPI in 2028. This shift comes in response to mounting pressure from local business owners who have voiced concerns over the previous wage increase schedule.

During the meeting, Commissioner Marta Loachamin emphasized the importance of establishing a minimum wage that provides security for workers. She stated, “It just does provide, in my mind, some security to workers to know if they make a commitment to be in Boulder County that they won’t be working for less than this amount.”

Despite the support from Loachamin and fellow commissioner Claire Levy, who voted in favor of the revised ordinance, Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann opposed the measure. Stolzmann argued for maintaining the original plan, advocating for a bold stand that would ensure workers receive a living wage of $25 per hour by 2030. “During the pandemic, people lined the streets with signs calling workers who earn minimum wage heroes,” Stolzmann remarked. “We have to stop letting down the people we call heroes of the community.”

This proposed wage adjustment is critical for unincorporated areas of Boulder County, including Gunbarrel, Hygiene, and Niwot. The discussions around the minimum wage have stirred strong feelings among community members, highlighting the ongoing struggle between providing fair wages and supporting local businesses.

As the commissioners direct staff to draft the new ordinance, no date has been set for the first reading. The public will be watching closely as the implications of this decision unfold. The decision to modify the wage increase schedule reflects a significant shift in policy aimed at balancing economic pressures with the needs of workers.

Residents and business owners alike will need to remain informed as the county navigates these changes. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the financial stability of many families and the sustainability of local businesses. Expect further updates as this developing story progresses.