Boulder County Commissioners Propose New Minimum Wage Plan

UPDATE: Boulder County commissioners have just announced a significant shift in their minimum wage strategy, aiming to align with the city of Boulder. During a meeting on Tuesday, they expressed strong support for a new wage schedule that would set the county’s minimum wage at $16.82 per hour, effective January 1, 2026.

The proposed plan ties future wage increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which, if projected at an annual increase of 3%, would elevate the minimum wage to $18.93 by 2030. Currently, the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County stands at $16.57 per hour. This move marks a shift from the previously approved plan that aimed for an annual increase of 8.6% until it reached $25 per hour in 2030.

The decision comes amid growing concerns from local business owners who argue that steep wage increases could jeopardize their operations. Last week, during a public hearing, business representatives expressed fears that rising labor costs would harm their ability to sustain employment. However, supporters of the new wage plan argued that fair pay is essential for workers to thrive in the communities they serve.

Commissioners Marta Loachamin and Claire Levy voted in favor of the new ordinance, pushing for immediate staff action to draft the proposal. In contrast, Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann voted against the changes, advocating for the original plan which would have set a minimum wage of $25 by 2030.

Loachamin emphasized the importance of establishing a higher minimum wage, stating, “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.”

Stolzmann, in a passionate address, urged her colleagues to recognize the vital contributions of minimum wage workers, calling them “heroes” of the community. She remarked, “We have to stop letting down the people we call heroes of the community.”

No date has been set for the first reading of the ordinance, but the urgency of this matter underscores the ongoing debate surrounding fair wages in Boulder County. The changes will only apply to unincorporated areas, which include Gunbarrel, Hygiene, and Niwot.

As the situation develops, the community is urged to stay informed on how these changes will impact local workers and businesses. The commissioners’ decision reflects a critical balancing act between ensuring fair wages and supporting the economic health of the region.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.