Denver Townhall To Discuss Minimum Wage Increase

DENVER, CO — A meeting will be held this week to gather input on whether Denver's minimum wage should be increased. City and County of Denver leaders unveiled a proposal in September that would increase the minimum wage to $15.87 per hour within two years.

This week's meeting will be held at 6 p.m. this Tuesday at Hiawatha Davis Jr. Rec. Center, 3334 Holly St.

The city's minimum wage proposal would begin with an increase to $13.80 per hour on Jan. 1, 2020, and to $15.87 per hour on Jan. 1, 2021.

The minimum wage increase would boost the paychecks of more than 100,000 people who work in the city, according to the Office of Councilwoman Robin Kneich.

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Nearly 40 percent of black employees and more than 50 percent of Hispanic employees in Denver would receive higher paychecks under the new proposal, the city said.

As $15 minimum wage rallies continue across the country, critics of the increase say small businesses would suffer and larger businesses may downsize their work forces to compensate for higher paychecks.

The city will host several community meetings throughout October to gather input and feedback from Denver residents on the proposal.

Next townhall:

Tuesday, Oct. 29 @ 6 p.m.
DPD District 1 Station
1311 W. 46th Ave.

City Council is expected to consider the proposal in November.