Denver Townhalls To Discuss Minimum Wage Increase

DENVER, CO — A string of townhalls will be held 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.

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

Community Townhalls

SOUTHWEST
Wednesday, October 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Justice For All Center
2525 W. Alameda Ave.

FAR NORTHEAST
Tuesday, Oct. 8 @ 6 p.m.
Evie Garrett Dennis Campus (DPS)
4800 Telluride St.

SOUTHEAST
Thursday, Oct. 10 @ 6 p.m.
George Washington High School
655 S. Monaco Pkwy.

CENTRAL
Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ 6 p.m.
Carla Madison Rec. Center
2401 E. Colfax Ave.

NORTHEAST
Tuesday, Oct. 22 @ 6 p.m.
Hiawatha Davis Jr. Rec. Center
3334 Holly St.

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

City Council is expected to consider the proposal in November.