Title
Workers' Affordability & Protections Process Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
In October 2024, this matter was forwarded to the Finance Committee for discussion. A recommendation was not made at that time. Since that time, this item has been before the City Council for discussion and direction.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the Workers' Affordability & Protections process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Workers' Affordability & Protections process.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
In 2024, the City Council Finance Committee began a discussion on addressing minimum wage, predictive scheduling and workplace safety to help address concerns about the cost of living and job safety for lower wage earners in Olympia. In late 2024, the City Council received a significant amount of community input on an initial draft project scope and timeline. Many commenters expressed concern about the pace at which the process was moving forward and the ability for those impacted to participate in the dialogue and decision-making.
In response, the City Council directed staff to slow the process and move forward with only scoping and research in 2025. The process was then paused in early mid-2025 when a citizen-led initiative, Proposition 1, was placed on the November election ballot. Proposition 1 failed; however, the City Council directed staff to continue with research and community engagement on workers' affordability and protections in 2026.
The purpose of this agenda item is to share and discuss with Councilmembers a reenvisioned timeline and approach for this work effort that helps to address earlier community and City Council concerns about timing and participation.
The citizen-led initiative on last year's November voter's ballot included specific solutions packaged into what supporters cal...
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