Politics & Government

Redwood City Considers Increasing Minimum Wage

Should the city increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2019? The city wants the public to weigh in Wednesday.

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- The city of Redwood will consider increasing the minimum wage to $15 by 2019, ahead of the state's proposal to increase it to the same amount by 2022. The Mercury News reported that the city will be the first in the region to offer that amount hourly if the law passes.

"They say the high cost of housing is what’s driving up wages," The Mercury News reported. "Deputy City Manager Alex Khojikian said the city is still gathering data from local businesses as it prepares for a March 26 City Council hearing on the minimum wage proposal. But initial feedback shows many businesses are already at or near the $15 threshold, he added."

The idea will be discussed at a community meeting Wednesday with the City Council considering the proposal next month, the newspaper reported.

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"The city’s current minimum wage matches the state minimum of $10.50 an hour for businesses with fewer than 25 employees and $11 an hour for those with 25 workers or more. The state minimum wage will reach $15 an hour in 2022 for employers with 25 or more workers and in 2023 for those with fewer than 25," The Mercury News reported.

The community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center at 1455 Madison.

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

For more information, go to www.redwoodcity.org/minimumwage.

--Photo via Shutterstock

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