Phoenix Leaders Propose Study on Increasing Minimum Wage for City Workers and Contractors

City leaders in Phoenix, Arizona, are exploring the possibility of raising the minimum wage for city employees and certain contractors. Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, and Councilwoman Betty Guardado have initiated a proposal directing city staff to conduct a study on the potential costs and impacts of such an increase.

The current minimum wage in Arizona is $15.15 per hour, which equates to just over $30,000 annually for a full-time worker. Councilwoman Guardado expressed concerns that this wage may no longer be sufficient to meet the rising cost of living in the Valley. The proposal does not specify a new wage rate but seeks to evaluate options before presenting recommendations to the City Council.

In addition to city employees, the study will consider whether higher wage requirements should apply to contractors working with the city, particularly those at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Attorney Jim Barton noted that the proposal would require contractors to pay their employees more as a condition of their contracts.

Supporters of the proposal, including airport workers, argue that the current wage is inadequate for living in Phoenix. The City Council plans to review the findings of the study and any proposed wage increases in a future meeting, potentially this fall.