TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Supervisor Williams
MEETING DATE: July 12, 2022
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Ted Williams
PHONE:
707-937-3500
ITEM TYPE: Regular Agenda
TIME ALLOCATED FOR ITEM: 20 min
AGENDA TITLE:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding General Support of a Living Wage Ordinance Concept to Help Low Wage Workers Earn an Hourly Wage Sufficient to Live with Dignity and to Achieve Economic Self-Sufficiency, and Direction to Supervisor Williams to Incorporate Specific Ideas from the Discussion
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
End
RECOMMENDED ACTION/MOTION:
recommendation
Direct Supervisor Williams to continue working with staff on a Living Wage Ordinance, in order to help low wage workers earn an hourly wage sufficient to live with dignity and to achieve economic self-sufficiency, incorporating specific ideas from the discussion.
End
PREVIOUS BOARD/BOARD COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
None.
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Living wage ordinances have been used nationwide to raise wages for low-income workers. Through its strategic plan, the Board has identified the need to adjust wages appropriately to build a high-performance organization. We wish our employees to develop long and meaningful careers with the county government. We often talk about the housing shortage, but the core issue with housing is the gap between what workers can afford and the market cost of new housing development. We can strengthen the county by ensuring workers, whether employed directly at the county or through contractors, receive a wage commensurate with the local cost of living. A living wage improves worker morale, inspires economic growth, creates lower turnover rates, can reduce family dependencies on welfare, and reduces poverty. Adoption can include a gradual implementation path.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION/MOTION:
Provide direction to staff.
DOES THIS ITEM SUPPORT THE GENERAL PLAN? Yes
STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY DESIGNATION: An Effective County Government
SUPERVISORIA...
Click here for full text