Burien City Council Passes Historic Minimum Wage Ordinance

The Burien City Council's passage of Ordinance No. 855 on October 28, 2024, marks a significant step in labor policy by instituting the highest citywide minimum wage in the United States, which will adjust annually for inflation. The ordinance categorizes employers into three tiers based on their workforce size, with Level 1 employers (500 or more FTEs) required to pay at least $4. 50 above the Washington state minimum wage starting January 1, 2025. Level 2 employers, employing 21 to 499 FTEs, will need to pay $3.

50 above the state minimum effective July 1, 2025. Notably, businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalents are exempt from this mandate, allowing them to maintain flexibility in a challenging economic climate. The decision to implement this ordinance followed thorough research and stakeholder engagement facilitated by the Business and Economic Development Partnership. This approach aims to balance fair wages for workers with the viability of local businesses, fostering a supportive economic environment. The ordinance reflects a growing trend of local governments taking action on wage issues to address income inequality.

By establishing this minimum wage, Burien positions itself as a leader in progressive labor standards.