Title
Request Seeking Council Authorization to Exceed the 8-Hour Rule to Research and Develop Options for Minimum Wage - Citywide
Description
Per Rule 15 of the Rules of Council Proceedings request City Council approval for City staff to spend in excess of eight hours of time to research, evaluate, and present options to the Mayor and City Council for increasing the minimum wage for City employees, contractors and contracted workers performing services on City properties, while ensuring any proposed adjustments remain fiscally responsible and align with what the City can sustainably afford.
Report
Summary
On June 5, 2026, Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, and Councilwoman Betty Guardado submitted a request (Attachment A) to the City Manager to request staff research the following in connection with a potential minimum wage increase:
- Analysis of current City compensation levels compared to recognized minimum wage standards for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Options for implementing a minimum wage policy for City employees.
- Fiscal impacts and potential funding strategies.
- Consideration of how such a policy could support workforce stability, recruitment and retention.
- Assessment of part-time and/or seasonal positions to determine whether partial extension of benefits may assist with retention.
This research requires more than eight hours of staff time to complete. If approved, staff will conduct research and return to the City Council with information in the fall.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Ed Zuercher, the City Manager's Office and the Law Department.