ONE BIG THING: LIVING WAGE FOR TOURISM WORKERS
What Happened?
City Council just advanced the Living Wage Ordinance for hotel and airport workers! The law will raise wages to:
➡️ $22.50/hr by July 2025 ➡️ $25/hr by July 2026 ➡️ $30/hr by July 2028
And no more choosing between seeing a doctor and putting food on the table. Starting in July 2026, hotel workers will receive a healthcare credit for the first time – making it possible to get the care they and their families need.
Why it Matters
We introduced this motion over two years ago, and A LOT has happened since then:
- An independent study about the law’s impact found it would lead to an estimated 6,300 new jobs and $1.2 billion added to the region’s GDP because of workers’ increased spending power.
- Overall cost of living rose 6% in the US.
- Corporations have seen unprecedented profit growth – the S&P 500 increased by a whopping 43% since we originally introduced the motion.
Yet, despite soaring inflation and record corporate profits, low-wage workers were iced out. Not anymore.
For these essential workers clocking 60 to 80 hours a week just to get by, a Living Wage means being able to spend time with family, get some rest, and maybe even save a little for the future.
What’s Next?
The law will come back for a final vote at City Council on May 23, and then it will go to the Mayor’s desk, where it needs to be signed into law.
Two More Quick Hits
- Budget Update
The Budget Committee held a marathon meeting yesterday to tackle the toughest decisions of this year’s budget so they can send a balanced budget to the full City Council for a vote.
It’s not too late to make your voice heard! Click here to submit public comment online or come to City Hall on May 21 at 10 AM (we recommend arriving earlier) to give in-person public comment.
- Hollywood Bus Ridership Soars
The 217 bus line on Hollywood Blvd and Fairfax had the biggest ridership increase in the entire Metro system last year.
By building our transit around people, we can make our city safer and easier to get around. Shoutout to Torched LA and StreetsblogLA for highlighting this great news!
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Star, our Pet of the Week!
With her stunning coat, Colgate smile, and those sweet puppy-dog eyes, Star truly lives up to her name!✨
No, you don’t need another light fixture at the loft — Star lights up every room just by being in it!
Come meet your new best friend at North Central Animal Shelter today — it's written in the stars 💫
