At a recent Finance Committee meeting, Olympia City Council member Jim Cooper articulated his growing frustration over the stagnation of discussions regarding a proposed minimum wage increase to $20. 29 and a Workers’ Bill of Rights. He emphasized that the council's upcoming January retreat should focus on definitive actions to prevent these crucial issues from being overlooked. The proposals were initially discussed on October 22 but were postponed to allow for better public engagement, as noted by Mayor Dontae Payne. Cooper indicated that the community is increasingly upset with the lack of progress and highlighted the need for a structured approach to address their concerns.

The council received an unprecedented amount of feedback, showcasing community interest and urgency. Parshley affirmed the necessity of prioritizing these proposals and ensuring they remain central to the council's agenda for the coming year. As the council prepares for its retreat, both Cooper and Parshley are committed to fostering conversations that will lead to actionable outcomes, urging that the retreat focus on effectively engaging the community regarding these significant policy changes.