The Olympia City Council is set to deliberate on proposals to raise the minimum wage and implement a Workers' Bill of Rights, building on community feedback received in late 2024. After expressing frustration with the slow progress in December, council members have shifted focus to a more deliberate outreach strategy. Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray has been appointed to head research efforts aimed at understanding the local economic landscape and worker needs. The Finance Committee will convene on February 18 to outline the scope of this research. Council member Jim Cooper remains hopeful for broad support among his peers, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive community engagement process.

He believes that the community largely favors a modest wage increase and enhanced worker protections. Council member Clark Gilman highlighted the importance of understanding the concerns of both low-wage workers and their employers, as well as studying approaches taken by other communities. The council's ultimate goal is to ensure that any changes effectively address the identified issues while fostering community consensus.