The values of unincorporated Boulder County businesses align with the broader community—we want our employees, customers, and neighbors to thrive. We work closely with our teams and take great care to provide safe, supportive, and positive working environments. Local business owners believe in treating employees well and paying fair wages.

Businesses already structure pricing to pay employees as much as possible while still keeping products and services affordable for local customers. Many businesses pay above the minimum wage based on market demand, competition, and business viability.

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The Economic Reality of Local Businesses

• Many farms and small businesses fail due to financial constraints—particularly in industries with tight profit margins.
• Businesses in retail, hospitality, service, and trades operate on thin margins, making it difficult to absorb major cost increases.
• A significant wage increase will make it impossible for many businesses to remain viable in unincorporated Boulder County.
• Small businesses are being asked to solve a problem they did not create, yet they bear the financial burden.
• Higher labor costs mean higher prices for customers, reducing affordability and accessibility to local goods and services.
• Payroll is already the largest expense for many local businesses.
• The planned increase to $25 per hour by 2030 is creating an unsustainable financial burden.

The Value of Local Businesses in Boulder County

• Boulder County residents highly value local businesses, just as they do local farms.
• COFA’s recent survey showed that 95% of participants highly value keeping Boulder County’s economy strong and diverse.
• Community members recognize the benefits of local businesses, including:
  • Economic growth and job creation
  • Unique and vibrant shopping, dining, and service options
  • Social and cultural benefits that enrich the community
  • Maintaining Boulder County’s reputation as a hub for local food
• Rising costs threaten the very businesses that make unincorporated Boulder County special.

Why Boulder County is Different from Other Markets

Unlike most urban centers, unincorporated Boulder County businesses operate in a unique economic environment. Many small businesses exist at the urban-rural interface, where costs are high but customer bases are smaller.

• The cost of doing business in Boulder County is already higher than in many other regions, making it harder to absorb a rapid wage increase.
• Unlike larger corporations, local farms and businesses cannot easily adjust prices, reduce workforce size, or shift operations elsewhere.
• The state law allowing local minimum wage increases does not allow carve-outs for specific industries, meaning that any wage ordinance must work for all businesses, or risk devastating entire sectors.