The Coconino County Workforce Development Board announced the announcement of a minimum wage impact investigation in Coconino County on Tuesday. This study was conducted by the Institute for Economic Policy Research, Northern Arizona University, and provides a comprehensive analysis of key insights into the economic impact of minimum wage policies in the region. The survey found that because minimum wage ordinances are in effect in Flagstaff in all industries, “4,118 jobs were born each year in the Flagstaff area than there was no minimum wage policy.” According to the survey, the only industry gained from the minimum wage ordinance is the leisure and hospitality industry that saw “20 facilities than 20 facilities” without an ordinance with “532 employees.” The study also showed that the cost of living increased as the minimum wage also rose. It shows that housing, transportation and other essentials were up 2.34%, and other goods and services increased 6.65%, indicating that the minimum wage ordinance was being played. Flagstaff’s current minimum wage is $17.85 per hour, $16.85 per hour for Arizona’s highest tip wage. Voters passed Prop. 414 in 2016, and the minimum wage ordinance came into effect on January 1, 2017. The report’s summary and its important findings will be presented to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on March 20th.

To read the entire study, click here: