What happened?

On August 25, 2025, the Portland City Council voted to place a minimum wage increase initiative on the November 4 ballot, giving voters the final say on a proposal to gradually raise the city’s minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2029.

Overview:

Portland Minimum Wage Initiative – Ballot Overview

• Current minimum wage: $15.50/hour

• Proposed increases:
  • $16.50/hour (earliest effective date)
  • $17/hour in 2026
  • $18/hour in 2027
  • $19/hour in 2028
  • $20/hour in 2029

• Post-2029: Annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Tipped Workers

• No separate increase proposed.
• Employers must ensure total compensation (wages + tips) meets the city’s minimum wage.
• Direct wage for tipped workers: $7.75/hour (starting January 1, 2025).

Applicability

• Applies to all employers, regardless of size.
• A proposed exemption for small businesses was rejected.

Next Steps: Portland voters will decide the measure on November 4, 2025, during the municipal election

Source References

• City of Portland Meetings & Agenda Portal – Minimum Wage

Resources

• Portland Agenda and Minutes

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