Overview

• Councilmembers are considering Sean Elo-Rivera’s Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance covering hotels with at least 150 rooms, amusement parks and event centers in the city.
• The plan would begin July 1, 2026 and rise annually to $25 by 2030, starting at $21.06 for event-center workers and $19 for hotel and amusement-park workers in 2026.
• Carve-outs exclude state-owned SDSU venues and the San Diego Zoo, while SeaWorld, Petco Park, Pechanga Arena, the Convention Center and the Civic Theatre would be subject to the rules.
• Unions, workers and some small-business advocates rallied for passage, as the Regional Chamber of Commerce and large tourism employers warned of higher prices, reduced hours or job cuts, and small contractors said they could be unintentionally hurt.
• The city’s Independent Budget Analyst noted mixed impacts in other locales, and cost-of-living data indicate $25 still trails a local living wage with the current city minimum at $17.25.