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yesterday

San Diego Panel Advances $25 Minimum Wage Increase for Hospitality Staff

The select committee’s unanimous decision tasks staff with drafting an ordinance to reach the full City Council before year’s end

At one of his five Action Sport Rentals locations, owner Steve Pinard (l) checks in on his staff, Noah Pavlik (m) and Richie Snow (r), at the docks of Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in San Diego, CA. Pinard estimates that by peak season, he will employ as many as 100 workers across his five locations. The proposal for a $25 minimum wage for tourism workers moves to the full City Council for consideration.
Someone being handed a paycheck,

Overview

  • The Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living unanimously approved a plan to raise hourly pay to $25 for hotel, event center, amusement park and zoo employees and will forward a draft ordinance for a full council vote later this year.
  • The increase, set to take effect January 1, 2026, targets workers at venues with at least 150 rooms and businesses that lease space in those hospitality sites.
  • Opponents including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Padres warn higher wages could lead to layoffs, reduced hours or price hikes and estimate costs topping $10 million annually for some organizations.
  • Supporters contend the measure is needed to address San Diego’s high cost of living and reduce worker reliance on public assistance, noting a living wage for a single adult in the county exceeds $30 per hour.
  • The city’s Independent Budget Analyst and some councilmembers have recommended phasing in the increase to ease potential impacts on smaller businesses and nonprofits.