Contact: Erin Musgrave
erin@emccommunications.com, 530-864-7014
June 22, 2026 — Business owners are welcoming the minimum wage increases taking effect July 1 in Alaska, Oregon, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Maryland and elsewhere. They point to increased consumer spending, lower employee turnover, increased productivity and better customer service as key reasons why wage increases benefit businesses and local economies.
Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark pet supply store in Anchorage, Alaska: “I’m expecting an immediate bump in sales when the minimum wage goes up, as so many of my customers get a pay increase at the same time. Raising the minimum wage helps the people who need it to cover necessities, boosts spending at local businesses, and keeps money circulating in our communities. Alaskans supporting Alaskans.”
Aaron Seyedian, owner of Well-Paid Maids in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Boston: “Our living wage commitment powers our success and high growth rate of about 30% a year. Thanks to fair pay, our labor-intensive service business has low employee turnover, which results in more experienced, efficient and productive staff and happy customers – creating a virtuous cycle that enables us to keep growing. We welcome the July 1 minimum wage increases in many of the areas where we operate.”
Brian England, owner of BA Auto Care in Columbia, Maryland: “Reaching a $16 minimum wage for Howard County employers – large and small – is a great milestone. Our employees are the biggest reason for our success for nearly 50 years. As we see every day on the shop floor, fairly compensated employees provide better service, are more productive and build better relationships with customers, leading to more return customers and referrals. Raising the minimum wage lifts workers and businesses alike and will drive more economic growth that small businesses need right now.”
Steven Dyme, CEO of Flowers for Dreams, with locations in Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee: “As an employer, I’ve seen positive outcomes every time we raise our wage. All of which have created compounding prosperity and resiliency. When workers earn more, they stay longer on the job and can spend more in the community. Research shows this spending surges closest to home – the majority of every additional dollar is spent in their local commuting zone. Every employer should welcome minimum wage increases. More livable wages are good for industry competitiveness, bottomline profit, worker health and the local community.”
David Ottoson, owner of Rainbow Foods in Juneau, Alaska: “We’re doing well, and a big reason is that we treat fair wages as an investment. They’re how you keep good people and run a business that lasts – Rainbow Foods opened in 1980 and has expanded over the years. Minimum wage increases help level the playing field so more businesses compete on quality and service instead of paying poverty wages that are bad for the economy and bad for communities. Add in the paid sick leave that was also enacted thanks to Ballot Measure 1, and workers are healthier and able to earn and spend more at businesses across Alaska.”
July 1 minimum wage increases include:
Alaska increases its minimum wage from $13 to $14 per hour. It will increase to $15 in 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, there will be annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose buying power. July 1 also marks one year since employers were required to provide paid sick time due to the passage of Ballot Measure 1 in 2024.
Oregon increases its standard minimum wage rate from $15.05 to $15.55 per hour; the Portland metro rate from $16.30 to $16.80 per hour; and the rate for non-urban counties from $14.05 to $14.55. The standard rate is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with the Portland metro rate set at $1.25 above the standard rate, and the non-urban counties rate $1 below the standard rate.
Washington, D.C. increases its minimum wage from $17.95 to $18.40 per hour. D.C.’s minimum wage is indexed annually to the cost of living.
In addition, multiple cities and counties increase their minimum wage on July 1, including, for example:
- Chicago’s minimum wage is adjusted annually and increases to $17.05 on July 1.
- Howard County, Maryland increases its minimum wage for small employers (14 or fewer employees) to match the $16 per hour rate of larger employers. Beginning January 2027, the minimum wage will be adjusted for the cost of living.
- Montgomery County, Maryland increases its minimum wage to $18 per hour for large employers with 51 or more employees and $16.50 for those with 11 to 50 employees. For smaller employers with 10 or fewer employees, it increases to $15.95.
- For additional localities raising their minimum wage on July 1, see UC Berkeley Labor Center Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances
To schedule interviews with business owners who support raising the minimum wage, contact Erin Musgrave at erin@emccommunications.com or 530-864-7014.
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Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a national network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe fair pay makes good business sense. www.businessforafairminimumwage.org.