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Proposed $30 Minimum Wage Ballot Initiative

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce respectfully urges the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to refer the proposed countywide ballot initiative establishing a $30 minimum wage in unincorporated Alameda County to County staff for a comprehensive, independent analysis of its potential economic impacts.

Re: Proposed $30 Minimum Wage Ballot Initiative Dear President Haubert and Honorable Members of the Board of Supervisors: On behalf of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, we respectfully urge the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to refer the proposed countywide ballot initiative establishing a $30 minimum wage in unincorporated Alameda County to County staff for a comprehensive, independent analysis of its potential economic impacts. Before advancing a measure of this magnitude, the County should evaluate its effects on workers, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, County finances, employment opportunities, and the broader regional economy to ensure policymakers and voters have the information needed to make an informed decision. The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce supports policies that help workers earn liveable wages in the Bay Area. We recognize that rising housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare, and other basic necessities have made it increasingly difficult for working families to make ends meet. At the same time, we believe it is equally important to ensure that the policies intended to improve economic well-being do not unintentionally undermine the small businesses that create jobs, provide neighborhood services, and contribute to our local economy. A proposal of this magnitude is unprecedented in California and deserves careful, objective evaluation. An independent economic analysis would provide policymakers, businesses, workers, and residents with a clear understanding of the proposalEmployment Opportunities While higher wages may benefit many workers, the County should evaluate how the proposal may affect hiring decisions, particularly for entry-level positions. Small businesses often provide first employment opportunities for youth, immigrants, individuals with limited work experience, and those seeking to reenter the workforce. How will the proposal impact access to these important pathways into employment? County and Nonprofit Fiscal Impacts The proposal may also increase labor costs for County operations, contracted service providers, and nonprofit organizations that deliver essential public services. The County should evaluate the potential impact on procurement costs, service contracts, and whether existing funding levels would be sufficient to support increased labor expenses without reducing services. Overall Economic Competitiveness The County should examine how the proposal may affect the competitiveness of businesses operating in unincorporated Alameda County relative to neighboring jurisdictions. A healthy local economy requires policies that both support workers and allow businesses to remain competitive, invest in their communities, and continue creating employment opportunities. Our request for a comprehensive analysis eflects our belief that policies of this significance should be informed by objective data and a thorough understanding of both their intended benefits and their potential tradeoffs. Small businesses are the backbone of Alameda County

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