SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO'S LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES OF WORKERS IN LOW-WAGE OCCUPATIONS'

Author

Justin B. Hollis

Publication Date

6-26-2015

Abstract

In June of 2004 the City of Santa Fe enacted a living wage ordinance requiring an $8.50 minimum wage, the largest increase of a universal coverage municipal wage floor over its previous prevailing minimum of any municipal living wage law preceding it. Using occupational employment and wage estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program, this paper analyzes the impact of Santa Fe's living wage on workers in low-wage occupations. Our estimates compare labor market outcomes for low-wage workers in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and show low-wage workers in Santa Fe experienced substantial hourly wage increases, and no discernible employment loss.

Degree Name

Economics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Economics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Santos, Richard

Language

English

Keywords

Minimum wage, Santa Fe, Occupations

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Hollis, Justin B.. "SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO'S LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES OF WORKERS IN LOW-WAGE OCCUPATIONS'." (2015). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/econ_etds/35