At the beginning of 2014, the Metropolitan King County Council started exploring steps toward developing living wage guidelines within the county. In October, the council gave its approval to legislation establishing the county’s first living wage policy, covering county employees as well as businesses, non-profits, and other entities that do business with the county.

King County Executive Dow Constantine said he continues to be committed to providing those working for the county a living wage. Since July of this year, all county staff—with very limited exceptions, such as some internships—are receiving a wage of at least $15 an hour.

“Overcoming the growing inequality in our region requires a comprehensive approach including access to health care, education, job training, transportation, and more,” said Constantine. “Ensuring that those doing business with the county provide their employees a living wage is a critical part of that approach.”

The ordinance goes a step further by requiring that not only all county employees, but the employees of contractors who provide services through contracts of $100,000 or more to the county to be paid a living wage. It also sets compensation levels and phase-in periods for large and small employers and takes into account whether the employer offers health benefits, similar to the new city of Seattle minimum wage law.

Read about this legislation on the County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Visit http://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov and type in “2014-0299.”