February 18, 2025, Flagstaff, Arizona. The Coconino County Workforce Development Board (CCWDB) announces the release of the Minimum Wage Impact Study in Coconino County conducted by the Northern Arizona University Economic Policy Institute (NAU-EPI). This comprehensive analysis provides key insights into the economic effects of the minimum wage policy in our region.
The study’s findings aim to support informed decision-making by local, state, and federal policymakers while guiding our workforce and economic development strategies. Specifically, this report will help:
- Address potential challenges and mitigate negative impacts of minimum wage policies.
- Identify and promote strategies that benefit both employers and workers.
- Develop workforce initiatives that ensure a resilient and adaptable labor market.
- Provide insight into job and skills training needs to better prepare the workforce.
- Coordinate efforts to expand entrepreneurial training and microenterprise services.
- Deliver technical assistance strategies to help small and emerging businesses thrive.
CCWDB Executive Director Billy Francis emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “We appreciate NAU EPI’s depth of analysis, and the valuable insights provided on both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the minimum wage impact study. The data and observations presented offer an excellent foundation for understanding the broader impacts on our local economy.”
CCWDB Chair Bruce Sobczak highlighted the importance of this study in shaping policy discussions: “The topic of minimum wage in our community has been divisive in recent years. We pursued this study to provide a data-driven analysis of the issue and identify proactive solutions. We hope that the findings will guide leaders and policymakers in addressing workforce challenges, including:
- Workforce housing policies to support workers and employers.
- Economic diversification measures to strengthen Flagstaff’s economy.
- Wraparound services to increase labor force participation.
- Innovative strategies to help small, local businesses remain competitive.”
The Minimum Wage Impact Study is available on our website https://www.coconinoworks.org/board. Additionally, NAU EPI will present a summary of the report’s key findings at the Coconino County Workforce Development Board meeting on March 20. We encourage community members, business leaders, and policymakers to review the study and join us in shaping a sustainable and thriving workforce for Coconino County.
