An Assessment of the Fiscal Impact of the Proposed Milwaukee County Living Wage Ordinance

In late 2013, the City of Milwaukee will consider adopting a living wage ordinance of $12.45 per hour for all county service contractors, lease or concession-agreement holders, and recipients of economic subsidies. This brief examines the fiscal impact of the proposal by examining its impact on covered businesses. Cost pass-throughs from service contractors to the County due to the living wage can be expected to minimally impact the County’s fiscal budget. It also finds the living wage should not impede economic growth in Milwaukee County, and therefore have no negative indirect impact on the County’s fiscal budget.