Lincoln City Council Approves Ordinance to Retain $15 Minimum Wage
The 6-1 vote restores the voter-approved wage plan and adds annual cost-of-living increases starting in 2027.
- On Monday, the Lincoln City Council voted 6-1 to restore a $15 minimum wage, defying state law LB258. The ordinance takes effect July 18, 2026, and includes annual cost-of-living adjustments.
- Councilmember James Michael Bowers introduced the measure to realign wages with Nebraska Initiative 433, approved by voters in 2022. State law LB258 standardized increases at 1.75% instead of tying them to the Consumer Price Index.
- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers warned last Thursday that the city lacks legal authority to set local wages. Councilman Tom Duden, the sole dissenting vote, argued the ordinance could strain small businesses.
- Councilman Brodey Weber stated that "the will of the voters matters and should be respected." Bowers argued other municipalities successfully set local minimum wages despite state-level opposition.
- The ordinance becomes part of the Lincoln Municipal Code as Chapter 9.80, taking effect July 18, 2026. The vote continues a broader Nebraska debate over voter-approved measures and local autonomy.
11 Articles
11 Articles
May 4: Lincoln City Council hears testimony on minimum wage ordinance
The Lincoln City Council approved a series of routine agenda and consent items, including a liquor license request for outdoor service at Pinnacle Bank Arena and Pinewood Bowl Theater. Council members also approved a disputed development proposal connected to the Willowmere Forest Estates Community Unit Plan following testimony from representatives of the Black Forest Homeowners’ Association and the developer regarding maintenance responsibiliti…
Hastings Tribune
Voters’ will: Lincoln City Council votes to maintain $15 minimum wage
LINCOLN — The Lincoln City Council voted 6-1 Monday in favor of maintaining a $15 minimum wage standard for all workers and allowing for higher annual increases. The ordinance, introduced by City Councilman James Michael Bowers, will allow for Lincoln…
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