Chamber Statement on City Minimum Wage Proposal

The following is a statement from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce regarding a proposed measure going before the Lincoln City Council on Monday, May 4, 2026 regarding minimum wage standards.

“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has long held positions against using minimum wage increases as a way to increase the standard of living for residents. Rather, the Lincoln Chamber supports policies and programs that induce economic growth, which will create market-based salary and wage increases. This free enterprise approach is what will enable sustainable wage and standard of living enhancements over time. 

Whether it is this specific proposal before the Lincoln City Council, the recent voter approved minimum wage standard, or other policies, the impact is the same. Small businesses are harmed, and by extension, so are their employees and the customers they serve. 

The post-COVID competition for labor pushed salaries, wages and benefits higher at rates not experienced in decades. In response, many employers across the nation, and in Lincoln, increased wages far in excess of the current, state-wide minimum wage. This includes sectors such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, professional services, information technology and more. 

Small businesses were dramatically impacted. Raising the minimum wage in Lincoln will only put more pressure on industry sectors that residents want to see grow. For example: restaurants, independent retailers, coffee shops, early childhood care and daycare centers, and housing construction to name a few. Additionally, policies like this risk limiting opportunities for high school age students seeking a first job, and internships for college age students. These are the very people whom we want to engage early and foster as future residents in Lincoln. If Lincoln is to remain competitive and continue attracting and retaining talent, it must support policies that foster job creation and early workforce opportunities—not limit them.”