Everyone in the Aurora community deserves to thrive not just survive. Our communities have had enough of living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling just to provide for our basic needs. The economic struggle of an unsustainable minimum wage already impacted POC communities at a disproportionate rate, but the COVID19 crisis has intensified the economic disparities faced by communities of color, specifically Black, immigrant and indigenous communities. Establishing a livable minimum wage is a step towards providing reparations for communities that have been economically disenfranchised and fighting for our right to a sustainable livelihood.

A coalition of community organizations and labor has led the fight to give back control over minimum wage to local government and has succeeded to increase the minimum wage in Denver to $15.87 by 2022 in Denver and we are now fighting to increase the minimum wage in Aurora. We are committed to fighting for a world where basic necessities such as housing and healthcare are recognized as human rights, though we see the immediate need for raising the minimum wage as a critical component in that struggle.

Unlivable wages, the devaluation of Black and Brown workers, and ever-increasing rent prices threaten the opportunities and prosperity of our communities. It is clear that there are structural issues that prioritize profit for large corporations which in turn threatens local business and weakens the communities buying power. Sharing our stories and raising our collective voice is vital for achieving structural economic change that benefits all. Ensuring a sustainable standard of living for all people is pertinent for the well-being of our whole community. Join us in the fight for sustainable wages by emailing your council member!

City council members need to hear from the workers of Aurora that it is important to support a living wage. Email your City Council representatives to show your support citycouncil@auroragov.org