Impact of the Los Angeles Living Wage Ordinance on Workers and Businesses

Living wage laws establish wage and benefit standards for companies that do business with the government to improve job quality and increase living standards for low-income workers. The Los Angeles Living Wage Ordinance greatly improved pay for low-income workers, with an average annual raise of $2,600 per worker and reduced turnover. However, it became impactful only after the city began to take enforcement seriously. This report is the result of a multi-year research project and is the most definitive analysis of a living wage law's impact on workers and employers.