Portland’s small businesses are barely hanging on—and now, the City Council is considering a proposal that could put many of them out of business entirely. If passed, the $20 minimum wage plan would create one of the highest wage floors in the country, raising costs for already struggling restaurants, shops, and child care providers. We’re asking the Portland City Council to reject this proposal and stop it from appearing on the November ballot.

Business owners are already facing rising rents, supply chain issues, and inflation. This wage hike would force many to cut staff, slash benefits, or close up entirely. That’s not speculation—it’s the reality shared by local owners like David Turin of Monument Square and Tamara Gallagher of The Growing Tree Childcare. When costs go up, something has to give—and it’s often jobs or services.

This isn’t the first time this idea has come up. Portland voters already rejected a similar wage increase in 2022. What’s changed since then? Nothing—except that small businesses are under even more pressure now.

Even many workers and economists worry about the ripple effects: higher prices, reduced hours, and fewer entry-level job opportunities. A sharp minimum wage increase can sound compassionate, but it may backfire on the very people it’s meant to help.

Wages are already indexed to inflation. Portland has one of the highest minimum wages in the region. Let’s give local businesses time to adjust, instead of creating a crisis they can’t afford to manage.

If we care about Portland’s small business community and working families, we must say no to this rushed, harmful proposal. Sign this petition if you agree.