The following Seattle City Council ordinances significantly impact Seattle Business Owners.
Chapter 14.17, entitled “Fair Chance Employment Ordinance,” prohibits employers from failing to hire or promote an applicant/employee on the basis of criminal, conviction, or arrest records, or criminal background checks. Employers are prohibited from basing hiring decisions on background checks except when such information will have a negative impact on the employee’s or applicant’s fitness to perform the job, or will cause harm or injury to the employer or the employer’s clients. Employers are required to notify applicants or employees of any adverse employment decisions based on their criminal background records.
In addition, effective January 1, 2025, the Seattle City Council established a $20.76 per hour minimum wage for all employees who are employed within the City of Seattle. The Ordinance also applies to all employers, regardless of size.
The Seattle minimum wage will increase to $21.30 effective January 1, 2026.
