LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles City Council will consider an ordinance early next year designed to mitigate the potential negative impacts of big-box stores and supercenters on "economic assistance areas" of the city by stipulating that such retailers must pay living wages.
h city, state or federal agencies encourage public and private investments to revitalize community economic activity.
According to a report prepared for the council, "The City of Los Angeles should consider the desirability of imposing higher minimum-wage and benefits standards than are currently paid by non-unionized big-box retailers ... for those planning to locate within the incentive zone."
The report's other recommendations include requiring big-box retailers to hire at least 50% of their workforce from residents living in the incentive zone; to adhere to site and building-design guidelines developed by the city, and to provide ongoing assistance in promoting local retailing. It also recommended the city pursue cooperative agreements for similar ordinances with municipalities in close proximity to the incentive zones.
