Local Politics · Buncombe County
NC Advocates Push for Minimum Wage Increase as 16 States Plan Hikes
While 16 states plan to increase their minimum wage next year, North Carolina advocates are pushing for similar changes despite failed legislative efforts. State Representative Eric Ager confirmed that bills proposing a $15 minimum wage died in the rules committee. Nonprofit Just Economics of Western North Carolina reports the living wage in Buncombe County is currently $24.10 an hour. Economists note potential trade-offs, such as increased costs or reduced hours, if wages rise significantly.