The city of Dallas says it will only do business with contractors who pay employees at least $15 an hour.
Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold says many construction workers paid heavily during the pandemic, and deserve to have their pay protected.
"These workers put their lives on the line during COVID. They have bills to pay and they don't deserve picking up their check and someone telling them, well its COVID season, we don't have XY and Z in place," she says.
The approval of the motion has no extra costs to the city. The previous minimum was 11.
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Additionally, the city council has passed its new economic development plan, which aims to bring north and south Dallas together.
Part of the plan will focus on Southern Dallas and communities of color. It will also create a new corporation to market Dallas, especially the south side, to businesses and investors.
Councilman David Blewitt says this plan can work but the council must stick with it.
"I think its a good step forward for the city. I do think we need to focus on implementation now. Its like they say 'plan your work and work your plan'. That's what we need to do now," Blewitt says.
South Dallas makes up 54 percent of the city in land mass and 40 percent of its population, but provides only 15 percent of its tax base.
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