Denver ordinance increases prevailing wages and penalties for contractors starting January 1, 2017

The Denver City Council passed an ordinance, effective January 1, 2017, increasing prevailing wage rates. Fines more than doubled, and the ability to impose debarment was enhanced. The ordinance extends, now, to contracts using City funds or City-owned or -leased lands, though, language was added to clarify that does not extend to most uses by way of license or permit. Under the new ordinance, the prevailing wage anniversary date will be the bid date, rather than the contract’s start date, which means prevailing wage increases will be triggered sooner each year.

The ordinance is Council Bill No. CB16-0985.