Vigdor Interviewed on KGMI Radio on the Effects of Seattle’s Minimum Wage
Posted: 2026-10-23 12:20:35 (CSDE Research)
CSDE Affiliate Jacob Vigdor was interviewed on Bellingham’s KGMI-AM on October 5, 2026, about the impacts of rising minimum wages in Washington State. Dr. Vigdor, a professor at the University of Washington and principal investigator of the Seattle Minimum Wage Study, explained that while some businesses may close as wages rise, a more common response in the Seattle area has been shifting toward automation, such as ordering kiosks and QR code systems, and operating with fewer employees. He noted that employers interviewed for the study were often sympathetic to the high cost of living but need workers to be productive from day one at higher wage levels, which benefits experienced workers while leaving those seeking their first jobs behind. Dr. Vigdor also discussed how cuts to workers’ hours can offset higher hourly pay, and cautioned that automatic inflation-indexed increases may put more businesses under strain when economic demand is soft and price increases are driven by supply shocks rather than strong consumer spending. You can listen to the full interview here. Congratulations Dr. Vigdor!
Date: 10/05/2026