PORTLAND, Maine — Voters in Portland passed a citizens' initiative question that will raise minimum wage in the city to $19 an hour by 2028.

Right now, minimum wage in the city is $15.50.

Over the next few years, the hourly rate will gradually increase.

Jan. 1, 2026: Raised to $16.75 for minimum wage employees, excluding city of Portland employees

July 1, 2026: Raised to $16.75 for city of Portland employees

Jan. 1, 2027: Raised to $17.75 for all minimum wage employees

Jan. 1, 2028: Raised to $19 for all minimum wage employees.

Leading up to Election Day, the people of Portland had mixed feelings on the topic, especially business owners.

The president and CEO of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Quincy Hentzel, opposed the rate hike.

In response to Tuesday night's minimum wage h

See Full Page