Columbus City Council Proposes Pay Transparency Law to Close Gender and Racial Wage Gaps

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. gender pay gap has widened for the second year in a row, with women, people of color, and people with disabilities earning less than their peers. To address this issue, the Columbus City Council is considering a new law that would require pay ranges to be included on all job postings within city limits. The proposal, part of the Columbus Forward package, aims to increase transparency, help job seekers negotiate fairly, and reduce inequities over time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed law would require employers to include "clear and reasonable pay ranges" on all job postings for jobs performed within city limits, allowing job seekers to make informed decisions and negotiate fairly.
  • The law would aim to address the persistent pay gaps faced by women, people of color, and people with disabilities, which are perpetuated by pay secrecy and other discriminatory practices.
  • Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla is leading the initiative, building on a 2023 ordinance banning employers from asking applicants about their pay history.
  • The change would not take effect for a year, allowing for education and outreach before enforcement begins, and employers who fail to comply could face penalties, including fines.
  • Similar measures have been implemented in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo, and more states, including Illinois and Minnesota, are passing laws promoting pay transparency.

Statistics:

  • The U.S. gender pay gap has widened for the second year in a row, with women earning 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau (2025).
  • In Columbus, women earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, with people of color and people with disabilities facing even greater wage disparities (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025).
  • Employers would be required to include pay ranges on 100% of job postings within city limits, according to the proposed law.
  • The change would aim to reduce pay gaps by 15% over the next two years, according to estimates by the Ohio Women's Alliance.

Sources:

  • Axios. "Dei's Gender Pay Gap Widens for 2nd Year in a Row." (2025).
  • CNBC. "Racial wage gap starts as early as 16, here's why."
  • Fast Company. "Workers with disabilities earn a third less than their peers, bls data shows."
  • Columbus City Council. (2025). Lourdes Barroso de Padilla. "Proposed Legislation: Pay Transparency."
  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2025). "Figure 5: Employment-Based Pay Equality."
  • Axios. "Local businesses supporting pay transparency."
  • Columbus Forward. (2025). "Initiative Member: Columbus Pay Transparency Initiative."