MAAC Takes Bold Step by Increasing Minimum Wage to $20 per Hour
Effective November 21, 2024, MAAC, a leading community-based organization in San Diego County, has increased its minimum wage to $20 an hour while maintaining all other benefits intact. This decision reflects MAAC’s proactive commitment to its workforce and mission, independent of union negotiations, ensuring that its staff members are supported amidst the region’s high cost of living. This minimum wage increase directly benefits 92 employees across the organization, providing them with improved financial stability.
“At MAAC, we believe in taking decisive action to support the people who make our mission possible,” said Arnulfo Manriquez, President & CEO of MAAC. “Our decision to raise the minimum wage and align salaries will impact a total of 228 team members with incremental increases between 2%-15% effective immediately. This demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in supporting our staff, addressing the cost of living, and elevating early childhood education standards in San Diego County. We are proud to make these changes voluntarily, recognizing the urgency to act now, not years down the line.”
In addition to the minimum wage increase, MAAC realigned salaries for 136 employees in its Child Development program, ensuring compensation matches or exceeds the median salary levels of local elementary school districts. This alignment reflects MAAC’s dedication to elevating preschool education and supporting the professional development of its teachers and staff who work with children from birth to age five.
These adjustments make MAAC one of the first community organizations in San Diego County—and likely the state—to meet compensation goals that the federal government has set for 2031, underscoring its leadership in addressing today’s economic realities. These changes were only possible through increased fundraising across the organization and structural changes in our Child Development Program and in partnership with the Office of Head Start.
A Proactive Commitment to Supporting Employees
MAAC’s decision to raise wages comes from a strong commitment to its mission and its team. Presently, the minimum wage requirement for the state of California is $16, the City of San Diego is at $17.13 and the highest city minimum wage in California is at $19.08 in West Hollywood, MAAC’s move to increase pay to $20 per hour demonstrates the organization’s resolve to lead the way in staff support without waiting for union-driven negotiations or external mandates.
In addition to competitive wages, MAAC continues to provide its employees with powerful professional development opportunities, comprehensive benefits, including robust health plans and other essential resources designed to support their well-being and professional growth.
