How City of Seattle Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) are Calculated

Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for most City labor contracts are based on changes in the consumer price index (CPI). Currently, COLAs used in City labor contracts are determined by one of the following three measures:

• June - June percent change in U.S. CPI-W
  For an example see:
  Excel File | PDF File

• June - June percent change in Seattle CPI-W
  For an example see:
  Excel File | PDF File

• Percent change in Seattle CPI-W for 12 months ending in June
  For an example see:
  Excel File | PDF File

The City’s labor contracts (http://www.seattle.gov/personnel/resources/agreements.asp) identify the specific measures that apply.

Last updated: December 7, 2005