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Elected officials in New York City could soon receive an 18.2% pay raise, following a hearing by the City Council on Tuesday. The proposal, introduced by Queens Councilmember Nantasha Williams, aims to increase salaries for City Council members, borough presidents, and district attorneys. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already announced he will reject the raise for himself.
The proposed bill would raise City Council members' salaries from $148,500 to $175,500, while other positions, such as the comptroller and public advocate, would also see increases. The bill includes a provision for automatic pay adjustments tied to inflation, which has sparked debate. While some, like Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany, support the raises, they warn that automatic increases could reduce transparency and public input.
The Quadrennial Advisory Commission recommended the raise, citing a 31% inflation increase in the New York area from 2016 to 2025. Council Speaker Julie Menin also declined the raise, emphasizing the need for fair compensation to attract qualified candidates.
The City Council is expected to finalize the bill's language soon, with a vote anticipated later this summer. If passed, the raises would be retroactive to January 1, 2026.
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