The New York City Council has proposed a significant salary increase for top city officials, including the newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The bill, introduced by Councilwoman Nantasha Williams, would raise salaries for council members from $148,500 to $172,500, with the mayor’s pay increasing from $258,000 to nearly $300,000. The legislation, set for introduction this week, would apply to other key officials such as the public advocate, comptroller, and borough presidents. Council members last received a raise in 2016, and the proposed increase has generated debate about its timing and implications for affordability initiatives.
Mamdani, who won the mayoral race with a platform focused on affordability for working-class New Yorkers, has faced questions about the contrast between his high-profile salary increase and his campaign promises to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and large corporations. The proposed pay hike has also drawn attention due to its potential impact on the city’s budget, especially as Mamdani seeks to fund his transition and implement key policies such as free public transit, rent freezes, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores. The bill’s introduction comes amid discussions about the funding for his transition and his campaign’s tax proposals.
The legislation, which was originally slated for review by former Mayor Eric Adams, has been delayed for now. Councilwoman Williams stated that the bill would be introduced this week, with a hearing planned for the year’s end, allowing the new City Council to potentially approve it as early as January 2025. The timing has raised questions, especially as Mamdani has previously supported similar raises for state legislators back in 2022. A source noted that the pay hike puts Mamdani in a difficult position—either he could veto the bill, or he could approve it, which would align with the growing trend of higher compensation for public officials in the city.
As the city moves forward with this proposed salary increase, it remains to be seen how it will affect public perception of Mamdani’s commitment to affordable living and fiscal responsibility. The city’s financial landscape and political dynamics will be closely watched as this legislation progresses through the council process and toward potential adoption in early 2025.