Washington, D.C. – In a move aimed at modernizing compensation for the District’s top elected officials, Councilmember Anita Bonds (Ward 5) introduced a bill on Monday that would increase Mayor Muriel Bowser’s annual salary from $250,000 to $290,000.
The legislation also addresses the salaries of Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Attorney General Brian Schwalb. Under current D.C. law, both officials earn $10,000 less than the mayor, so the bill would raise their pay to match the proposed mayoral salary as well.
Cost‑of‑living adjustments built in
Beyond the immediate raise, Bonds’ proposal would open the door for regular cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs) tied to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, the same mechanism used for council members. This would help ensure that compensation keeps pace with inflation and the rising cost of living in the nation’s capital.
Political context
Mayor Bowser, who has held the office since 2015 and has earned $250,000 since 2023, announced last year that she will not seek a fourth term. The likely successor is Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, who won the June Democratic primary over former councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and other candidates.
If the council approves the bill, the salary changes would take effect only after the mayor signs it and a 30‑day congressional review period concludes, as required by federal oversight of the District’s budget.
Local reaction
Supporters argue that the raise reflects the demanding responsibilities of the mayor’s office and aligns D.C. leadership compensation with comparable cities. They also note that the COLA provision would prevent future erosion of pay due to inflation.
Critics, however, contend that the increase comes at a time when many District residents face housing affordability challenges. Some community groups have called for the funds to be directed toward public services instead of higher salaries for elected officials.
What’s next?
The bill now moves to the full council for debate and a vote. Council members will weigh the merits of the raise against budgetary priorities and public sentiment before sending the measure to the mayor’s desk.
Regardless of the outcome, the proposal underscores an ongoing conversation in the District about how best to compensate its leaders while maintaining fiscal responsibility for taxpayers.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
