Sen. Dodd Legislation Enhances City Council Participation, Diversity

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

SACRAMENTO – In an effort to boost participation and diversity on California city councils, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today that would allow increases in city council pay caps for the first time in nearly four decades, bringing salaries more in line with the cost of living.

“City councilmembers make critical decisions for our communities, but it is a difficult job with long hours,” Sen. Dodd said. “It’s especially hard for working people and people from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds to serve in local office while balancing jobs and family obligations. My proposal will improve diverse representation and increase access to elected office for all Californians by making it less of a financial challenge to serve.”

Currently, in general law cities, city councils may vote to receive a limited salary, not to exceed caps based on population size provided in state law. However, the maximum amounts set by state law have not been increased since 1984, despite inflation of more than 300% during that time. Because of the disparity, people from diverse communities are discouraged to run for office. Others with fulltime jobs have been forced to resign their posts before their terms expire because they can’t devote time to council service and supporting their families. A majority of cities in California are under 35,000 in population and presently capped at $300 per month with minimal allowances for adjustment.

Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 329, would address the inequity by allowing councils to adjust their maximum pay to reflect inflation as measured by the California Consumer Price Index. Any increases would require a majority vote of the city councils.

SB 329 is expected to be heard in committee next month. The bill is supported by the League of California Cities and local advocates.

“One of the primary barriers to recruiting more diverse candidates for local office is the low rates of compensation, especially in a high cost region like the Bay Area,” said Kirstyne Lange, president, NAACP Santa Rosa-Sonoma. “We need candidates from all backgrounds and income levels to be able to serve. This legislation is a key step in the right direction to achieving more equitable representation in local government.”

“Diversity and inclusion make for better policy-making at all levels of government,” said Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of League of California Cities. “Cal Cities is proud to sponsor this important legislation that lessens barriers for those interested in governing at the local level. This overdue reform is another tool communities can choose to use that can help ensure our city councils are reflective of the residents who live, work and play in their communities.”

 

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.