Atlanta City Council members decided to slash in half recommended salary increases for themselves and the mayor that will take effect in January 2026.

A commission charged with reviewing elected officials’ compensation every few years recently released their newest recommended salary increases for the city’s top politicians. The report suggested the mayor’s salary be bumped by more than $68,000; a $49,000 increase for City Council members; and a $58,000 boost for council president.

Instead, council members signaled they’d pass legislation to increase their pay by $27,000 to a total $99,930 annually. The mayor’s salary would increase by $34,135 to $236,865. And council president will see a $29,250 bump to $103,250.

Longtime Council member Howard Shook — who has served on the body for more than two decades — said that when he was first elected, his salary was $22,000 and that the demands of the job go beyond a part-time.

“It’s tough to do this, your constituents expect you to be up to your ankles in water in their basement at all times in the day or night,” he said Monday.

Council President Doug Shipman joined committee members on Monday to voice his support for cutting the raises, and said that he hopes it sends a positive message to the city’s front line workers and employees.

“We understand that, yes, there is a balance between the work that is done and the amount of time that it takes,” he said. “And also the quality and support (from) the entire city workforce.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

A water main break on Clairmont Road caused a closure between Bragg Street and Dresden Drive, Wednesday, January 15, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC