I do not agree with removing the salary caps elected officials should not be allowed to increase their own salarys without limits. Any salary increases should be voted on by the voters in a referendum.

I am corresponding on behalf of the 17 member cities of the Virginia First Cities Coalition (VFC) in support of HB 456. VFC historically, and this year is no different, supported legislation that would allow our city council's to set their salaries at a rate that is responsive to their unique demands and that is acceptable to the citizens that elect them. One of our member cities, the City of Richmond, back in 2015 had a Compensation Review Advisory Committee to conduct an independent review of the compensation structure for Richmond City Council members. I refer back to this thorough analysis because much of the research is still relevant for 2024. Research done back in 2015 with the Virginia Division of Legislative Services revealed that 25% of Virginia cities set their own salaries with no other limits. Approximately 15% of cities have specific salaries dictated within their charters. Two Virginia cities have their salaries determined by an independent commission or board, and like Richmond, approximately 40% of cites refer to the General Laws of the Commonwealth, setting maximum limits for compensation. I don't think it has changed much or at all since 2015. I'd also like to add that the bracketed salary ranges have not been changed since 1998. Back in 2015, accounting for inflation utilizing the Consumer Price Index – Urban (CPI), would have resulted in the state set maximum in 2015 dollars being $36,865. I can only imagine what it would be in 2024. In summary, our city councils are closest to the citizens and are elected, reelected or not reelected by its citizens. They are hard-working, sacrifice a great deal to serve their communities. It's often hard on their families. Oftentimes it's hard to have a full-time job, as well as serve as a city council member. For all these reasons, we urge you to please pass HB 456.

HB456 is an important opportunity to give local governments the autonomy to decide what's best for their own communities. As everyone here knows, the work of local government is difficult and often thankless -- but critical for building strong local communities and expanding economic development throughout the Commonwealth. The specific work of local government -- along with the local cost of living -- is different for every single locality in Virginia. By supporting HB456, you have the opportunity to make it clear that local communities know what's best for their own people. One-size-fits-all state mandates aren't necessary. The ability of localities to set the salaries of elected public servants is important because it determines who can serve their own communities -- and who can't. Take Charlottesville: our annual City Council salary of $18,000 was last set in 1998. Adjusted for inflation, that $18,000 would be $33,120 today. At the same time, Charlottesville has one of the higher costs of living in the state, with a median home sales price of over $500,000. Why does it matter? Every year, I talk with community members -- teachers, non-profit leaders, nurses, volunteers -- who want to serve on City Council but decide they can't run because the salary is too low. They're often single parents or working people who show up every day to serve their families and our local community. They want to be public servants. But the heavy work load and variable hours of City Council means they can't run for office at the current salary level while still taking care of their families. The result is that few people run for local office, and those who do run don't reflect our entire community. They disproportionately come from wealth or are either retired or self-employed. Ordinary working people -- the people who keep Virginia running -- should have the ability to serve their local communities. With HB456, you have a clear opportunity to remove a draconian state mandate, empower local communities, and allow working people to become public servants. Our Commonwealth will be better for it.