Richmond city employees are set to receive their fourth consecutive year of pay increases under Mayor Danny Avula’s adopted fiscal year 2026 budget, with sworn police and fire personnel seeing the largest gains.
The budget allocates $13.7 million for an average 10.3% wage increase for sworn employees, while general city workers will receive a 3.25% raise funded by $4.9 million. The city is also investing $750,000 to fully cover short-term and long-term disability benefits for all employees—a new offering that shifts the cost from workers to the city.
The compensation strategy reflects Richmond’s multi-year effort to position itself as an “Employer of Choice” in a competitive regional labor market. City officials have characterized the initiative as essential to attracting and retaining qualified workers across departments that have struggled with vacancies in recent years.
“An Employer of Choice offers a fantastic work culture and workplace environment that attracts and retains talented and motivated individuals, ensures accountability to both employees and stakeholders, and offers diverse benefit options and competitive compensation,” the budget states.
The adopted budget is organized around seven strategic priorities: Thriving City Hall, Thriving Neighborhoods, Thriving Families, Thriving Economy, Thriving and Inclusive Communities, Thriving and Sustainable Built Environment, and A City That Tells Its Stories. The document describes the plan as one “grounded in equity, opportunity, and sustainable growth.”
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg is overseeing budget implementation under the nine-member City Council, led by Council President Cynthia I. Newbille of District 7 and Vice President Katherine Jordan of District 2.
The budget adoption followed a public process that included a March 27 introduction, an April 14 public hearing, and a final adoption hearing on May 12. All hearings were held at 6:00 PM to accommodate working residents.
For city workers who have watched private sector wages climb in recent years, the sustained investment represents a significant commitment. The sworn employee increases are particularly notable given ongoing regional competition for police officers and firefighters—a challenge facing jurisdictions across the Richmond metro area.
The disability coverage expansion could prove especially meaningful for employees in physically demanding roles. By absorbing the full cost, the city removes a financial burden that can strain household budgets, particularly for lower-wage workers who might otherwise forgo such protection.
- $13.7 million allocated for an average 10.3% wage increase for sworn employees
- $4.9 million for a 3.25% wage increase for general city employees
- $750,000 invested to fully cover short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Fourth consecutive year of pay adjustments for city workers
Public records reporting · April 15, 2026