Making Sustainable Investments

Becoming an Employer of Choice

An “Employer of Choice” offers a fantastic work culture and workplace environment that attracts talented and motivated individuals, responds to employee concerns, invests in professional development, ensures accountability to both employees and stakeholders, and offers diverse benefit options and competitive compensation. To build our effective team of public servants, the City of Richmond is leading the way with employee initiatives:

In FY 2024 we are increasing the minimum wage to $18.00 an hour for our employees. By providing $18.00 an hour, the City of Richmond offers one of the highest minimum wages among cities in the Commonwealth: $6.00 more than the state minimum and more than double the federal minimum wage. The $18.00 minimum and 8.0% General Wage Increase totals $14.5 million.

 $1.4 million in ARPA funds is used to establish a first-time homebuyers’ assistance program for eligible city employees who want to live within the city limits.

 $500,000 is included for an employee language incentive. This ensures we recognize our dedicated public servants who do double duty as interpreters.

 $650,000 for an employee tuition assistance program.

 The compensation reform announced last year is moving forward. The results will identify classification gaps, develop career ladders, encourage professional development, and create competitive pay structures.

Sworn Pay increases

 $5.7 million for a step increase and 3.0% step plan adjustment for Sworn employees. This will result in over a 5.0% increase for most officers and firefighters.