Stockton Commission Weighs Potential Salary Increase for City Council

Controversial figure Motecuzoma Sanchez leads citizens' board considering pay raise for elected officials.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A citizens' commission in Stockton, California is considering whether to raise salaries for the city's elected officials, including the mayor and city council members. The commission, led by controversial figure Motecuzoma Sanchez, is comparing Stockton's elected official salaries to those of other cities as part of the review process.

Why it matters

Elected official salaries are a sensitive political issue, as any proposed increases can be seen as self-serving by the officials themselves. The commission's review aims to ensure Stockton's elected leaders are compensated fairly compared to their counterparts in other cities, but the involvement of Sanchez, a known local political figure, has added an element of controversy to the proceedings.

The details

The citizens' commission is tasked with reviewing the salaries of Stockton's elected officials, including the mayor and city council members. They are comparing Stockton's compensation levels to those of other cities as part of their analysis. Motecuzoma Sanchez, a controversial local figure, is leading the commission's efforts.

  • The citizens' commission began its review in January 2026.
  • The commission is expected to make its recommendation by June 2026.
  • Any approved salary increases would take effect in January 2027.

The players

Motecuzoma Sanchez

A controversial local figure leading the citizens' commission reviewing Stockton elected official salaries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We don't look at school boards because we're comparing cities to cities.”

— Motecuzoma Sanchez, Chair, Citizens' Commission (wn.com)

What’s next

The citizens' commission is expected to make its final recommendation to the Stockton City Council by June 2026. The council will then vote on whether to approve any proposed salary increases, which would take effect in January 2027 if passed.

The takeaway

The review of Stockton elected official salaries by a citizens' commission highlights the sensitivity around this issue, as any proposed increases can be seen as self-serving. The involvement of a controversial local figure like Motecuzoma Sanchez has added an extra layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.