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Mayor Solomon to Take $1 Salary in 2026 as City Confronts Financial Crisis
Decision comes one day after release of comprehensive budget report revealing $250 million deficit
Read the full report at JCNJ.ORG/BUDGET
JERSEY CITY, NJ – One day after releasing a comprehensive report detailing Jersey City's unprecedented $250 million budget crisis created by the prior administration, Mayor James Solomon announced today that he will take a salary of just one dollar for the year 2026.
"Yesterday, we delivered a report on the state of our city's finances. The picture is even worse than we thought," said Mayor James Solomon. "We have tough decisions ahead, and I believe in leading by example. So I'm announcing today that I'm taking a one-dollar salary for 2026. I didn't run for mayor for personal gain. I ran because I love this city and the people who make it work. And when times are tough, we lead from the front. That's what Jersey City deserves. That's what you're going to get."
The decision comes as the Solomon Administration prepares to make difficult choices to address the fiscal emergency left by the previous administration.
Yesterday's report revealed that the former mayor had used gimmicks, one-time revenues, and improper budgeting practices to mask a growing structural deficit while pursuing higher political office.
Notably, the previous mayor doubled his own salary to $245,000 during his tenure, even as the city's finances deteriorated.
Mayor Solomon's salary decision is the latest example of his commitment to the four core principles outlined in yesterday's budget report: telling the truth, leading by example, protecting working families, and pursuing real solutions without tricks or gimmicks.
The Mayor has already taken significant action to address the crisis, including switching the city's health insurance administrator to save approximately $30 million in 2026 and assembling a team of independent budget experts to develop a sustainable four-year financial recovery plan.