Anaheim Council Approved New Police Labor Contract

The city finalized a three-year agreement providing a 16.85% wage increase for local police officers.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Unions

Anaheim Council Approved New Police Labor Contract

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize police pay raises despite ongoing city budget concerns?

The Anaheim City Council has approved a new three-year labor contract for its police department, which is set to cost $45 million. The deal includes a cumulative wage increase of 16.85% for the union members.

Why it matters

The police department currently receives approximately 39% of the total city general fund, making labor costs a significant factor in Anaheim budget planning. City officials have allocated $10 million in the current budget to cover the initial costs of the new agreement.

The contract covers over 400 employees and mandates a 16.85% wage increase over three years. The city has added $10 million to the current budget to fund initial costs, while the department maintains a $224 million annual budget.

The players

Anaheim City Council

This is the governing body responsible for legislative decisions, budget approvals, and city policy implementation in Anaheim.

The details

The council approved the contract through a consent calendar vote, meaning the agreement passed without any prior public discussion. The new contract terms also provide officers with 5 days of paid bereavement leave and 10 additional floating holidays.

October 13, 2026: Anaheim City Council approved the police labor contract.
November 2026: Upcoming municipal election.
2027: Infrastructure bonds expected to be paid off.
June 30, 2029: Expiration of the new police labor contract.

Political Context

Opponents or dissenting voices often raise concerns regarding the allocation of the city general fund, specifically regarding the high percentage dedicated to the police department budget. These critics typically advocate for more public debate on large-scale labor contracts before they are placed on consent calendars.

Taxpayers should note that the police department accounts for 39% of the city general fund, directly influencing the availability of funding for other municipal services. As the city projects a $57 million surplus for the next fiscal year, the $45 million contract cost is intended to be absorbed without immediate tax hikes.

The takeaway

The approval of this contract signals a commitment to labor stability within the police force through 2029. Residents should monitor upcoming municipal budget discussions to see how these fixed labor costs affect the city's ability to fund other community infrastructure projects.