City Council Compensation

Monthly Stipend


Members of the Lake Forest City Council receive a monthly stipend of $704 ($8,448 annually). Members also serve as the Lake Forest Housing Authority Board of Directors and Rancho Cañada Financing Authority Board of Directors, but do not receive any compensation for these offices.


Regional Board Appointments/Stipends


Link to FPPC Form 806 Report

Benefits Information


Pursuant to Federal law, all employees, including City Council members, are required to participate in either Social Security or an alternative retirement type plan. City Council members do not receive health benefits or any other related benefits. 

Compensation History


Council Member compensation is governed by California Government Code section 36516 and Lake Forest Municipal Code section 2.04.050. State law governing Council Member compensation allows for a yearly increase of up to 5% per year. Since the City's incorporation in 1991, the City Council has elected to receive two increases in compensation.


City Council Compensation History

Years Salary
December 1991 - November 2006
 $600 per month
December 2006 - November 2008
 $659 per month
December 2008 - Present
 $704 per month
In 2006, City Council members approved a monthly increase of $59, for a total monthly stipend of $659, based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2004-2006. The 2006 increase provided for an increase commensurate with the CPI rather than the 5% allowable under State law. In 2008, City Council members approved a monthly increase of $45, for a total monthly stipend of $704, based upon the CPI from 2006 to 2008. 
 
Read more by selecting one of the following ordinances:
  • Ordinance Number 09 (PDF)
    An urgency ordinance of the city council of the City of Lake Forest establishing compensation for Council members.
  • Ordinance Number 160 (PDF)
    An ordinance of the city council of the City of Lake Forest, deleting section 2.04.050 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code and establishing compensation for City Council members.
  • Ordinance Number 198 (PDF)
    An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lake Forest, amending section 2.04.050 of the Lake Forest Municipal Code and adjusting compensation for City Council members.