If you’ve considered a political career, the Statement of Financial Information (SOFI), which reveals how much the Vancouver mayor and other employees earn, may sway you further.
The SOFI released by the City of Vancouver covers finances from 2024. It covers things like financial statements, schedules of debts, and remuneration for the mayor, councillors, and staff who make more than $75,000 annually.
It also includes salaries for Vancouver Police Board members and the Vancouver Public Library board.
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In 2024, total remuneration for councillors and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim totalled $1,347,296, while expenses totalled $1,174,913.
Sim alone earned $207,958. The SOFI states that Sim incurred local expenses of $22,756 and $28,034 for travel and conferences. Additionally, Sim had $959,012 attributed to discretionary expenses. Last year, discretionary expenses for Sim totalled $724,571. Statements prior hover just above the $700,000 mark.
Sarah Kirby-Yung was the highest-paid councillor last year, earning $119,749, followed by Lenny Zhou, who earned $119,117. Expenses for both councillors totalled $25,000 and $28,000 respectively.
Christine Boyle earned $102,674 and spent the least, but she moved on from civic politics in October 2024.
Councillor Pete Fry had the lowest amount for discretionary expenses. Fry earned $118,514 and had just $425 attributed to him for discretionary spending. Councillor Rebecca Bligh earned $113,551 with $27,404 in discretionary expenses, much like the remainder of the Vancouver councillors.
The City also paid $1,439,841,522 in total payments to suppliers of goods and services in 2024, up from $1,108,999,253 in 2023.
An email from the City about the SOFI also debunked some myths the public may have about the City’s spending.
“We clarify some entries that look odd at first glance,” the City says.
One of the myths the City wants to debunk is that it spends a lot to cater staff lunches.
One of the entries in the payments section is for Mario’s Gelati, for which the City paid $124,761.
“Catering and food vending expenses, including food and alcohol, are sold at concessions for patrons to purchase at various Board of Parks and Recreation locations, community centres, golf courses and civic theatres. Those are the vendor entries you see for goods like ice cream and gelato.”
Another myth the City points to is that it spends a lot on beer and breweries. The City spent $100,189 at Red Truck and $94,348 at Steamworks.
“Beer from local Vancouver breweries is sold at civic theatres and golf course concessions for patrons to purchase. The City establishes agreements and negotiates pricing with these vendors.”
Are you surprised by any of the numbers in the SOFI?