About the Council

Council Functions

As the legislative body and chief policy-making authority for the District of Columbia, the Council of the District of Columbia is committed to providing strong, innovative, and effective leadership for the benefit of all District residents. The Council works to improve quality of life across every neighborhood in the District by enacting laws, exercising government oversight, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Legislative Authority

The Council’s primary responsibility is to create and pass legislation that addresses the needs of District residents. Councilmembers introduce, debate, and vote on laws covering a wide range of issues, including education, housing, public safety, transportation, economic development, health care, and environmental protection.

Government Oversight

The Council exercises oversight of District government agencies, commissions, boards, and programs to ensure they operate efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with their established purposes. Through regular performance oversight hearings, Council committees examine whether agencies are meeting their objectives, following regulations, and staying within budget. Each year, the Council also holds budget oversight hearings to review the performance and funding needs of every District agency before approving the annual budget proposed by the Mayor.

Budget and Fiscal Responsibility

Working in partnership with the Mayor and the executive branch, the Council plays a critical role in maintaining the District’s fiscal health. District law requires a balanced budget, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed revenues. The Council carefully reviews the Mayor’s proposed budget, holds public hearings, and makes adjustments to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Constituent Services

The Council is committed to serving District residents. Each councilmember’s office is staffed with professionals dedicated to addressing constituent concerns, solving problems, and responding to complaints.

 

Council Structure

The Council is composed of 13 members (Meet the Council) who represent the diverse communities and interests of the District:

  • Eight Ward Members: One councilmember elected by voters in each of the District’s eight wards
  • Four At-Large Members: Councilmembers elected by all District voters to represent citywide interests
  • One Chairman: Elected at-large by all District voters to lead the Council and set its legislative agenda

This structure ensures that residents have both neighborhood-specific representation through their ward member and citywide representation through at-large members and the Chairman.

The Council conducts much of its work through standing committees (Council Organizational Chart), each focused on specific policy areas. Committees are responsible for:

  • Reviewing and conducting hearings on proposed legislation
  • Conducting oversight of District agencies within their jurisdiction
  • Performing policy research and analysis
  • Drafting and refining legislation
  • Reviewing agency budgets and performance
  • Providing constituent services related to their policy areas

Committee assignments allow councilmembers to develop expertise in particular areas and conduct thorough review of legislation before it comes to the full Council for a vote.

 

How to Engage with the Council

Contact Your Councilmember

Every District resident is represented by two councilmembers: one ward member and one at-large member (either an at-large councilmember or the Chairman). You can contact your councilmember’s office to:

  • Share your views on pending legislation
  • Request assistance with District services
  • Report neighborhood concerns
  • Ask questions about Council business
  • Schedule a meeting with your councilmember or staff

Council’s General Line: (202) 724-8000

Summary Council Directory

Testify at Hearings

Public participation is essential to good governance. The Council holds public hearings and roundtables where residents, business owners, advocates, and community organizations can provide testimony on proposed legislation and District programs.

Learn more about testifying by clicking here.

Attend Council Sessions

The Council is in session year-round, with brief recesses during the summer and winter/early spring. Council legislative meetings, committee hearings, and roundtables are typically held at the John A. Wilson Building, located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, where each councilmember also maintains an office.

Council legislative meetings and Committee of the Whole sessions are open to the public. You can attend in person at the John A. Wilson Building or watch remotely via livestream.

View the Schedule of Legislative Meetings here.

Stay Informed

Follow Council activities and stay up to date on legislation:

Learn More About the Council

We encourage all District residents to learn more about how their local government works. The following resources provide detailed information about Council operations, history, and procedures:

Council 101: A comprehensive guide to understanding how the DC Council works

Meet the Council: Profiles of current councilmembers

Council Organizational Chart: Visual overview of Council structure and committees

Council Rules: Official procedures governing Council operations

Council Code of Conduct: Ethical standards for councilmembers and staff

Council Handbook: Detailed guide to Council procedures and practices

Glossary of Legislative Terms: Definitions of common legislative language

Historical Committee Structure

Councilmember History

A Visit Through History: Historical DC Council Photos