D.C. Council Profile

The D.C. Council is the legislative branch of the local government of the District of Columbia.

Thirteen Members make up the Council: a representative elected from each of the eight wards; and five members, including the Chairman, elected at-large.

Led by the Council Chairman, the 13 members of the Council are working to improve the quality of life in District neighborhoods by ensuring safer streets, furthering education reform, developing a vibrant economy, and implementing groundbreaking programs. Working with the D.C. Mayor and the executive branch, the Council also plays a critical role in maintaining a balanced budget and the fiscal health of the District of Columbia government.

As permitted in the United States Constitution, the District is not part of any U.S. state and is instead overseen directly by the federal government. Since 1973, the United States Congress has devolved certain powers to the D.C. Council that would typically be exercised by state legislatures. However, Congress maintains supreme authority over the federal district and therefore all acts of the Council are subject to congressional review and may be overturned.