The Council of the District of Columbia is the legislative branch of the District government. All legislative powers are vested in the Council. In addition, the council approves the District's annual budget and financial plan, and sets the revenue required to fund the budget. It oversees the programs and operations of government agencies, and acts on or initiates reorganization plans for the Executive Branch. The Council determines land use, through the adoption of the comprehensive plan, and undertakes redistricting based on the decennial census. In addition, the Council appoints members to certain boards and commissions, and must confirm major appointments made by the Mayor.

The Council develops legislative initiatives and budget priorities to promote the public welfare. It oversees the performance of government agencies and the implementation of management reforms to improve service delivery. Council committees issue analytical reports on the effectiveness of government operations and make recommendations for reform. In addition, the Council monitors agency spending to ensure compliance with the approved budget and financial plan.

As the local elected representative body, the Council seeks citizen participation throughout the legislative process. It holds public hearings to provide an opportunity for public comment on proposed legislation, policy initiatives and government operations. Also, the Council helps citizens access government information and services.

The Council is composed of thirteen Members: a representative elected from each of the eight wards and five members, including the Chairman, elected at-large. The Council conducts its work through standing committees and special committees established as needed. Council staff perform legislative research, bill drafting, program and policy analysis, and constituent services. In addition, the Council is supported by centralized administrative, legal and budget offices.

To assist in its oversight, the Council appoints the D.C. Auditor who conducts statutorily required audits of government accounts and operation, and other audits as directed by the Council.

Much of the work of the Council is done in standing committees and special committees. Committees are established at the first meeting of each Council period.

To hold the office of Member of the Council, a person must be a registered voter, a resident of the District for at least a year prior to the general election, and of the ward if nominated for election from a particular ward, and hold no other public office for which compensation beyond expenses is received. A member is elected from each of the District's eight wards, and four members are elected at-large to serve a four-year term.

Taken from the DC Council website 2005.