The Council of the District of Columbia:
An Introduction
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 citizen’s access government information and services.
Council Facts:
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The official name of the institution that serves as the District’s legislature is the Council of the District of Columbia (Council).
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The Council serves simultaneously as the State Legislature, the county council, and city council for the District of Columbia, a thriving and unique geographic entity in the United States.
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The John A. Wilson Building which is under the jurisdiction and management of the Council pursuant to statute is the official seat of Government for the District of Columbia.
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The Council has 13 members, and functions through a system of 11 standing committees. The term of office is four (4) years.
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A quorum of the Council consists of seven (7) (9 for emergency legislation).
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The Council considers and adopts the laws of the District.
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The Council considers, reviews and confirms Executive appointments through its “advise and consent,” or confirmation function, including Mayoral appointments to some boards and commissions.
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Sets overall policy for the District government.
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Reviews and approves the Mayor’s fiscal year budget proposal.
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Reviews, and can disapprove, any proposal by the Mayor to move funds around during a fiscal year through Reprogramming actions.
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Reviews, and can disapprove, contracts in excess of $1 million.
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Reviews and considers any reorganization plans, including the establishment of new departments or the abolition of old departments, of the District government by the Executive.
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Holds public hearings or roundtables on legislative proposals, or conducts oversight public hearings on various matters, including budget hearings.