The DC Government occupies a unique position, operating under Article One of the US Constitution and the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. These laws delegate certain powers of the US Congress to the Mayor and to a 13-member Council, though Congress still reserves the right to review and overturn laws created by the Council and intervene in local affairs. The Council, which operates out of the Wilson Building (pictured below) is made up of eight ward Councilmembers, four at-large Councilmembers and a Chairman.
Each ward has a Councilmember specifically designated as their representative; you can find a ward map here, courtesy of the DC Office of Planning. The four at-large Councilmembers are elected by the entirety of the District, as is the Chairman. For information on the DC Councilmembers, including how to get in contact with them, click here.
If you want to attend a Council hearing or know when a piece of legislation will be discussed by the Council or one of its committees, visit the legislative calendar on the Council’s website.
Underneath the Mayor and the Council in the city’s governmental hierarchy are the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, a City-elected Attorney General, the DC Court of Appeals, and numerous government agencies that advocate for everything from the Arts and Humanities to the Water and Sewer Authority.
DC Government
Government of the District of Columbia | Website
Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia | Website
Council of the District of Columbia | Website
Committees
Committee of the Whole | Website
Executive Administration and Labor | Website
Facilities | Website
Housing | Website
Health | Website
Human Services | Website
Judiciary and Public Safety | Website
Public Works and Operations | Website
Transportation and the Environment | Website
Youth Affairs | Website
Sub-Committee on Local Business Development | Website
Agencies & Services You May Need
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions | Website | (202) 727-9945
Board of Elections and Ethics | Website | (202) 727-2525
Department of Buildings | Website | (202) 671-3500
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection | Website | (202) 671-4500
Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking | Website | (202) 727-8000
DC Water | Website | (202) 787-2000
Office of Zoning | Website | (202) 727-6311
Public Charter School Board | Website | (202) 328-2660
Relevant Federal Government Agencies
Federal Housing Administration | Website | (800) CALL-FHA (225-5342)
Federal Housing Finance Agency | Website | (202) 649-3800