One of the most important ways to become an engaged member of your community is by knowing how your local government works. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Washington, DC's local government and how DC residents can get involved.

Washington, DC operates under a mayor-council form of government, which breaks the city's processes down into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Did you know? Until the US Congress passed the Home Rule Act in 1973, DC residents had very little autonomy in their local government — just ten years earlier, they were granted the right to vote for President and Vice President.

But let's get back to the local. DC's Mayor, elected every four years, serves as the head of the Executive branch. Muriel Bowser has held the role since 2015. The Mayor is also responsible for appointing a City Administrator, who oversees day-to-day operations + implements legislative actions and policy decisions.

DC's Legislative branch is comprised of a 13-member Council, elected to serve staggered four-year terms. Eight members are elected to represent a specific ward of DC, while the remaining four members (plus a chairperson) are elected at large.

Some of the Council's key responsibilities include:

Passing laws
Approving the city budget
Overseeing the Executive branch

In addition to the Council, the Legislative branch also consists of more than 40 advisory neighborhood commissions. Members of these elected commissions represent specific neighborhoods across DC + advise the Mayor and Council on various issues.

Judicial branch members are not elected by residents, and are instead appointed by the President.

How to participate

Per DC's code, those wanting to run for elected office must be nominated, but locals can still get involved by applying to serve on one of the 185 boards, commissions, or task forces available through the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments. These groups — depending on their scope — are responsible for:

Advising agencies and programs
Regulating professions and industry
Setting and shaping specific policy decisions