District of Columbia Council records
Collection Scope and Content
This collection consists of Council of the District of Columbia considerations, hearings, proposals, correspondence, subject files, legislation, magnetic tapes, and budget files. The collection ranges in date from 1968 to 1975 and they cover the District Council of Washington, D.C.
Please note: this collection contains unprocessed materials. Ask staff about using this material.
Dates
- 1968-1975
Restrictions on Access
Some records may be restricted.
Restrictions on Use
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Historical or Biographical Note
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.
Extent
32 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Collection consists of District Council considerations, hearings, proposals, correspondence, subject files, legislation, magnetic tapes, and budget files. The collection ranges in date from 1968 to 1975 and they cover the District Council of Washington, D.C.
Arrangement
This collection is not processed and series have not yet been decided upon. The current arrangement reflects the arrangement when donated.
Acquisition Information
Acquisition data is unknown.
General
This collection is not processed. Some of these box descriptions may not be entirely accurate. Please allow extra time when using this collection for research.
- Budget Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- District of Columbia. City Council
- Legislation Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Washington (D.C.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Preliminary Guide to the District of Columbia Council Records, 1968-1975
- Status
- Box Inventory
- Author
- Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
- Date
- 2005
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository