What we do

Together, we…

• Introduce and vote on legislation (proposed laws) having to do with all aspects of City life.
• Negotiate the City’s budget with the Mayor and approve its adoption.
• Monitor City agencies such as the Department of Education and the NYPD to make sure they’re effectively serving New Yorkers.
• Review land use and make decisions about the growth and development of our city.

Similar to Congress at the federal level, we are New York City’s legislative body. The Council is separate from the Mayor’s administration but an equal partner in how our City is run.

So, for example, while the Mayor has the option of vetoing legislation that we have approved, the Council can respond with a two-thirds or more vote enacting a law over the objection of the Mayor to turn a bill into a law. The Council negotiates to ensure that certain services are included in the City’s budget.