DC Local Government
USE YOUR VOICE
We might not be able to fix all of the problems going on in the nation, but let's make sure our local government reflects our values and hold them accountable.
Because DC is not a state, it takes on the role of state functions and city functions. While the Mayor works with the City Council, her office is in charge of executing local laws and overseeing all city functions.
Powers of the Mayor
- The Mayor creates, proposes, and signs the DC Budget.
- The Mayor negotiates directly with the President and Congress and is the face of DC.
- The Mayor can announce policy priorities for things such as immigration protections, murals and graffiti cleanup, and clearing of homeless encampments.
- The Mayor oversees all agencies where our public policy is executed.
If you have questions about how the government is functioning, the Mayor’s office has data, information, and reports on all city functions.
You can also reach out to your Ward MOCR (Mayor Office of Community Relations) to discuss concerns or have questions answered.
Do you know Rep Oye?
Oye Owolewa has been DC's Representative since 2021.
While he does not have voting rights in Congress, he is a tireless advocate for DC statehood and is extremely active in the community making improvements across the City for all DC Citizens.
Sign up for his informative news letter and go to one of his next events!
In response to Mike Lee's (Sen-Ut) bill to revoke DC Home Rule, Rep Oye flew out to Utah to speak to residents about DC statehood and the importance of protecting American democracy.
Thank You, Representative Oye!
DC has 8 Wards which each represent approximately 80,000+ people. Each ward is represented in the Council and there are an additional four councilmembers “at large” who represent the entire city.
Each Councilmember introduces legislation and helps create the laws we live by. They have input on our budget and oversight of government function.
Powers of the Council
- The Council reviews the budget, makes recommendations, and negotiates with the Mayor for changes.
- The Council proposes and enacts all of our DC legislation.
- Each Councilmember is assigned to a committee that oversees agency work and interfaces between the public and the agency executing public policy.
- Councilmembers provide basic constituent services such as working to help individuals navigate the DC govt or address policy concerns by individuals and groups.
Get to know your Councilmember at neighborhood Meet & Greets or Listening Sessions. Sign up for their newsletter so you are informed about changes happening in your Ward.
Do you know Senator Jain?
Elected in 2024, Senator Jain has been active with Free DC lobbying Congress to release DC's frozen budget funds.
His priorities include Statehood, affordable housing, crime prevention, and federal funding for Metro.
Thank You, Senator Jain!
DC has 134 neighborhoods, 46 ANCs (Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners) and 345 SMDs (Single Member Districts).
Each Commissioner only ever represents approximately 2,000 people – a TRUE representative form of democracy!
Historically tasked with zoning issues, ANC’s can be a great place to discuss local school protections, government services such as trash pick up and street repair, police activity, and local social services. This can be a great place to connect to neighbors concerned about threats to the status quo.
What Can DC Local Govt do?
What Can We Do?
We don’t have the same control as a state. We are vulnerable.
But that does not mean we are without power!
We can insist that our Local Government not offer voluntary compliance with the administration;
that our Local Government protect the values, diversity, and democratic principles this city embraces;
that our Local Government uphold the laws for which DC Citizens have advocated.
Follow the Budget!
DC Budget may be as much as 20% short or $4 billion dollars for FY26. Now, more than ever, DC Citizens need to advocate for how they want to prioritize our collective tax dollars.
Follow Agency Rules and Policy
If budgets get cut, make sure you know what is on the chopping block. Where can we fill in through alternative means?
Follow our schools
Be ready for Congressional overreach on our schools. Learn what Congress may do to DCPS and how it may affect all DC Citizens.
Many different groups are lobbying DC
Whether you just want to stay informed or want to offer testimony, schedule meetings with DC, or want accountability from political leaders – get involved!
we can do this
We can protect DC
In order to make this a stronger, more resilient community, we must be informed and be engaged. If we know what is happening then we can take collective action.
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