City Council

Description of Services

City Council is the legislative branch of government and consists of nine members. Each Member represents one Council District, and is appointed to be the chairperson of a committee which corresponds to one or more City Departments. Council carries out duties in accordance with the Home Rule Charter and the laws of the state, and is primarily responsible for making laws which govern the City of Pittsburgh. City Council proposes, debates, and votes on legislation governing and/or affecting the City. This body also approves appointments as provided by the Charter, regulates revenues and expenditures, and approves the final operating and capital budgets for the City. Since the legislative power of the City is solely vested in the Council, the introduction of legislation necessary for the operations of all City Departments must be introduced by City Council members through their representative committees. Council members also introduce ordinances and resolutions which directly address policy and budgetary issues. City Council is entrusted with the review and approval of all City laws. Council members interact with City Departments, other units of government, and the general public as a means to obtain information pertinent to their decision-making process.

Each of the nine Council Members have discretion on how they would like to budget their staff salary allocations. The proposed budget for each office (not including the Council Member) for 2026 is approximately $222,774.