district of columbia

Thirteen Members make up the Council: a representative elected from each of the eight wards; and five members, including the Chairman, elected at-large.

DC boards and commissions provide guidance to District Government functions and/or engage subject matter experts and community leaders. Boards fall into the following categories: 

Advisory boards – commissioners provide personal and professional subject matter expertise and make recommendations to the Mayor and District Agencies in specific topics.

Licensing and regulatory boards – commissioners with professional and personal expertise in subject matter help develop standards for licensed professions. These boards may also establish regulatory standards for professions and District Agencies.

Policymaking boards – commissioners [work] with District Agencies to shape policy.

Managing boards – Independent agencies with Board of Directors who provide governance and serve a fiduciary role in leading the organization.

The Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) is an advisory panel in each police district that provides the district commander with information and recommendations from the community on the public's safety problems and police service needs. Regular CAC meetings in each district allow residents to meet and discuss police-related issues with the commander. The meetings also provide an opportunity for police officials to assess the impact of their crime-fighting efforts on the community.