As the central and chief policy-making body for the District of Columbia, the Council’s mission is to provide strong, innovative and effective leadership for the benefit of residents across the city. The Council’s central role as a legislative body is to make laws. However, its responsibilities also include oversight of multiple agencies, commissions, boards and other instruments of District government. Led by the Council Chairman, the 13 members of the Council are working to improve the quality of life in District neighborhoods by ensuring safer streets, furthering education reform, developing a vibrant economy, and implementing groundbreaking programs. Working with the Mayor and the executive branch, the Council also plays a critical role in maintaining a balanced budget and the fiscal health of the District of Columbia government. In the summer of 2018, the DC Council convened a cross-sector Racial Equity Working Group comprised of some of the Capitol regions top leaders. The group will continue to meet throughout 2019 to establish regional priorities around racial equity. This effort is being led by Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, and facilitated by National League of Cities, The Collective Good LLC and GARE.