There are currently six Council standing committees: Education (ED); Health and Human Services (HHS); Government Operations (GO); Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED); Public Safety (PS); and Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (T&E). Each committee has budget review and program oversight responsibilities. Some cross-cutting issues may be reviewed by two committees meeting jointly.

In addition, in 2009 the Council established a Council Audit Committee consisting of the members of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee and the Council President and Council Vice President as ex officio members. The Council also convenes ad hoc committees as necessary.

In some of the committees, an individual other than the Chair has been designated as the Lead Councilmember for an issue or group of issues. Lead Councilmembers take the initiative in developing agenda items in their areas of responsibility and act as chair of the committee when their items are being discussed.

Council committees customarily meet on Mondays and Thursdays. During the Council budget seasons committee sessions are held more frequently. The Council’s operating budget season is mid-March through May each year, with most committee worksessions taking place in April. The full Capital Improvements Program is reviewed biannually from mid-January through May, with most committee worksessions taking place in February; however, amendments to the Capital Improvements Program may be considered at any time.