Legislative branch Government of New York City

legislative power in city of new york vested in new york city council. new york state constitution empowers local governments adopt local laws in addition ordinances, resolutions, rules , regulations.

new york city hall, seat of city government

the council unicameral body consisting of 51 council members, districts defined geographic population boundaries each contain approximately 157,000 people. council members elected every 4 years, except after every census held in years divisible twenty, districts redrawn, requiring 2 consecutive two-year terms, second of held in redrawn districts. speaker of council, selected 51 council members, considered second powerful post in new york city s government after mayor.

bills passed simple majority sent mayor, may sign them law. if mayor vetoes bill, council has 30 days override veto two-thirds majority vote. local law has status equivalent law enacted new york state legislature (subject exceptions , restrictions), , superior older forms of municipal legislation such ordinances, resolutions, rules , regulations. codified local laws of new york city contained in new york city administrative code.

the council has several committees oversight of various functions of city government. each council member sits on @ least 3 standing, select or subcommittees. standing committees meet @ least once per month. speaker of council, majority leader, , minority leader ex officio members of every committee.