Much of the council's work involves zoning matters. Council, or a committee authorized by it, has the power to investigate any departmental official of Denver city government accused of certain types of misconduct. By provisions of the City Charter, Denver is divided into 11 councilmanic districts of approximately equal population. The number of districts can be changed only by changing the City Charter, but the district boundaries can be changed by ordinance. They are changed every 10 years based on new census data.
All council members serve four-year terms.
Council elects its own president. Members of council are paid an annual salary and may, with certain limitations, have other employment while serving. All ordinances must have at least two readings before council and be approved by majority vote. They hear reports and funding requests from department and agency heads. Much of the work of council is done in committees.