The council is comprised of seven members. Each Council Member represents a geographical district of Salt Lake City. Each member serves a four-year term and is elected in nonpartisan elections. Each calendar year the council elects a new chair and vice chair from among themselves. Like other legislative bodies, the City Council's main tasks are the adoption and oversight of Salt Lake City's annual budget.
Property taxes make up the bulk of the general fund.
It is supplemented by state sales tax revenue, franchise taxes, and civil fines and forfeitures. The City Council also oversees the budget of the Salt Lake City Library System. Other responsibilities for City Council Members include introducing legislation, setting city policy, and giving advice and consent on appointments made by the mayor to city boards and commissions. The council also serves as the board of directors of the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency. The council employs a staff of 15 led by Executive Director Cindy Gust-Jenson and Deputy Director Gary Mumford.