City Council is the legislative branch of government consisting of seven members, one of whom is the mayor. City Council and mayoral elections are held in November of odd number years and are nonpartisan. City Council members are elected by residents to four-year terms. City Council has been granted certain powers by the Ohio Constitution, the laws of the state of Ohio, and the New Albany Charter. These powers are exercised through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions.

Among other things, the charter gives City Council the authority to:

• create and abolish departments, commissions, boards and committees;
• audit accounts and records;
• conduct inquires and investigations;
• levy taxes;
• enforce laws and regulations;
• adopt budgets and appropriate funds;
• adopt building and zoning regulations; and
• hire a city manager.