The Council of the District of Columbia is the legislative branch of the district government. The council approves the district's annual budget and financial plan and sets the revenue required to fund the budget. It oversees the programs and operations of government agencies, determines land use and appoints members to certain boards and commissions. In addition, council committees issue analytical reports on the effectiveness of government operations and make recommendations for reform. The council is composed of 13 members with one representative elected from each of the eight wards and five members, including the chairman, elected at large. Members conduct their work through standing committees and special committees established as needed.