The Council consists of the mayor and 15 other council members, each of whom is elected to their position by a general election of the people of Quito for a term of four years.

In Quito the first use of the title of mayor, or alcalde in Spanish, was established in 1946.

Since then, 24 men have held the position with an average time in office of just over 3 years.

Prior to 1946, and dating back to the mid-18th century, the chief executive was known only as President of the Metropolitan Council of Quito.

In 1993 under the administration of Mayor Jamil Mahuad, the title was renamed to "Metropolitan Mayor" due to the enactment of the Regime Law for the Metropolitan District of Quito.