The Council serves as a balance of power against the mayor, as Porto Alegre has a strong mayor-council type of government.

Porto Alegre City Council oversees all Executive agencies, departments, and audits municipal public accounts.

Under the rule of the Empire of Brazil, there was no mayor-like office, and activities of City Council were scrutinized by the Provincial Assembly.

At that time, City Council had attributions that today are mayor's ones, like public works, police services, and tax collection.

This building was destroyed by fire on November 19, 1949 and the lot is now the seat of Rio Grande do Sul Court of Justice.

1873 was the year of the centennial and the members of Council were João Carlos Augusto Bordini, Joaquim Francisco Dutra Júnior, João Rodrigues Fagundes, Antônio Manuel Fernandes, Luís da Silva Flores Filho, João Pinto da Fonseca Guimarães, José Martins de Lima, Manuel Soares Lisboa and, Firmínio Martins de Oliveira Prates.

After enactment of the Brazilian Constitution of 1891, City Council was responsible of auditing municipal public accounts, analyzing budget bills and, tax-related matters.

At this time, there had been no opposition within City Council, as the PRP dominated state's political scene.

During this time, City Council was made up of 11 councilmen with annual sessions no longer than two months.

Committee on Constitution and Justice (CCJ) oversees legal status before the City Charter of every bill in the Council.

Membership[6] to CEDECONDH: Committee on Health and Environment (COSMAN) has jurisdiction on public-funded healthcare, sanitary inspection, sewage services and, environmental protection.