The Public Affairs Council was launched in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, when he convened a meeting of business executives to suggest the creation of a national organization to make business people from both parties active participants in the political process.

[clarification needed] Today, the definition of "public affairs" is much broader, encompassing political involvement, lobbying (government relations), political action committees, corporate community involvement, issues management, grassroots advocacy, and public relations.

Through the Consulting Services division, the Council advances the field of Public Affairs by collecting and analyzing data, assessing best practices, and providing professional assistance to member organizations in areas of strategic planning and management, organizational structure, performance measurement and evaluation.

In 1964 the ECO offered its first series of conferences and roundtables, including the first Public Affairs Training Seminar (PATS).

The Public Affairs Council is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of industry leaders.