The PHST Committee handles matters requiring city council approval involving public safety, including police, fire and emergency management, the number and classifications of liquor or tobacco licenses, housing, rental licensing, public transportation, including commuter rail and busing, neighborhood redevelopment, youth and senior services, customer service, waste management contracts, animal control, property standards, neighborhood redevelopment, and human and community service.

The Aurora City Council is comprised of 12 elected officials - 10 ward aldermen and 2 aldermen-at-large. Working in tandem with the mayor, the aldermen are the voices of the Aurora community at the city government level.