The City of Elk Grove operates under the Council/Manager form of government, a system that combines the policy leadership of elected officials in the form of a city council, with the managerial expertise of an appointed city manager.

Elk Grove is a general law city under California law with five elected representatives on the City Council, the mayor and four council-members. The office of the elective mayor is decided by the voters, with the position elected citywide (at-large), having a residency requirement within the City limits,and serves a two-year term. There are four council residency districts, and council-members are elected citywide (at-large) and serve four-year terms.Each council member must reside within the district of the city that they oversee.

The City Council is the legislative body of Elk Grove. It has a broad range of municipal powers including the review and approval of an annual budget, establishing community goals and objectives, approving the City’s general plan and proposed sphere of influence, reviewing and approving major projects and hearing community problems and concerns.

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves as the chief administrative officer of the organization. The City Manager is responsible for administration of City affairs, day-to-day operations, and implementation of Council policies.

The City Attorney, also appointed by the City Council, advises and represents the City and City Council in all legal affairs.