Middletown was originally incorporated in 1833 and has operated under a Home Rule city charter since 1913. The city is governed by a seven-member City Council, three elected "at large" and four elected "by ward." The Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month in the council chamber on the Lower Level of the City Building. The work session begins at 5:30 PM and the Business meeting begins at 6:30 PM.

All elective municipal officers are nominated by a petition of at least fifty (50) of the electors of the City and filed with the board of elections. Nomination petitions for ward candidates are to be signed by at least 50 electors of the represented ward.

The City Council elects a Mayor and Vice Mayor at the first meeting in January at which newly elected members assume their duties of office. Vacancies in the Council are filled by the Council for the remainder of the unexpired term.

The City Council appoints a City Manager, who performs the duties in the City Charter. The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer and the head of the administrative branch of the city government. He/she is responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs of the city.

The City Council appoints a variety of boards and commissions including the Civil Service Commission, the Park Board, the Board of Health and Environment and many others.