The legislative and policy-making branch of Monterey's municipal government is the City Council. The Council consists of five members: the Mayor, elected to a two-year term, and four Council members, elected to four-year terms.

Monterey is one of more than 300 California cities operating under the Council-City Manager form of government. Under this system, the City Council appoints a professional City Manager, as well as the City Attorney and the members of Monterey's citizen advisory boards and commissions. These appointments serve at the pleasure of the Council and provide recommendations and advice to the City Council.

The City Manager serves as the professional administrator of the City and is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day operations and administration. His duties include personnel and labor relations, the preparation and administration of the City budget, inter-governmental relations, and generally organizing the implementation of the City Council's policy. The City Manager also serves as chief advisor to the City Council.

The City Manager appoints a professional staff to help manage the organization. The Executive Management Team of the City consists of City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Clerk, Community Development Director, Deputy to the City Manager, Finance Director, Fire Chief, Library Director, Personnel Director, Police Chief, Public Facilities Director, Public Works Director, and Recreation and Community Services Director. The City Attorney is appointed directly by the City Council.

The primary responsibility of the City Council is to fulfill the legislative function and to establish the general direction and policies for the City, and to provide the City Manager and operating departments with the resources necessary to carry out these policies. The Mayor presides at City Council and Redevelopment Agency meetings and represents the City at various ceremonial functions and other meetings.