The city operates under a council-manager system. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer and represents the city at various functions. Mayor Downing presides over City Council meetings and makes appointments, with ratification by the City Council, to the city's various committees and boards. In the mayor's absence, the mayor pro tem assumes all responsibilities of the mayor. The mayor pro tem is recommended by the mayor and ratified by a majority of City Council. The current mayor pro tem is Councilmember Jeremy Smith.

The mayor and mayor pro tem are available for speaking engagements, meetings, etc., and generally need about two weeks advance notice for scheduling. To reach Mayor Downing, please contact City Hall at (770) 345-5536.