The City of Maplewood operates under the Council-Manager plan. Under this form of government, all legislative power is vested in the elected, part-time City Council. This Council consists of a Mayor and four Councilmembers who are elected at large for four-year staggered terms.

The Council adopts policies and ordinances and appoints a professional, full-time City Manager to carry them out. The City Manager is solely responsible for the administration of City business and may delegate authority to promote efficient use of staff time.