Huntington Beach was incorporated in 1909 as a City Council / City Manager form of government. There are Huntington Beach is among 121 charter cities in the State of California. During an election, citizens vote for and elect 7 council members who serve four year terms. A mayor is chosen by council members to serve a 1 year term, generally based on the biggest vote-getter in an election.

The City of Huntington Beach employs approx. 1,000 full time people. The departments include:

Elected: City Clerk, City Attorney, City Treasurer

Non-elected: City Manager, Community Services, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Services, Library Services, Fire, Planning & Building, Police, Public Information, Public Works

The City operates with a budget of around $300 million annually.