City Council is comprised of a Mayor, three Regional Councillors and three City Councillors. The Mayor is elected by voters across the entire City, while the Regional and City Councillors are elected by voters in one of the three respective wards.

The Mayor and Regional Councillors sit on both the City Council and the Council of the Regional Municipality of Durham. The City Councillors sit on City Council only. The Mayor and all Councillors serve a four year term.

All seven members of Council are responsible for the management and administration of the City's resources.  As well as attending Council and Committee meetings, members also share in attendance at a large number of board and committee meetings.