St. Charles operates under a charter form of government with citizens electing a mayor and four council members to set policy for the City. Council members serve terms of four years, with two members being elected every two years. The mayor is elected every two years. The mayor and council are elected on a non-partisan basis.
City Council meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers in the City Hall building. Meetings are open to the public.