Farmington Hills utilizes the Council-Manager form of government, and thus is governed by a City Council consisting of a Mayor who can serve two 2-year terms (Vicki Barnett, elected in 2019) and six council members serving an unlimited number of 4-year terms (Jackie Boleware, elected in 2019; Valerie Knol, elected in 2017; Michael Bridges, elected in 2017; Ken Massey, elected in 2019; Mary Newlin, elected in 2019). The city council appoints a City Manager (currently: Dave Boyer), who manages the day-to-day operations of the city; a City Clerk who maintains all City Codes, Ordinances, Resolutions and other legal documents (currently Pam Smith); and a City Attorney who acts as legal advisor and representative for all City matters (currently Steve Joppich).