Kenmore has a Council–manager government, being governed by a city council consisting of seven councilmembers, each of whom is elected to a four-year term. Council elections are held every two years, with either three or four positions standing, depending upon year. All positions are nonpartisan and at-large, elected by the entire city voting population. The Council passes ordinances, sets policies, and elects from its own membership a Mayor and Deputy Mayor for two-year terms. The Council as a whole meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with public Study Sessions held on the first and third Mondays.