The City of Fairfield operates under a Council-Manager form of government, which provides for an elected Mayor and City Council working with an appointed City Manager. City Council appoints the City Manager, the Law Director and the Clerk of Council, each of whom serves at the pleasure of Council.

The City Manager is the chief executive, administrative and law enforcement officer of the City. Except for employees of the other Council appointees and of the Municipal Court, the City Manager is responsible for the hiring of all City employees. The City Manager’s Office also coordinates the efforts of the seven City departments as well as implements Council’s policy actions. A Department Head, who reports to the City Manager, supervises each of the departments. Some departments are further divided into divisions. The City’s Service Delivery Chart depicts the overall organization of the City’s operations.