Because Scottdale is a census-designated place rather than an incorporated city, it does not have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it is governed by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.
Public services, including police, fire, emergency services, water, sewer, and sanitation, are all administered by DeKalb County. Residents participate in county-wide elections for their district commissioner and the county CEO. The lack of municipal incorporation means property taxes are paid directly to the county, and zoning and land-use decisions are handled at the county level, which has played a significant role in how redevelopment has been managed in recent years.