For 100 years, Cleveland Heights operated under a Council-Manager form of government. However, following a historic citizen-led ballot initiative in 2019, the city transitioned to a Mayor-Council (strong mayor) government, which officially took effect on January 1, 2022.
The government consists of a full-time Mayor, who serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the city, and a seven-member City Council, which serves as the legislative branch. Council members are elected at-large and serve staggered four-year terms.
Cleveland Heights provides comprehensive municipal services, including a dedicated police department, a fire department (which provides EMS services), and departments for public works, parks and recreation, and community development. At the state and federal levels, the city is part of Ohio's 11th Congressional District.