Carson is a general law city with a council-city manager form of government. The City Council servers as the governing and policy making body of the City. The City Council is composed of the mayor, elected every two years and four City Councilpersons elected to four-year terms of office by elections at large.

Municipal elections are held every two years with two councilpersons being elected for four-year terms. In March of each year, the City Council selects one of its members to act as Mayor Pro-Tempore. The duties of the Mayor include presiding at City Council meetings, appointing members of boards and commissions, and serving as the official head of the City. All City Councilpersons must be registered voters within the City limits of Carson.
 

The City Council appoints a City Manager to serve as the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager acts as the chief advisor to the City Council; implements City Council decisions; acts as liaison between City Council and other agencies; and directs and coordinates the City resources and workgroups. The City's resources are administered by the City Manager and have been organized around four major workgroups: Economic Development, Development Services, Public Services and Administrative Services established to deal with specific functions and services.