The City of Colonial Heights is organized under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is the governing body that makes all policies for the administration of the City. The seven member Council is elected at large by the voters, and the Council members elect a Mayor from their number for a two-year term. The Mayor presides over meetings of the Council and is recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes. Council terms are for four years and a portion of the Council is elected every two years.