Devonport City Council is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. It is comprised of twelve elected Aldermen, each elected for a term of four years. The municipal area comprises a single electoral district. An election is held every second year in October, at which half of the elected Alderman stand for re-election or retire from the position of Alderman. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by the community with their term of office being two years.

Decisions are made at Council meetings, which are normally held on the 3rd Monday of each month commencing at 6pm. Council meetings are advertised in the local press. Council meetings are open to the public and time is set aside for questions to Council from those attending. Copies of the Agenda for Council Meetings can be inspected at the Council Chambers from the Thursday prior to the meeting and are also available on Council's website.

The Devonport City Council is administered by a dedicated management team, comprising of 3 Portfolios. The three respective Portfolios are the General Manager's Portfolio; the Technical and Finance Portfolio; and the Customers and Community Portfolio. The leadership team oversee the efficient operation of Council. The General Manager has the ultimate responsibility for the effective management of Council's budget its daily operations and implementation of Alderman's decisions.