The City of Norman was incorporated on May 13, 1891. The City Charter was adopted on June 28, 1919. This document has been the guiding force in how the city government operates, who makes up the city government, and what the City of Norman does as an organization. The City Charter identifies the roles of the Mayor and City Council Members, and identifies the City Manager as the administrative head of the city government.

We operate under a Council-Manager form of government.The City Council is the policy making body of city government. The City Council appoints the City Manager who directs Norman's day-to-day activities. The council members are elected for two year terms and represent the eight wards within Norman. The Mayor is elected at-large by the entire community and serves a three year term.

The City of Norman has eleven departments which perform unique functions within the city government. These departments oversee and implement the services and programs of City Hall. The City of Norman employs over 850 people who staff these eleven departments.