Plymouth operates under the council-manager form of government. The city council sets policy and overall direction for the city. The city council appoints a city manager to administer the policy and handle day-to-day operations. The city charter, which Plymouth voters adopted in 1993, details city government structure and procedures.
Several citizen commissions and committees, appointed by the city council, study and advise the city council on a variety of issues. The city council makes appointments to boards and commissions each year.