Mayor and City Council: The governance of Columbus, Ohio, revolves around a mayor and a seven-member unicameral council, elected in two classes every two years to four-year terms at large. Unlike many other cities, Columbus elects its city council members at large rather than by districts. The mayor appoints the director of safety and the director of public service, while the people elect the auditor, municipal court clerk, municipal court judges, and city attorney. Established in 1916 following the adoption of a new charter, the Columbus government structure incorporates progressive features such as nonpartisan ballot, preferential voting, recall of elected officials, the referendum, and a small council elected at large. Currently, Andrew Ginther serves as the mayor of Columbus, having assumed office in 2016.

Government Offices: As the capital of Ohio and the county seat of Franklin County, Columbus houses a plethora of federal, state, county, and city government offices and courts. Notable federal offices include the Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse and the John W. Bricker Federal Building, accommodating various agencies and departments. The Ohio Statehouse, situated in the heart of downtown on Capitol Square, serves as the seat of Ohio's legislative and executive branches, hosting the Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, and ceremonial offices of the governor and other state officials. Adjacent to the Statehouse, the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center houses the Supreme Court, Court of Claims, and Judicial Conference. Franklin County operates the Franklin County Government Center, encompassing municipal and common pleas courts, correctional facilities, and the sheriff's office. Columbus's administrative offices are dispersed across several locations, including the Michael B. Coleman Government Center and 77 North Front Street, housing various departments responsible for building and zoning services, public safety, development, and more.