The City of Jackson operates under the mayor-council form of government with a full-time mayor elected at-large and seven part-time council members elected (one each) from the seven wards.

The City Council is authorized by Section 21-8-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, to serve as the legislative branch for the city. Each member of the council is empowered to perform the duties specified by the general laws of the state.