The City of Needles is a Charter City. The Mayor is elected to serve a two-year term and there are six City Council members who are elected to serve a four-year (staggered) terms of office. Following each election, the Council selects from its membership a Vice Mayor. The City Council is the directional decision makers for the City.

The Needles City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers located at : 1111 Bailey Ave.