The Lake Oswego City Charter establishes a council-manager form of government, which vests policy authority in a volunteer city council, and administrative authority for day-to-day operations in an appointed, professional city manager.  

The Lake Oswego City Council consists of a mayor and six councilors who serve four-year terms. At least three council positions are up for election every two years. Councilors are elected at large. The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes are elected to the vacant seats.