The City of Sierra Vista is a Council-Manager municipality. The Council-Manager form of government capitalizes on a basic tenet of American democracy·the separation of legislative and executive powers. As such, the City Council defines public policy while the City Manager administers that policy and oversees the day-to-day operation of the city. The Sierra Vista City Council is comprised of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at large to staggered four-year terms. Elections are strictly non-partisan.

The Sierra Vista Mayor and Council have developed a 20-year strategic plan, “Our Future Vistas” to promote strategic leadership and performance and guide the community into the future.