The City of Clarkston operates under a Mayor-City Council form of government. The elected body consists of a Mayor and six City Council members who serve staggered terms. The local government handles city planning, municipal policing, code enforcement, and local public works.
Clarkston has gained political attention in recent years for its progressive policies. It was one of the first cities in Georgia to pass legislation decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, commit to transitioning to 100% clean energy, and establish a $15 minimum wage for city employees.
As a municipality within DeKalb County, residents also rely on the county government for major administrative services, including the public school system, fire rescue, watershed management, and the county health department.