The City of La Habra is a General Law city with a Council-Manager form of government.  It receives its authority from the California Constitution and Codes and from the City’s Municipal Code. The City Council serves as the legislative, policy making and governing body of the City, and the City Manager implements the Council’s direction and policy and oversees the day-to-day operations of the City.

In addition to the City Council, certain municipal functions are governed by the Redevelopment Agency, the La Habra Civic Improvement Authority and the La Habra Housing Authority.The members of the City Council serve as the Directors for these agencies.

The City Council also appoints members of the community to two Commissions that serve as official advisory bodies on City matters – the Planning Commission and the Community Services Commission.