Oberlin's Charter establishes the Council-Manager form of government. The powers of the City are for local self-government under the home rule provisions of the Ohio Constitution and statutes.

All legislative powers are vested in the Council, which consists of seven members elected on a non-partisan basis at large. The Council elects one of its members to serve as Council Chair who also serves as Mayor. The Council Chair presides at meetings of Council and is recognized as the official head of the City for ceremonial purposes, by the Governor for military purposes and by the courts for the purpose of serving civil process. A Council Vice Chair is also chosen by the same method and acts in the absence of the Council Chair.