The City of Carbondale is a zoned, home-rule municipality that operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six city council members elected at large for four-year staggered terms. The City Manager, a professional hired by the City Council, appoints the department heads. The City provides services such as police, fire, development services, public works, and a public library. In FY 2021, the City created a Parks and Recreation Department and began operating public parks at Turley Park and Tatum Heights Park. Numerous boards and commissions allow for citizen participation, bringing more citizens into civic activities.