The City of Virginia Beach was chartered as a municipal corporation by the General Assembly of Virginia on January 1, 1963. The City operates under Council-Manager form of government.

The eleven member City Council is the City's legislative body. The City Manager is appointed by Council and acts as Chief Executive Officer. Through his staff, he implements policies established by Council.

City Council elections are held every two years during the November General Elections, which is the 1st Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even numbered years.  The first of which will be held on November 4, 2008. 

Three Council members and the Mayor serve "at large" with no District residency requirement. All others are required to live in the District they represent: Bayside, Centerville, Kempsville, Lynnhaven, Princess Anne, Rose Hall and Beach Districts.

The Mayor is elected to a four-year term through "direct" election. The Mayor presides over Council meetings, serves as the ceremonial head and spokesperson for the City, and assumes other duties as necessary.

The Vice-Mayor is elected by the City Council at the first meeting in July following a Council election. The Vice-Mayor is charged with carrying out the duties of the Mayor in his or her absence.