The Mayor and 4 Councilmembers are elected directly by the residents of Upland to serve a four-year term. Each Council Member, while elected by district, serves the entire community at large. The Mayor is elected at-large and is the presiding officer. Each Councilmember serves a one-year rotation as Mayor Pro Tem to serve as Mayor in the event of the Mayor’s absence.

As the legislative branch of the municipal government, the City Council holds regular meetings to adopt laws and make policy decisions for the City of Upland. The meetings are open to the public and are held the second and fourth Monday in the Council Chamber of the City Hall at 460 N. Euclid Avenue.  If Closed Session is required the meeting is called to order at 5:00 p.m. (this may be adjusted to a later time based on the number of items on the closed session agenda) followed by the Council recessing to Closed Session. The open session portion of the meeting commences at 7:00 p.m.

The City of Upland has established Legislative and Advisory Committees to provide recommendations to the City Council. For more information on City Committees, please visit https://www.uplandca.gov/city-committees.

In addition to these City responsibilities, the members of the City Council serve on Regional Boards and Committees to shape the programs, projects, and services within our City and San Bernardino County. The full list of agencies our Council serves is the California Form 806 Agency Report of Public Official Appointments and can be obtained through the City Clerk’s Office.

The City of Upland operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system, the City Council appoints an experienced professional City Manager who serves as the City’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for the efficient operation of all municipal departments.

The residents of Upland elect the City Treasurer. It is the Treasurer's responsibility to oversee the investment of City funds in a safe and secure manner while ensuring maximum return on all investments within limitations set by State law. The City Treasurer operates under the restrictions of Sections 41001-41007 and Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California and Resolution 6133 of the Upland City Council - a resolution that affirms the Investment Policy for Public Funds.

The City follows the practice of pooling cash and investments for all funds except for funds required to be held by outside fiscal agents. Investment income is allocated quarterly to various funds based on the average monthly cash balances.