The City Council is the policy making body for the City of Dos Palos (City). Through duly convened regular and special meetings, the City Council adopts ordinances and resolutions setting forth statutory and regulatory policies of the City. The City Council is elected to overlapping four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney and all advisory commissions. Currently active commissions are the Planning Commission.

City Council goals are carried out by city staff under the direction of the City Manager. The City Manager is the link between City Council policy development and policy, implementation and City operations. The City Council provides information to the citizens. The City Council meetings are once a month to keep the citizenry informed as to the activities and projects of the City, Council and staff. Through the Council Members community involvement they encourage proactive participation of the citizens in City government.

The City Council's ultimate goal as a policy board is to provide leadership and vision for the Community of Dos Palos. The City's mission is to provide innovative, sustained high quality public services to the community through each employee using their maximum capacity.

The City Council's primary mission is to serve the community by providing professional leadership in enhancing the welfare of the City and responding to the needs of Dos Palos’ residents and business people. Council is sensitive and accessible to all members of the community, and by example, set a positive tone for handling community issues and delivering excellent City services

City Council meets at 6:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month in the City Council Chambers of the City-County Building, 1554 Golden Gate Avenue, Dos Palos.