Prairie Village operates under the Mayor-Council form of government with an appointed professional City Administrator. The City is divided into six wards; two council members elected from each ward serve staggered four-year terms. The Mayor is elected from the City at large for a four-year term. The City Administrator has responsibility for management of all City programs and departments in accordance with policies and annual budgets adopted by the Council. The City provides service in the areas of Administration, Community Development, Public Works, Police, Municipal Justice, and Community Programs, Parks and Recreation.

In addition, the City has over 20 volunteer advisory committees.  From the Planning Commission to the Sister City Committee, there is a place for everyone to get involved.