The city of Pinole has a City Council/City Manager form of government. Elected council members make policy and the city manager and staff enforce it. Council members are also members of the city's redevelopment agency. The council elects one of its members as mayor to a one-year term.
Council and agency meetings are regularly scheduled for 6pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Hall. Meetings include a period for public comment, as required by state law.