The city of Fountain Valley's Administration Department is comprised of the legislative, legal, and administrative branches of City government.

Elected at large by the citizens of Fountain Valley to act as their representatives, the City Council functions as the legislative branch of the City. This five member body exercises the legal powers designated to them by the state government code pertaining to general law cities. It is the City Council's responsibility to develop public policies, approve programs, and allocate revenues to meet the needs of the City.

The City Council also functions as the Board for the Fountain Valley Agency for Community Development. In this capacity they set policies on housing and development that will best serve the interests of the community.