In 1837, following the absorption of Trenton Township, the population of Trenton was too large for government by city council. A new mayoral government was adopted, with by-laws that remain in operation to this day.
Today, Trenton is governed under the Faulkner Act of 1950 within the mayor-council system of municipal government. The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a seven-member city council. Three city council members are elected at-large, and four come from each of four wards. The mayor and the at-large council members are elected concurrently on a non-partisan basis to four-year terms of office as part of the November general election.