Incorporated as a City in 1906, Oakdale is a full-service City providing police, emergency services, parks and recreation, street maintenance, water distribution, wastewater collection, and general government services. The City has a City Council/City Manager form of local government. General Municipal elections are held on the first Tuesday of November in even numbered years. The Mayor is directly elected for a four-year term. Council members are directly elected for four-year overlapping terms. The City Council serves as the legislative policy making body.

Citizen participation at Council meetings is an essential right of American government. The City Council values citizen input and encourages residents to participate in its meetings.

The City Council welcomes and encourages participation by Oakdale residents in City Council meetings. Citizens are given 10 minutes to speak on items not appearing on the Council's regular agenda. Matters which may fall under the jurisdiction of the City Council but not on the posted agenda, may be addressed by the general public, however, California law prohibits any official action by the City Council on items not on its posted agenda. Citizens are encouraged and entitled to address Council on any agenda item subject to the 10 minute provision.

The City Council meets every first and third Monday of the month beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Council Chambers are located at 277 North Second Avenue.

Council meeting broadcasts are now being aired on Comcast Cable channel 7 during the Council meetings.

The Mayor of Oakdale is Pat Paul. Council Members include Michael Brennan, Tom Dunlop, Jason Howard and Katherine Morgan.