In 1959, Glastonbury adopted the Town Council/Town Manager/Board of Finance form of government. The Town Council is made up of nine (9) bipartisan members who are elected every two (2) years by the registered voters in town. There is a requirement that the minority party have at least three (3)  members serving on the Town Council at all times. The Town Council is responsible for adopting all of the laws and policies necessary for town government to operate and also makes appointments to Boards and Commissions as applicable. 

The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council and is the Chief Executive Officer. The Town Manager ensures that the laws and policies adopted by the Town Council are carried out and oversees the day-to-day operations of the town. The Town Manager also hires all employees, excluding the Board of Education staff.

In addition to the Town Council, there is a Board of Finance that is comprised of six bipartisan members who are elected by the registered voters in town. The major function of the Board of Finance is to act as an advisor board to the Town Council by making recommendations regarding the annual budgets submitted by the Town Manager and the Board of Education.

View a full list of Glastonbury Boards and Commissions here