The city is governed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), often cited as the wealthiest municipal corporation in India. The BMC is responsible for civic infrastructure, public health, education, and city planning. The corporation is headed by an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer appointed by the state government who serves as the Municipal Commissioner, holding actual executive power. A ceremonial Mayor is elected from the municipal councilors (corporators).
Administratively, Mumbai is divided into two districts: the Mumbai City District (South Mumbai) and the Mumbai Suburban District, each overseen by a District Collector. The city is a major political powerhouse, sending a significant number of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to the Maharashtra State Legislature, and Members of Parliament (MPs) to the national Lok Sabha.