The city of Las Vegas was founded on May 15, 1905, when a land auction, in what is now known as downtown Las Vegas, resulted in the purchase of 110 acres of land. The city incorporated on March 16, 1911, and until 1944, operated under a "commission" form of government with each commissioner having administrative control over certain operating departments of the city. Since January 1, 1944, the city of Las Vegas has operated under what is commonly known as a "council/manager" form of government. This form of government was approved by a vote of the people with subsequent Las Vegas City Charter adoption by the legislature.

Until 1975, the voters of the city at large elected the mayor and four city councilmen. A vote of the people in June of 1973 approved a City Charter amendment dividing the city into four wards. This allowed the mayor to be elected at large and each councilman to be elected by the voters of his or her own ward. The City Charter amendment was subsequently adopted by the legislature with the first election by ward held in 1975. The elected officials chose to use the title "commissioner" until 1983 when a new City Charter approved by the legislature changed their title to "councilman."

A vote of the people in 1999 approved an advisory ballot question to divide the city into six wards. Anticipating a favorable vote, the Nevada Legislature and City Council had previously passed enabling legislation permitting the expansion to six wards. As of January 1, 2000, the change to six wards became effective.

The citizens elect the mayor and six council members who comprise the "City Council." Their terms are four years with elections staggered every two years.