A city of 23,000 incorporated in 1890 and re-incorporated in 1910, Mauldin operates by a council form of government. The mayor is Don Godbey, whose current term ends in January 2012. There is a six-member council with seats 2, 4 and 6 up for election in 2011 and seats 1,3 and 5 up in 2012.
The city's administrative offices are at 5 East Butler Road. This is also the location for business licensing, the courthouse, the city clerk and other city services. The Police Department also shares the address but uses the rear of the building as the primary entrance.
The Fire Department has its main offices in the same complex but has an address og 11 East Butler Road.