The City of Ranier is a Minnesota Statutory Standard Plan A Fourth Class city.
It serves with a "weak mayor-council" where the mayor's powers are no greater than those of any other council member with the exception of the mayor's role as the presiding officer over the city council meetings. The mayor has the same right to vote and to make or second motions in council meetings as the council members.
The mayor is elected for a four year term. The four council members are elected to staggered terms of four years.
The City Council Meetings are held in accordance with Minnesota's Open Meeting laws.
