Government
Garrett Park was incorporated as a Town in 1898 and follows a strong-mayor structure. The Mayor serves as chief executive officer and oversees the administrative operations of the Town government, with responsibility for executing the Town's budget and operations. The Mayor may, with Council approval, appoint professionals to handle the daily administration of Town obligations.All legislative powers of the Town are vested in the Council, consisting of five Council members. Each is elected for a two–year term, with two members elected in even-numbered years, three in odd-numbered years. As the legislative body, the Council sets policy by ordinance or resolution and adopts the annual budget.
The Town Manager, under supervision and direction by the Mayor, is responsible for managing the Town's daily operations and Town office staff. This professional also performs the duties of Clerk-Treasurer, including the formulation and execution of the Town budget and administrative support to the Mayor and Council during Town Council meetings.
Social services, schools, courts, police, fire, building inspections and planning and zoning services are provided by Montgomery County. Garrett Park has an Overlay Zone with separate regulations for building in addition to Montgomery County.
Garrett Park lies within Montgomery County Council District 4, Maryland General Assembly District 18 and U.S. House of Representatives District 8.