The Town of Portland’s chief executive is the First Selectman, elected by the people every two years, along with the Board of Selectmen, which is responsible for fiscal management. Town meetings are held to decide special issues. A referendum is held to vote on the yearly budget.

The original Charter of the Town of Portland was approved in 1982 and implemented in 1983. It was amended in 1993, 1995 and 1997.

Property tax is the primary source of revenue.