Based on the Constitution of Georgia, "Law on Capital of Georgia-Tbilisi" (1998), is main legal act, together with other legislation, which makes legislative background for the city management. According to this law, self-governance of city Tbilisi is carried out by representative body - City Tbilisi Council (Sakrebulo) - legislative branch; local administration of the city is carried out by city municipality, executive branch. Main principles of self- and administration are defined: public has the right to vote directly self-government and take the part in the management of the city; self-administration of city has the right to take decisions, in accordance with relevant legislation; publicity of the activities carried out by representative body is required; differentiation of responsibilities between self-governance and administration is required.

The "Law on the self-government and administration" is the next related legal act. In 7 main cities of Georgia President nominates head of administration. In other (small) cities and at commune-level self-government and administration are directly elected by population.