[7] The district's main settlement is York, and its coverage extends to the town of Haxby and the villages of Earswick, Upper Poppleton, Nether Poppleton, Copmanthorpe, Bishopthorpe, Dunnington, Stockton on the Forest, Rufforth, Askham Bryan and Askham Richard, among other villages and hamlets.

The Lord Mayor carries out civic and ceremonial duties in addition to chairing full council meetings.

[11] The incumbent lord mayor since 23 May 2024 is Councillor Margaret Wells, the sheriff is Fiona Fitzpatrick.

[14] The district contains the unparished area of York and 31 civil parishes:[15] York is divided into 21 electoral wards: Acomb, Bishopthorpe, Clifton, Copmanthorpe, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington, Guildhall, Haxby and Wigginton, Heworth, Heworth Without, Holgate, Hull Road, Huntington and New Earswick, Micklegate, Osbaldwick and Derwent, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without, Rural West York, Strensall, Westfield, and Wheldrake.

The holder of the Royal dukedom of York has no responsibilities, either ceremonially or administratively, as regards to the city.