Mapleton has a progressive City council and Mayoral form of government. Elections are held in November (once every two years). Mapleton's city government has proven itself as a leader in Western Iowa communities for its progressive economic and civic standards it has developed for the community.
Mapleton prides itself in the quality of its police, fire and ambulance services. There are twenty-four highly trained fire department volunteers that protect Mapleton's homes and property from fire damage. They have six vehicles, two of which are fire trucks used for pumping water, another for brush fires and two for carrying supplies. The police department works closely with the Mayor and City Council to provide a safe, crime free environment for the community. With a 911 emergency phone number, the fire, police, and ambulance departments have a quick respond time to emergencies.