The residents of Melvindale are serviced by both a full-time Police Department and Fire Department. A full-time Department of Public Works provides street snow removal in the Winter, and weekly street sweeping in the Summer. The Water and Sewer Department is responsible for the maintenance of their associated lines. The staff at the City Hall provides services such as assessing and tax related questions, collection of payments, business licenses, building and zoning related questions, and general information. The City also has a Parks and Recreation Department and a Housing Commission that services over 200 residents in the Coogan Terrace.

The City has both a Downtown Development Authority and an Economic Development Corporation to assist developers in the redevelopment of the community.