Upper Darby became incorporated as a township on August 31, 1736 from Darby Township. Today, Upper Darby is classified as a First Class Township operating under the Pennsylvania Home Rule Charter. It is Pennsylvania's sixth-largest municipality, and Mayor Ed Brown and his administration are committed to creating new opportunities for its more than 87,000 residents. 

The present government in Upper Darby consists primarily of a Mayor, a Township Council, a Chief Administrative Officer, a Treasurer, and a Municipal Clerk. The duties and responsibilities of these positions, as well as those of the Township Departments, are outlined in the Township's Administrative Code.