The City government consist of a Mayor and four Council Members. The Mayor is elected at large and Council Members are elected by districts. Elected officials serve four year terms and elections are held every two years. Other staff members are a City Manager, Administrative Clerk, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Public Works Director.
Hahira is the northern gateway into Lowndes County, which is one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia, and located only 11 miles north of Valdosta, the county seat, and a regional trade center. Valdosta is experiencing unprecedented industrial, residential, and commercial growth and has a positive impact on Hahira. As Valdosta expands, residential growth will move towards Hahira. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,626. Currently due to residential and downtown business growth that figure is estimated to be near 2,500. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.3 mi². Of that area, 2.2 mi² is land and 0.1 mi² is water.
In Hahira, there is good affordable housing, an excellent school system, a low crime rate, and "easy-going" way of life. People still stop one another on the streets to talk or gather at the local cafe to discuss everything from world politics to high school football. Hahira contains a charm and character that sets it apart from other towns and gives it its own identity. Part of this charm comes from its historic resources. Downtown Hahira still retains most of its original architecture, including the Stanfil Building, Norfolk Southern Railroad Caboose, City Cafe, old Smith Hospital building, Court House, Gold Leaf Hotel, turn of the century Churches and of course City Hall.
Most all the daily needs of residents are within a short distance of one another. People are able to walk or ride their golf carts around town to shop for food, gifts, clothing, and do their banking. Within the city limits, there are six city maintained parks and one park maintained by Valdosta Lowndes Park & Recreation Authority. City services include police, fire, water, sewer, sanitation, and much more. The police and fire departments provide 24 hour protection, have state-of-the-art modern equipment, and work closely with all county, state, and federal agencies. Through the Public Works Department, Hahira strives to provide a community that is clean, safe, well-lighted streets, and dependable utility services. The city's entire water and sewer system includes three water storage tanks with a total capacity of 425,000 gallons. The wastewater treatment facility is capable of treating up to 400,000 gallons per day and uses a state of the art Created Wetlands and a land application system where treated wastewater is applied directly to approximately 60 acres of agricultural land by irrigation methods, thus allowing the living filter of soil and growing vegetation to continue the treatment process and provide nutrients to the ground.
Since 1991, Hahira has been designated a "Tree City USA" and has a city wide beautification program. In 2001, Hahira became one of 50 small towns in Georgia to be awarded the Better Hometown Designation by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.