The Village of Friendship Heights was established in 1914 under the Constitution of the State of Maryland as a special tax district. Comprising 34 acres of early 20th century suburban single-family homes, the Village has evolved into an unusual high-rise community of residential rental buildings, condominiums and businesses. Under Maryland law it is governed by a seven-member Village Council elected every two years. In accordance with village tradition, Council members serve without pay.

The Village Council provides a number of services to the community. A major initiative was the construction of a community center, which opened in 1986. With an attractive variety of programs and activities, the Friendship Heights Village Center has enabled the residents of ten separate highrise buildings — each distinctive in its own way — to become active participants in a Village-wide community of neighbors.