The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Commission, comprised of five commissioners who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The commission determines all matters of policy and approves all city ordinances and resolutions, as well as adopts the annual city budget.

The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Commission, comprised of five commissioners who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The commission determines all matters of policy and approves all city ordinances and resolutions, as well as adopts the annual city budget.

The Joint City/County/County Meetings are an opportunity for the City, Riley County, and Pottawatomie County Commissioners to discuss issues of mutual interest. The agendas for the meetings are mutually set between the City and the Counties as issues arise. There is typically not a provision for public comments as the intent for the joint meeting is for the Commissioners to have a group discussion amongst themselves and may hear presentations from staff on particular projects or subjects. Agenda items are established at the concurrence of the elected officials through their staff and the host of the meeting which alternates between the City (odd months) and Riley County (even months). These meetings are generally the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m., alternating location between the City and Riley County.

The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Commission, comprised of five commissioners who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The commission determines all matters of policy and approves all city ordinances and resolutions, as well as adopts the annual city budget.

The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Commission, comprised of five commissioners who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The commission determines all matters of policy and approves all city ordinances and resolutions, as well as adopts the annual city budget.

The purpose of the committee is to recommend to the City Commission the policies and objectives for the overall partner cities program; make recommendations to the City Commission regarding the selection of partner cities; plan, develop, promote, and coordinate partner city activities, including, but not limited to, visits of individuals and exchanges of delegations, educational and informational exchanges and events with partner city communities, their nations and their cultures; develop goals and work plans regarding activities of the committee; review proposals from individual associations or other institutions for joint programs and assist in effective coordination of such activities; and when applicable, conduct fundraising for partner city activities and programs.

The purpose of the Frederick Douglass Recreation Complex Advisory Board is to make reports and recommendations to the governing body on all matters referred to it, and as the Board deems advisable, shall make recommendations related to the operation of the Fredrick Douglass Recreation Complex, including its facility, programs and services.

The purpose of the Aggieville Business Improvement District Advisory Board is to monitor and oversee the provision of services within the Aggieville Business Improvement District as established by the agreement between the District and the City of Manhattan. The Board, no later than May 15 of each year, submits to the City Commission a recommended program of services to be performed or provided within the District during the coming calendar year and a proposed budget to accomplish these objects. In addition, the Board submits a proposed schedule of fees for assessment on the businesses in the District and may recommend consideration of changes to the district boundaries.

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is to consider all major proposals and propositions for the construction, reconstruction and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities including the acquisition of land for park purposes, the acquisition of major recreational equipment and facilities, and the institution of new programs in the recreational system, and to make recommendations on these items to the City Commission.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial board, which is granted the authority under state statute to approve or deny applications requesting relief from zoning regulations involving private property within the City of Manhattan. The board's decisions are made following quasi-judicial procedure, to develop findings of fact, based on evidence presented to it during a public hearing.

The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board was created in March 1976, through an interlocal agreement between the Manhattan City Commission and the Riley County Commission, to provide for coordinated planning within a jurisdictional area called the Manhattan Urban Area, which includes the Manhattan city limits and the surrounding urbanizing area

Airport Advisory Board The purpose of the Airport Advisory Board is to recommend policies regarding Manhattan Regional Airport to the City Commission.

The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board was created in March 1976, through an interlocal agreement between the Manhattan City Commission and the Riley County Commission, to provide for coordinated planning within a jurisdictional area called the Manhattan Urban Area, which includes the Manhattan city limits and the surrounding urbanizing area

The purpose of the Historic Resources Board is to encourage the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties within the City through the designation of Historic sites, structures, and districts, pursuant to the City's Code of Ordinances and Kansas State Statute. The Board also advises the City Commission on matters related to historic preservation and issues Certificates of Appropriateness on locally designated historic properties.