The Law Board is responsible for the enforcement of law and the providing of police protection and is authorized (in part) to: Appoint and establish the salary and compensation of the Director; Authorize and provide for the appointment of all other personnel; Hear and affirm or revoke the suspension or dismissal of law enforcement officers; Establish salaries for personnel; Authorize the acquisition of equipment and supplies necessary to operate the department; Adopt an annual budget and certify same to the Riley County Board of County Commissioners; Enter into contracts; Adopt rules and regulations necessary for the operation of the Department; and perform other duties as provided by law.

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 Chapter 17.5 of the City's Code of Ordinances. The Board also advises the City Commission on matters related to historic preservation and issues Certificates of Appropriateness on locally designated historic properties.

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