Established in 1837 as Lower Saginaw. Changed name to Bay City in 1857 when Bay County was organized.
The City of Bay City operates under a Commission-Manager form of government. Under this system, all corporate authority is vested in the commission, consisting of nine commissioners elected by ward and a mayor elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot. The commission is similar to a board of directors of a corporation, in which all policy-making or legislative functions that are part of a city's government are the exclusive domain of the commission. The commission's primary business is the passage of laws in the form of ordinances or resolutions. Their terms last four years and are staggered to ensure experienced legislators at all times. Commissioners of Wards 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are elected at the same time, and Wards 2, 4, 6, and 8 are elected at the same time.
Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Monday of each month
City Hall Commission Chambers
301 Washington Avenue
Bay City, MI 48708
The mayor and commissioners encourage the interest, attendance and participation of the public at commission meetings. The public is invited to speak on issues during public hearings and general audience participation.
