Garden City is a city of the first class with a commission-manager form of government. The city commission consists of five commissioners elected at-large. It meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The commission sets goals and policy for the city, approves the city budget, and directs the city manager. Annually, the commission selects one member to serve as mayor who then presides over commission meetings. The city manager implements policies set by the commission and administers the city's operations, departments, and employees.