Commission History

History of the Battle Creek City Commission

The City Commission is the governing body of Battle Creek, Michigan, responsible for setting policy, adopting ordinances, and guiding the city’s strategic direction. Battle Creek transitioned to a commission-manager form of government in 1926, following national trends toward professional city management. This system was designed to separate legislative and administrative functions, ensuring efficient and accountable governance.

Under this structure, the City Commission serves as the legislative branch, while a City Manager, appointed by the Commission, oversees day-to-day operations. Initially, commissioners were elected at-large, but in 1972, Battle Creek adopted a ward system to ensure more localized representation. Today, the Commission consists of nine members: five ward commissioners, three at-large commissioners and mayor, all serving two-year terms.

The Commission meets regularly in the historic City Hall, located at 10 N. Division St., a Neo Classical Revival styled building completed in 1914. This landmark reflects Battle Creek’s growth during the early 20th century, when the city became a hub for the cereal industry and civic development. Over the decades, the Commission has guided Battle Creek through periods of industrial expansion, urban renewal, and modern revitalization, continuing its mission to serve residents with transparency and accountability.

Origins of Governance

Battle Creek was incorporated as a city in 1859 under a mayor-council system. The Common Council managed city affairs for decades before transitioning to a council-manager form of government in the mid-20th century.

• View the full list of historic Commission members  (PDF)

Transition to Council-Manager System

In 1961, Battle Creek adopted the council-manager system, where elected commissioners set policy and a professional city manager oversees daily operations. Today, the City Commission includes nine members: five ward commissioners, three at-large commissioners and mayor. (Since 2020, the mayor is elected separately by voters).

Key Milestones

• 1831 - Settlement begins at the confluence of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Rivers, led by Sands McCamly.
• 1850 - Village government established.
• 1859 - Battle Creek incorporated as a city; first mayor elected.
• 1867 - Erastus Hussey, noted abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader, serves as mayor.
• 1914 - Current City Hall completed; designed by Ernest W. Arnold in Neoclassical style.
• Council-Manager System - Adopted in the 20th century to professionalize city administration.
• 2020 - Voters approve direct election of the mayor (previously selected by commissioners). 

Structure Today

• Nine-member City Commission:
  • Five ward commissioners (geographic districts)
  • Three at-large commissioners
  • Mayor: Directly elected for a two-year term since 2020.
• Vice Mayor: Selected by the Commission.
• Meetings: First and third Tuesdays at City Hall; streamed live for public access.

List of Past Mayors (Highlights)

• Elijah W. Pendill - First mayor (1859-1861).
• Erastus Hussey - Mayor in 1867; prominent abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor.
• Charles C. Green - Oversaw planning for new City Hall (1907-1909).
• John W. Bailey - Served multiple terms (1890, 1909-1911, 1913-1915, 1927-1929).
• Maude Bristol Perry - First female mayor (1984-1985).
• Recent mayors: Mark Behnke (current), Dave Walters (2013-2014; 2015-2018), Deborah Owens (2014-2015), Susan Baldwin (2009-2013), John Godfrey (2005-2007).
• ... [Full list of mayors]

Historic Photo Album

View photos or a slideshow of the City's past Commissioners and Mayors. 

Select a picture to view it full size or to give it a "Thumbs Up" to vote for it to receive a spot in the People's Choice spotlight.