The City of Portage operates under a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of seven members including the Mayor and the Mayor Pro-Tem. Councilmembers are elected to four-year terms that are staggered every two years (three Council members are elected every two years). The Mayor is elected every two years. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city and is the chief policy advisor to the City Council.

Core Services

The City Council is responsible for adopting and amending city laws and ordinances, determining city policies and standards, and authorizing the annual city budget. The Council also approves contracts and agreements, determines the city tax millage rates and utility rates, and directs the City Manager. The City Council budget includes expenditures for City Council stipends, Michigan Municipal League dues, planning retreats and the Mayor and City Council for the Day program.

In addition to City Council expenditures, the 2022-2023 Legislative budget includes contributions to various human service agencies. The human services contribution equals $181,597 for 2022-2023. The Human Services activity is comprised of contributions to ten organizations informed by recommendations from the Human Services Board. The goals for Human Services include: Continue support for human and public services that improve quality of life, promote inclusive access to human services and resources for community members, and continue partnerships with local and regional partners.