Bakersfield was one of the first cities in the United States to adopt the council-manager form of government.  This type of government provides that the city council adopts ordinances; appoints members of various committees, boards, and commissions; and establishes general policies for the city.  Final determination of all city policies rests with the seven members of the city council.  The council also appoints a city manager to implement council policies

Many changes have been many since Colonel Baker's time, but Bakersfield still retains the hospitality originally extended by the Colonel.  For more information about Bakersfield see Economic & Community Development's Demographics webpage.

With its big city conveniences and advantages, Bakersfield still manages to maintain an atmosphere of small town hospitality, friendship, cooperation, compassion, and optimism.  In 1990, the citizens of Bakersfield received the National Civic League's stamp of approval through the designation of an "All-America City" for proactively dealing with the needs of its citizens.  Hallmarks of the Bakersfield community continue to be a high quality of life, a strong family orientation, and the fact that people care.