Welcome to Your City Government. In 1913, Phoenix became one of the first cities to adopt a council-manager form of government, commonly viewed as a more progressive form of government. The city has won many major awards, including the Carl Bertelsmann Prize, a prestigious international competition that recognizes the best-run city government in the world. Visitors to this section will learn about city departments, boards and commissions, the City Council and the mayor. You’ll also find information about elections, Municipal Court, public meetings and the city budget.