The City of St. Joseph was incorporated as a village in 1851, a second class city in 1885, a first class city in 1909, and as a constitutional city charter government in 1961. A City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves for an indefinite period as the City's chief administrative officer. The City Charter also provides for the appointment of a City Clerk by the City Council and the election of a Municipal Court Judge by the citizens.
Council members serve concurrent four year terms and are elected on a non-partisan basis.