The City of Escanaba City Council is made up of five members who are elected by the voters.  Council members serve staggered four-year terms. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, who serves in the Mayor’s absence, is selected by the Council members.The City Council is responsible for policy-…

The Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing site plans, special land use applications, the City's Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program, and zoning ordinance and map amendments.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) functions as a quasi-judicial body and has the power to hold hearings on decisions made by the Zoning Administrator, interpretations, variances, exceptions, and matters involving non-conforming uses. 

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established by the City Council to regulate the construction, addition, alteration, repair, moving, excavation, and demolition of resources in historic districts within the city limits.