The citizens of Battle Ground adopted the council-manager plan in 1997. Under this form of government the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for the city and appoint a city manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The council-manager form of local government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials (in the form of a council, board, or other governing body) with the strong professional experience of an appointed local government administrator.

Under the council-manager form, power is concentrated in the elected council, which hires a professional administrator to implement its policies. This city manager serves at the pleasure of the council as chief executive officer of the City and has responsibility for preparing the budget, directing day-to-day operations, recruiting and retaining personnel, and serving as the council's chief policy advisor.

The manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, the manager targets all of the community's resources to solve current issues.