Form of Government & State class of city

Halstead was originally incorporated on March 12, 1877 as a "city of the third class " under Kansas state statutes. On July 22, 1986, Governor John Carlin issued a proclamation declaring Halstead as a "city of the second class" under Kansas statutes due to its population reaching the necessary threshold of at least 2,000 people.

Halstead's current form of government is Mayor-Council-Manager. This form of government provides for an elected at-large mayor, who serves a 2-year term, and then five (5) council members who are elected at-large for either 4-year or 2-year staggered terms based on number of votes received during an election. These elected officials comprise the governing body for the City of Halstead. The two (2) council candidates who receive the most votes at an election receive 4-year terms while the council candidate who receives the third largest amount of votes receives a 2-year term. Elections are held every two years in odd numbered years.

The City Manager, hired and approved by the governing body, oversees day-to-day operations and delivery of municipal services for the city, has administrative and financial authorities for the city per state statutes and city ordinances, and has overall personnel responsibilities for the city and its employees.