How was the City Commission started?

When Tallahassee incorporated as a city on December 9, 1825, a mayor-council form of government ruled the city. Between 1902 and 1912, the city expanded its public works projects, constructed an electric light plant and purchased the privately owned water and gas works. Financial troubles resulting from these programs led to the establishment of the present commission-manager form of government in 1919. In November, 1996, the citizens of Tallahassee passed a referendum allowing city residents to directly elect the Mayor. Although this changed the makeup of the City Commission, it did not alter the commission-manager form of government.