Vision Statement

Kingman shall utilize its heritage, strength of character, and self-reliance to develop growth and prosperity for its citizens.

Such expansion and development must include community pride, spirit, and provide a safe environment for everyone.

Education, culture, and business opportunities will incorporate goals in a collaboration effort to enrich Kingman.

History:

In 1883 a petition signed by 62 of the 400 inhabitants-as near as can be arrived at-in the village of Kingman, asked that the village be incorporated, according to law as a city of the third class.

On August 14, 1883 Judge of the 18th Judicial District of the State of Kansas, Amos Harris, appointed W. H. Child, W. L. Ball and H. C. Godown as judges, and E. Misner, and John W. Beebe as Clerks for the first election for city officers. This election was to be held at the frame schoolhouse on North Main on the 29th day of August 1883. H. H. Patten, C. L. Raymond, and Hiram Stout were appointed to act as a board of canvassers of the election. They met on August 30, 1883 to canvas the 108 votes cast.

H. H. Patten, Mayor: Wm. Green, Police Judge: A. G. Bowron, R. D. Faught, H. C. Godown, Ethan Wait, and B. F. Frazier councilman were elected. On September 1, 1883 the Mayor and councilmen were sworn in and E. H. Andius, City Clerk, John P. Jones, City Treasurer, W. A. Liggett, City Marshall, and H. H. Graves as Street Commissioner were appointed as first city employees. The September 8, 1883 Ordinance No. 1 was passed setting out various duties of the city officials.

In April of 1912 Kingman changed from Mayor-council form of government to a three-man commission form of government. Again in January of 1970 it was changed from a three-man commission to a five-man commission with the mayor being appointed by the commissioners themselves.

In 1996 the voters again selected to change the form of government to a Commission-Manager form. The first city manager was hired on April 1, 1997. All city commissioners are voted at large.