The City Council is the governing body of the City of Barstow. The City Council is responsible for the formulation of city policies, enacting laws and ordinances, and deciding other issues impacting the city and the community. They provide direction to the city under the leadership of the City Manager to help the city develop and implement city programs and activities for the overall growth and benefit of the city. The City Council acts as a liaison between the community and the city staff and is also responsible as elected officials for community outreach.

The City of Barstow Council consists of five members including four Council members and a Mayor. All members are elected from the city at-large and must be residents of the city at the time of their election or appointment. Members of the Barstow City Council must be qualified electors of the city.

The term of each member of the City Council is four years and commences on the first Monday of December of the year of the election and continues until a successor qualifies.

The City Council additionally act as the governing body for the City of Barstow Redevelopment Agency.

VISION STATEMENT (Developed May 24, 2005, adopted August 1, 2005)

The City of Barstow: A progressive High Desert community with small-town advantages that preserves and promotes a quality environment in which to live, work and play.

MISSION STATEMENT (Developed June 15, 2005, adopted August 1, 2005)

The City of Barstow is dedicated to:

• Providing quality public services
• Promoting economical development
• Expanding housing, education and recreation
• Celebrating our diverse cultural history
• Creating pride in our community