City and County of San Francisco

The City and County of San Francisco is a consolidated government system that combines city and county functions under one administration. This unified structure manages all public services including police, schools, and health care through interconnected departments.

This combined city-county government was established in 1856, remaining the only consolidated system of its kind in California. The structure has endured for over 150 years and continues to shape how the city operates today.

The government offices in San Francisco serve residents from dozens of neighborhoods with different backgrounds and needs. Walking through City Hall, you see people from all parts of the city coming together to handle their business.

Residents can reach municipal services through a customer service center that operates around the clock with support in over 160 languages. Government offices are open during business hours for in-person assistance with city-related matters.

The city uses a ranked-choice voting system where voters select multiple candidates in their preferred order. This voting method sets San Francisco apart from most other American cities and allows for more diverse representation.

Location: San Francisco

Location: San Francisco County

Inception: 1856

Part of: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board

Website: https://sf.gov/vi-vn

GPS coordinates: 37.77929,-122.41924

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:03