The City of Backus operates under the "Optional Plan A" form of government as set out in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 412; Statutory Cities.
The City Council meets on the first Monday of each month at the Backus City Hall at 6:30 PM. If a legal holiday falls on Monday, the council will meet the second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM.
Members of the public are invited to attend. A local report from the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal often attends the meeting and writes an article about monthly council proceedings for publication in the newspaper.