Government
Polk’s Capital Capital City
Polk County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. The dominant force in the economy of Bartow is city, county and state government. As the capital of one of the fastest growing counties in the nation with more than 800,000 people, Bartow has an unusually large number of government jobs. In addition to city and county offices, there are also a number of regional, state, and federal offices located within Bartow’s city limits. Nine of the 17 largest employers in Bartow are government entities. The largest by far is the Polk County School Board with almost 13,000 employees. Other county government employers include the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, and Property Appraiser. The Florida Department of Transportation District One headquarters is located in Bartow and is responsible for southwest Florida’s transportation needs.
Bartow City Government
The City of Bartow operates under a commission-manager form of government. The Bartow City Commission consists of five elected commissioners, including a mayor and vice mayor. They make policy decisions, pass ordinances and represent the community’s interests. Regular City Commission meetings occur on the first and third Mondays of each month, except during holidays when the schedule is adjusted. The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and oversees day-to-day operations, implements policies, manages city departments, ensures efficient service delivery and coordinates with other agencies. As the capital, a unique dynamic is created that blends the best of a small town environment with that of a bustling center of government and commerce. During the typical work week, thousands of people come to work in governmental jobs. Bartow’s population of some 20,000 residents increases by almost 10,000 people during the work week.