The City of Crystal Lake operates under a Council/Manager form of government. Under this plan, the administrative responsibility of the City is centralized in an appointed professional manager. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for creating city laws and setting the policy direction of the local government. Once the Mayor and City Council create a policy or approve some course of action for the City, the City Manager is responsible for executing or putting the policy in motion.

The City Manager is also responsible for preparing the City’s budget and presenting it to the elected officials for their approval, overseeing all city departments, preparing the City Council agendas, and providing the information support to the elected officials.

Most City departments and services are located within the City of Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, found at the intersection of Woodstock Street and Dole Avenue. The office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.