The City of McPherson is governed by an elected Mayor and two commissioners, with the assistance of an appointed City Administrator. A comprehensive city plan has been adopted and is reviewed and updated periodically. City Zoning has also been adopted and provides for the orderly expansion of residential property, commercial, and industrial zones. The city is served well with a full complement of municipal services:
| Fire Protection | |
| Full-time fire department personnel | 18 |
| Volunteer fire department personnel | 14 |
| Fire Insurance Classification: | |
| Within the city | 4 |
| Outside the city (depending on distance) | 4-9 |
| Police Protection | |
| Full-time police personnel | 27 |
| Part-time police personnel reserves) | 6 |