The purpose of the Frederick Douglass Recreation Complex Advisory Board is to make reports and recommendations to the governing body on all matters referred to it, and as the Board deems advisable, shall make recommendations related to the operation of the Fredrick Douglass Recreation Complex, including its facility, programs and services.

The purpose of the Special Alcohol Funds Advisory Committee is to solicit proposals for the use of the funds in the city's Special Alcohol Fund. The committee evaluates the proposals to ensure conformance to community objectives and helps to secure the coordination of the programs and services dealing with the abuse of alcohol and drugs that may now or in the future be provided by existing or new public, nonprofit and private agencies. Also, the committee evaluates the quality of the programs provided through the assistance of these funds.

The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board was created in March 1976, through an interlocal agreement between the Manhattan City Commission and the Riley County Commission, to provide for coordinated planning within a jurisdictional area called the Manhattan Urban Area, which includes the Manhattan city limits and the surrounding urbanizing area