Capitalization Rules: "City" in "City of San Francisco"

Yes, "City" is capitalized in "the City of San Francisco"—and the rule extends to similar municipal references. Here's why and when this applies.

The Principle: Part of the Proper Name

When "City" (or "County," "Town," "Village," "Borough," "Municipality") forms part of an official governmental entity's formal name, it functions as a proper noun and takes capitalization:

• the City of San Francisco
• the City of New York
• the City and County of Denver
• the City of London
• the Town of Cary
• the Village of Skokie

When NOT to Capitalize

Use lowercase when referring generently to the geographic place or the concept of a city:

• San Francisco is a beautiful city.
• New York City attracts millions of visitors. (Here "City" is part of the common name but not the formal corporate title)
• city government, city limits, city council (generic references)

Style Guide Consensus

AP Stylebook: Capitalize "City" as part of a formal title ("City of San Francisco"); lowercase in generic use ("the city of San Francisco" if not using formal title).
Chicago Manual of Style: Similar—capitalize when part of the formal name of the incorporated municipality.
Government Printing Office: Capitalizes in official designations.

Practical Test

Ask: "Is this the entity's legal, incorporated name?" If yes → capitalize. If no → lowercase. "The City of San Francisco" is the municipal corporation's legal name; "San Francisco city hall" is a building belonging to that entity.