In 1950, when local self-government was initiated, six autonomous cities formerly directly under the jurisdiction of the province were placed under the jurisdiction of their respective counties; one of these was Chiayi City.
為了宣示男女平權，許世賢還出來競選百里侯。民國三十九年地方自治實施，全省有六個省轄市降為縣轄市，嘉義市便並入嘉義縣。