Political Activity

Since the ICMA Code of Ethics was adopted in 1924, city and county managers have understood that they must avoid political activity that could harm their professional reputation for fairness and impartiality.  This section explains the values behind this principle, including background information on political activity and the profession and recent ethics advice that ICMA has published on this topic.


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Advice

What Price Political Neutrality? Year: 2009; Pages: 2.
Politics, Issues, and Lame Ducks Year: 2009; Pages: 2.
Ethical Considerations for Interim Managers Year: 2008; Pages: 1.
Cutthroat Election Battle Year: 2008; Pages: 1.
A Spring Checkup (Ethics Quiz) Year: 2008; Pages: 2.
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Sample Government Documents

Ethics in Government Begins at the Ballot Box: 2006 Vote Ethics Initiative Year: 2006;
Lobbying Registration Year: 2004;
Lobbyist Handbook Year: 2001; Pages: 40.
Lobbyist Ordinance Year: 2001; Pages: 5.
Restrictions on Political Campaigning by Public Employees Year: 2000; Pages: 10.
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Reports and Articles

His Future In-Laws Have Political Ambitions Year: 2006;
California Pushes the Envelope on Advocacy Year: 2005;
The Ethics of Council-Staff Teamwork Year: 2005;
Professionalism vs. Politics: What Are the Issues? Year: 2004; Pages: 3.
Guidance for ICMA Members on Involvement With Ballot Measure Campaigns Year: 2003; Pages: 2.
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