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Topics of Interest

Access ethics advice along with real world examples published in P.M. magazine. Can't find your issue and in need of ethics advice? ICMA members can contact Jessica Cowles, ICMA's ethics director, at jcowles@icma.org

Advocacy for Issues of Personal Interest

Political neutrality has been a long-held value of the local government management profession and has been included in every version of ICMA’s Code of Ethics

Investments

Serving a public organization often provides employees with access to confidential information or knowledge of news before it is made public.

Appointment Commitment 

Before making a commitment to a new professional opportunity, a member has the responsibility to thoroughly evaluate the position, organization,

Leadership

Because ICMA members hold positions of public trust, their conduct influences public confidence in the organization as well as in the local government management profession.

Ballot Measure Issues

Tenet 7 of the ICMA Code of Ethics draws a distinction between activities on behalf of a candidate for elected office (such activities are not permitted)

Length of Service 

A member is responsible for carefully and thoroughly investigating a position and community before accepting an offer of employment.

Conflicts of Interest 

A conflict of interest, in its simplest form and by its very definition, occurs when your personal interests or loyalties compete with your professional obligations.

Personal Relationships

When a member engages in a personal relationship in the workplace, it runs contrary to the member’s ethical duty as outlined in Tenet 3 to maintain public trust and confidence

Consulting and Outside Employment

Members serving in local government may leverage their expertise to serve as a consultant or engage in other paid outside employment if the activity does not create a conflict

Personnel and Equal Opportunity Issues 

ICMA members have an ethical obligation to further their own individual professional development to enhance their ability to effectively serve their organization

Credentials/Resumes 

How a member represents his or her qualifications and experience on a resume and when applying for ICMA’s Voluntary Credentialed Manager program reflects on a member’s integrity.

Policy Issues 

Members must be mindful at all times of the appropriate roles and responsibilities of elected officials and professional staff.

Dual Roles 

There may be situations where a member serves in more than one position even for a short period of time. If faced with this circumstance,

Political Activity 

Political neutrality is the cornerstone of the local government management profession and has been a core value in every version of the Code of Ethics since membership first adopted it in 1924.

Elected Official Relationships 

The relationship between the manager and the governing body is crucial to the organization’s success.

Professional Respect and Courtesy 

Professional courtesy extends beyond interactions with elected officials and the public. If a member of a colleague’s governing body contacts you for advice, or you respond to the inquiry,

Employment and Compensation Issues 

Since the local government manager is usually the most highly compensated employee in the organization, the pay offered to attract, retain, or sever ties with them is a highly visible, sensitive, and sometimes political issue.

Recall Elections 

All members working in service to a local government, whether it is on a full-time, part-time, or interim basis, are expected to adhere to Tenet 7 and its commitment to political neutrality.

Endorsements and References 

All members working in service to a local government, whether it is on a full-time, part-time, or interim basis, are expected to adhere to Tenet 7 and its commitment to political neutrality.

Recruitment 

Selecting a chief administrator is perhaps the most important decision elected officials will make for their community.

Equity and Inclusion 

ICMA was founded with a commitment to representative local government with a dedication to promoting efficient and effective public services.

Reporting Unethical Conduct 

Principle-centered leadership based on the highest standards of personal and professional conduct is the foundation of the local government management profession.

Fundraising 

ICMA members may be asked to raise funds for ballot initiatives, community projects, and other interests.

Running for Elected Office 

Tenet 7 reminds members in service to a local government regardless of whether it is on a full-time, part-time, or an interim basis to “refrain from all political activities

General Ethics Guidance 

It can be helpful to review dilemmas your peers in the local government management profession have faced and how they have navigated those issues.

Social Media

Social media channels are an efficient tool for distributing the public information that local governments generate.

Gifts 

Gift giving and receiving becomes a focus of renewed attention in December, but it is an issue that requires diligent attention for members any month of the year.

Supporting a Candidate for Elected Office 

Tenet 7 reminds members in service to a local government regardless of whether it is on a full-time, part-time, or an interim basis to “refrain from all political activities

Interim/Retired Managers 

Whether you are a long-time manager who is embarking on retirement and perhaps transitioning to a second career, or you are testing the waters in another field,

Volunteer Service 

The commitment to service inspires local government professionals to volunteer their personal time to community-based organizations.

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