Ethics Program

Cal-ICMA's Ethics Committee provides members with an array of information, access to programming, and awards.

ICMA Code of Ethics

Adopted in 1924, the ICMA Code of Ethics defined the principles that today serve as the foundation for the local government management profession and set the standard for excellence. Leadership in a management structure committed to equity, transparency, integrity, stewardship of public resources, political neutrality, and respect for the rights and responsibility of elected officials and residents strengthens democratic local governance.

ICMA encourages members seeking confidential advice on issues of ethics to contact Jessica Cowles, Director of Ethics, at jcowles@icma.org.

Individuals who have questions about filing an official complaint or who would like additional information about the process to contact Camilla Posthill, ethics senior program manager, at cposthill@icma.org.


Ethical Hero Award

The purpose of the Cal-ICMA Ethical Hero Award is to recognize Cal-ICMA members who have served in the local government profession with dignity, honor and integrity, and have demonstrated exceptional ethics while carrying out their duties in local government. Nominations may be submitted at any time. 

 

Ethical Hero Awardees



Ethics Matter! Advice for Public Managers E-Book

A collection of sound ethics advice from ICMA's Public Management (PM) magazine.

This e-book from ICMA is a member benefit that presents sound ethics advice in a collection of columns from the Ethics Matter! columns in Public Management (PM) magazine.


Training and Workshops:

Promoting an ethical culture is a key leadership responsibility. ICMA promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct in the local government management profession by providing advice, education, and training to members and enforcing the ICMA Code of Ethics through a peer review process. In addition, ICMA provides training and technical assistance to promote ethical conduct.

 

Ethics Issues and Advice

ICMA promotes ethical conduct by providing confidential advice to members, offering insight on real world issues in Public Management (P.M.) magazine's monthly column, Ethics Matter!, and providing guidance to local government officials.




Cal-ICMA Ethics Committee

The Cal-ICMA Bylaws establish an Ethics Committee.