Established in 1924 at the ICMA Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada, the ICMA Code of Ethics has been a guiding force for ethical leadership in local government for a century.

As part of this historic commemoration, ICMA is engaging in initiatives to highlight the significance of ethical governance and its impact on communities. The campaign and website "A Century Strong: Shaping Ethical Leaders, Transforming Communities," celebrates the legacy of ethical leadership and emphasizes the enduring principles ICMA members uphold in their personal and professional conduct. 

Commemoration of the centennial launched in January 2024 and features a celebration at ICMA's Annual Conference, September 21-25, 2024, in Pittsburgh/Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, that will continue through December 2024.

“It has often struck me that the ICMA Code of Ethics is like the U.S. Constitution. It is a foundational document that is solid at its core… It is not merely a set of rules, but a reflection of the integrity of the men and women who comprise our great profession of local government management.”- Marc Ott, ICMA CEO/ Executive Director

Join Us in Celebrating the Code’s 100th Anniversary and Ethics Awareness Month

March is "National Ethics Awareness Month" in the United States and represents an opportunity to reflect on how members continue to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards of personal and professional conduct.

• View the Code’s historical timeline in words and pictures.
• Access curated articles on ethical leadership in the local government profession.
• Members can renew their pledge to honor and recommit to the Code.
• View the original Code adopted in 1924.
• Share your story with ICMA: How has the Code influenced you personally and professionally? Your association wants to hear from you!
• What’s on your wall? Download the Code that is suitable for framing. Take a picture of yourself with the Code and post it online using #ICMAEthicsMatter and tag @ICMA!
• Test your knowledge of the Code and take an ethics quiz.

Visit the Code's 100th Anniversary Website 

"The principles outlined in the Code 100 years ago remain timeless. Today, we remain committed to principles that come from the first version of Code: integrity, public service, seeking no favor from a public position, exemplary conduct in both personal and professional matters, respecting the role and contributions of elected officials, exercising the independence to do what is right, political neutrality, serving the public equitably and governing body members equally, keeping the community informed about local government matters, and supporting and leading our employees.”- Jessica Cowles, ICMA Ethics Director

Enhance Your Ethics Awareness with ICMA Training Opportunities

ICMA promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct in the local government management profession and supports its members by providing advice, education, and training. With March being Ethics Awareness Month, members are encouraged to take advantage of ICMA's offerings for staff at every level. 

• Check out the updated guidance to common ethics questions and ethical issues/challenges members face.
• Establishing Ethical Values and Policies: Explore ethical decision-making in local government.
• Ethics 101: Strengthen your jurisdiction’s ethical culture.
• Ethics in Local Government: Review the fundamental concepts of ethics in local government.
• Fundamentals of Local Government: Understand the foundational principles of effective local government leadership and management.
• Ethics at the Helm – Staying the Course Despite Unethical Elected Officials: Register for this free coaching webinar. 
• ICMA’s relationship with state associations reflects a partnership on ethics. ICMA offers the executive board of state associations a virtual briefing on the state association’s role in ICMA’s ethics review process or an in-person briefing in conjunction with a state conference. Contact Jessica Cowles, ethics director, at jcowles@icma.org to request an ethics session.

Download ICMA's Most Popular Resources on Ethics

• Read PM magazine's Ethics Matter! monthly columns.
• ICMA Model Employment Agreement (editable): An employment agreement between the chief executive/administrative officer and a municipality is an effective tool in ensuring a stable relationship between the governing body and the manager.
• ICMA’s e-book (free for members) provides practical guidance to help public managers make ethical choices for themselves and instill an ethical culture in their organizations.