Principle-centered leadership based on the highest standards of personal and professional honesty and integrity is the foundation of the local government management profession. The ICMA Code of Ethics establishes equity, transparency, honesty and accountability as the standards for excellence in democratic local governance. As professional committed to these values, members have a responsibility to promote ethical conduct by holding their colleagues accountable and reporting suspected unethical conduct so that it may be properly reviewed.  The failure to do so undermines the profession and our commitment to public service.

Tenet 3.  Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of the elected officials, of other officials and employees, and of the public.

Guideline on Reporting Ethics Violations. When becoming aware of a possible violation of the ICMA Code of Ethics, members are encouraged to report the matter to ICMA. In reporting the matter, members may choose to go on record as the complainant or report the matter on a confidential basis. 

Issues of misconduct by ICMA members are not subject to a formal review unless a written complaint is filed.  It’s important therefore for members to be proactive in raising issues of concern and reporting the matter to ICMA.  The peer review process is designed to afford the member every opportunity to provide their perspective on the matter and to gather all available factual information before any conclusion is reached.