1924

ICMA Code of Ethics adopted at the Montreal ICMA Conference.

1938

Added merit-based personnel decisions noting that “political, religious, and racial considerations” carry no weight in personnel decisions.

1952

Being competent matters. Obligation for continuous professional development added to the Code.

1969

Replaced the term “city manager” in exchange for the more inclusive reference to “member.” Reflects the addition of county managers to ICMA.

1972

The profession’s commitment to political neutrality, dropped in the 1938 revision, is back, reaffirmed in direct language.

1972

Guidelines are added to the Code to offer practical advice. Formal rules of procedure to enforce the Code were adopted by the ICMA Executive Board.

1976

As the Equal Rights Amendment is debated nationally, the Code becomes gender neutral.

1995

Replaced “municipal,” which was added to be more inclusive of the membership, with “local government.”

1998

Tenet 7 was changed to emphasize the broader principle of political neutrality.

2002

Tenet 7 guidelines were amended to clarify that members “shall” not run for elected office or engage in other political activity.

2004

Sexual orientation was added to the guideline on fairness and merit in personnel practices.

2013

New Tenet 7 guideline added to reinforce that members have a right and responsibility to voice their opinion on public issues.

2015

Amended Tenet 12 to reinforce that public office is a public trust.

2017

Strengthened the profession’s commitment to integrity in Tenet 3, including guidance on workplace relationships.

2018

New guidelines on equity and inclusion as the commitment to serve the best interest of all was reinforced in Tenet 4.

2019

Conduct unbecoming of professionals was addressed in a new guideline.

2020

Tenet 5 was revised to reinforce the value of providing technical and professional advice in policy recommendations and collaboration to set goals. Tenet 6 was revised to reinforce that elected officials are accountable to the people for policy decisions. Also, the guideline on serving in conflicting roles was revised.