Code of Ethics: Tenets, History, and Enforcement
The principles outlined in the ICMA Code of Ethics and enforced by the Rules of Procedure govern the conduct of every member of ICMA.
The ICMA Rules of Procedure, adopted by the ICMA Executive Board, govern the process for enforcing the ICMA Code of Ethics as adopted by the ICMA membership.
Adopted in 1924, the Code defined the principles that today serve as the foundation for the local government management profession and set the standard for excellence.
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I display the Code to provide a daily reminder of the highest ideas of honor and integrity, which are the foundation of our profession”
— Diane Stoddard, City Administrator, City of Leawood, Kansas
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The ICMA Code of Ethics keeps me grounded. It reminds me of my core value of creating a great community for ALL of our residents every day.”
— Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager, City of Dubuque, Iowa
#WhatsOnYourWall
“A framed copy of the Code is on prominent display in my office, alongside our city’s Mission, Vision, and Values, so that I can point to it and explain why and how we do things, and what guides us in the conduct of everything we do. It’s been there for almost eight years… or as long as I’ve been in this job.”
— Peter Troedsson, ICMA-CM, City Manager, City of Albany, Oregon
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The Code and it’s previous versions have hung on my office walls for 38 years. It is now and always has been an important guiding document for me and many colleagues. It helps guide our decisions and sets our honored profession apart from so many others. As we strive to support our communities through challenging times, the Code is our touchstone to ensure thoughtful, intentional and impactful decision making.”
— Jeff Towery, City Manager, City of McMinnville, Oregon
#WhatsOnYourWall
“My framed ICMA Code of Ethics was a meaningful gift from a colleague when I was appointed to my first city manager position. It serves as a daily reminder of my deep responsibility to the public and the obligation we, as public servants, have to lead with integrity in every decision. Displaying the Code in my office reinforces that commitment every day.”
— Amber Holloway, City Manager, City of West Carrollton, Ohio
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I was given this pocket-sized laminated Code of Ethics by Steve Carter, ICMA/ILCMA Senior Advisor. He hands it out to new members in his region. I keep it on my desk as a quick reference when needed!”
— Dawn Peters, Executive Director, WCMA and ILCMA
#WhatsOnYourWall
"I display the ICMA Code of Ethics in my office because it embodies time-tested principles of ethical leadership and integrity, guiding decision-making in support of community goals. It serves as a constant reminder that effective governance is built on trust, accountability, and a commitment to the public good."
— John Leach, Municipal Administrator, City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The ICMA Code of Ethics has been displayed prominently in each of the four communities I managed, letting others know of our commitment to do the right thing – always! I love my Martha Perego signed copy!”
— Mike Conduff, ICMA-CM, ICMA & TCMA Life Member
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I proudly display the Code of Ethics in my office to ensure professionalism, public trust, integrity, responsibility and providing unbiased facts to help set policy and goals of the elected body. The Code of Ethics is a proud reminder that we as public servants are upheld to the highest standards and need to ensure that the public trust is maintained.”
— Nathan Johnson, ICMA-CM, Town Manager, Town of Dillon, Colorado
#WhatsOnYourWall
“Displaying the ICMA Code of Ethics is a reflection of my belief in public service as a noble responsibility, rooted in honesty and respect. It reassures the City Council, colleagues, and the community, that I am committed to ethical leadership while also promoting a positive and ethical organizational culture.”
— L. Peyton Mastera, City Administrator, City of Dilworth, Minnesota
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I display the ICMA Code of Ethics to serve as a constant reminder of my commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical governance in local government. It reflects my dedication to serving the public with transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that my actions align with the highest standards of leadership and trust.”
— Dr. Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM, City Manager, Town of Los Altos Hills, California
#WhatsOnYourWall
“Having the Code of Ethics center on my wall is a constant reminder to myself and all who come into my office of the commitment I make every day to lead with integrity, impartiality, accountability, and a dedication to promoting equity and trust within my organization and community.”
— Elisa Cox, City Manager, City of Rancho Cucamonga, California
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I keep the ICMA Code of Ethics front and center at my desk as a constant reminder that I am a member of a profession and that what I do is not just a job. My actions reflect not only on me and have consequences for my reputation and the reputation of the community I serve, but also on all other individuals who hold the title of City Administrator.”
— Leslie Herring, City Administrator, Westwood, Kansas
Ethics Education
An overview of ICMA’s training opportunities.
Online ethics training for local government staff.
ICMA’s e-book provides sound ethics advice based on real-life local government scenarios.
Member Support: Issues and Advice
Answers to common ethics questions and how to seek advice on ethical issues
Refrain from all political activities that undermine public confidence in professional administrators.
Navigating ethical communication
When your personal interests or loyalties compete with your professional obligations
A member is responsible for carefully and thoroughly investigating a position and community before accepting an offer of employment.
