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.

Topics of Interest

Access ethics advice along with real world examples published in P.M. magazine. Can't find your issue and in need of ethics advice? ICMA members can contact Jessica Cowles, ICMA's ethics director, at jcowles@icma.org.

Advocacy for Issues of Personal Interest	Investments
Appointment Commitment	Leadership
Ballot Measure Issues	Length of Service
Conflicts of Interest	Personal Relationships
Consulting and Outside Employment	Personnel and Equal Opportunity Issues
Credentials/Resumes	Policy Issues
Dual Roles	Political Activity
Elected Official Relationships	Professional Respect/Courtesy
Employment and Compensation Issues	Recall Elections
Endorsements and References	Recruitment
Equity and Inclusion	Reporting Unethical Conduct
Fundraising	Running for Elected Office
General Ethics Guidance	Social Media
Gifts	Supporting a Candidate for Elected Office
Interim/Retired Managers	Volunteer Service

Topics

Ethics Code of Ethics

Job Titles

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Department Heads Other Local Government Staff Retired Students and Interns