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.
ICMA’s efforts to review the Code of Ethics with the membership
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.
#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
“I have the ICMA Code of Ethics framed and on the wall that I face in my office along with my other plaques and awards from ICMA. When I go through the door to my conference room, I see the Code and sometimes will read sections of it. It reminds me daily of the responsibility we have as local government professionals to be ethically and display integrity in our dealings with those we come into contact with. It also reminds me of what a great profession we are in and why it has been so successful for over 110 years”. – Sam Gaston, ICMA-CM, City Manager, City of Mountain Brook, Alabama
#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
“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
“The Code has always served as my “true north” and displaying it reminds me of the very reason I chose to work in local government. I work to ensure that the public’s trust of its government is instilled in my community, and as a reminder to all that come into my office that ethics is a valued attribute to everything we do here at the City of Moorpark.” – Troy Brown, City Manager, City of Moorpark, California
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I prominently showcase the ICMA Code of Ethics in my office as a testament to its fundamental role in my career in local government management. The Code has been my compass, steering me with principles of transparency, integrity, stewardship of public resources, and political neutrality. These core values, plus several others, are essential in building trust with the governing body, staff, and community.” - Molly Mehner, ICMA-CM, Town Administrator, Town of Collierville, Tennessee
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The Code of Ethics hangs proudly in my office to reinforce the key principles of why we support good government ideals and decided to enter public service. In today’s world, the Code of Ethics has never been more important and sending this message to your team, Village Board, and the public shows its importance in your day to day decision making. In fact, we just provided copies and discussed the Code of Ethics with our Management Team last month, as we try to keep this front and center. So I ask you, What’s on Your Wall?” – Mark Franz, Village Manager, Village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The ICMA Code of Ethics provides a roadmap of behaviors to exhibit to ensure that the public and elected officials we serve have the utmost confidence in our abilities to lead and manage our organizations effectively. It is also a shield that can protect leaders, who often may find themselves in difficult positions from any undue influence. I display these to remind myself and others of the principles I’ve agreed to adhere to and am happy to discuss them with anyone who may ask what they mean.” – Justin Smith, Assistant City Manager, City of Pelham, Alabama
#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
“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
“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
“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, Assistant 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
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The reasons I choose to display it are twofold, as a personal reminder of foundational principles that should govern my daily activities, and as a valuable message to our employees about management’s dedication to the standards of the profession.” – Jay Evans, Interim City Manager, Brentwood, Tennessee
#WhatsOnYourWall
“The ICMA Code of Ethics provides a solid foundation for our profession. By displaying it in my office, I hope that I can share the principles of our profession with our Council members, our employees, and the public.” - Seth Atkinson, City Administrator, Nephi City, Utah
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I have always had the ICMA Code of Ethics on displayed in my office as a reminder to myself and those who I come in contact with of the impressive list of things which guide how I carry out my responsibilities. I have often referred to Tenet 7 when indicating to residents why I do not take positions on political matters and having it in writing has helped some to better appreciate my position.” - Rick Sawyer, Town Manager, Town of Bedford, New Hampshire
#WhatsOnYourWall
“I have the ICMA Code of Ethics posted on a filing cabinet in front of my desk, always visible from my computer workspace, serving as a daily reminder of my commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership in my role as Assistant Town Manager with the Town of Plainville.” - Andy Cirioli, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Plainville, Connecticut
#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
“The ICMA Code of Ethics is a constant reminder of my commitment and responsibility to model the highest ideals of local government service in every action. It also communicates to all who visit that my office stands for the principles of equity, transparency, integrity, and political neutrality.” - Pam Davis, Assistant City Manager, City of Boulder, Colorado
#WhatsOnYourWall
"I’ve been displaying the ICMA Code of Ethics on my wall since 2015 and find that I reference it often, whether in discussions with my direct reports, elected officials or community stakeholders. Having it displayed serves as a daily reminder of the principles that guide my decision-making and underscores the expectations for ethical governance in our organization." - Ian McGaughey, ICMA-CM, County Administrator, Yuma County, Arizona
Ethics Education
An overview of ICMA’s training and technical assistance 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
ICMA promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct in the local government management profession by providing advice, education, and training to members.
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.
Top PM Magazine "Ethics Matter!" Articles
End Corruption in Local Government [PM Magazine, November 2019]
How best to give voice to your values
The best approach to achieving an ethical outcome
To earn confidence and trust, you must exemplify integrity
How to Minimize Their Impact
