Ethics Program
Cal-ICMA's Ethics Committee provides members with an array of information, access to programming, and awards.
ICMA Code of Ethics
Adopted in 1924, the ICMA Code of Ethics defined the principles that today serve as the foundation for the local government management profession and set the standard for excellence. Leadership in a management structure committed to equity, transparency, integrity, stewardship of public resources, political neutrality, and respect for the rights and responsibility of elected officials and residents strengthens democratic local governance.
Learn more and access the complete Code of Ethics.
ICMA encourages individuals seeking confidential advice on issues of ethics or who wish to file an official complaint to contact Martha Perego, director of Member Services and Ethics, at mperego@icma.org or 202-962-3668 or Jessica Cowles, ethics advisor, at jcowles@icma.org or 202-962-3513.
Ethical Hero Award
The purpose of the Cal-ICMA Ethical Hero Award is to recognize Cal-ICMA members who have served in the local government profession with dignity, honor and integrity, and have demonstrated exceptional ethics while carrying out their duties in local government. Nominations may be submitted at any time.
Kim Summers, City Manager, City of Murrieta, was awarded the Cal-ICMA Ethical Hero Award in February 2021.
Ethics Matter! Advice for Public Managers E-Book
A collection of sound ethics advice from ICMA's Public Management (PM) magazine.
This e-book from ICMA is a member benefit that presents sound ethics advice in a collection of columns from the Ethics Matter! columns that appear in every issue of Public Management (PM) magazine.
Training and Workshops:
Ethics in Action
Archived webinars on the topic of ethics.
Ethics Matter – Don’t be Tomorrow’s Headline
Tempted to make a donation to a presidential candidate? Considering putting a candidate's sign in the front yard? Struggling to resolve a conflict of interest? Not sure how to respond when a vendor wants you to comment on their work?
Join ICMA's ethics director for a refresher on the ICMA Code of Ethics. Bring your questions for this interactive session that is free for ICMA members!!
This webinar is the second of four that is offered free to ICMA members thanks to a generous sponsorship from ICMA-RC.
Schedule an Ethics Workshop at Your Agency
ICMA is committed to providing workshops that are affordable, accessible, and designed to meet the specific needs of local government professionals. By partnering with localities, state associations, and universities in the delivery of these programs, we are able to reduce travel costs and provide high-quality workshops.
Half-day workshops: $3,960 for states with a signed affiliation agreement with ICMA for up to 50 participants. Non-affiliated states pay an additional fee.
Learn more and schedule a workshop here.
Ethics Articles
ETHICS MATTER! Being Politically Neutral in a Partisan World - April 2021
How best to give voice to your values.
2021 Timeline of the ICMA Code of Ethics - May 2021
Ninety-seven years in the making, follow the history of the ICMA Code of Ethics as it evolved over the decades.
ETHICS MATTER! Equity and Social Justice - August 2020
Ideals for the profession.
ETHICS MATTER! Ethical Leadership in the Time of COVID-19 - May 2020
As you navigate what lies ahead, what values will drive your decision-making?
"Study Confirms Council-Manager Governments Are More Ethical" - September 2019
Ethics by design: The impact of form of government on municipal corruption reveals strength of professional management.
"Charting an Ethical Career Course" -May 2019
A guide to making life-altering choices with integrity.
"Embracing Ethics Now" -December 2018
Unfortunately, it often takes an ethical failure and crisis to raise ethics training to the level of priority it deserves.
"Ethics Matter!" -October 2018
Advice for public managers now a new ICMA e-book
"ICMA Code of Ethics - A Quick Refresher" -August 2018
A simple reminder of the ethical principles we have all agreed to abide by.
"Creating Ethical Dilemmas for the Staff" -May 2018
Ask or direct a staff member to do something unethical and you place the person in an untenable position of great risk.
"Ethics Series: See Something, Say Something" -December 2017
All employees have a stake in reporting incidents of suspected or actual wrongdoing.
"Understanding ICMA's Ethics Enforcement Process" -August 2017
The Cal-ICMA Ethics Committee is committed to raising awareness on all aspects of the ICMA Code of Ethics.
"Responding to an Ethical Crisis" -June 2017
Three critical questions demand answers.