Political neutrality has been a long-held value of the local government management profession and has been included in every version of ICMA’s Code of Ethics since the membership first adopted it in 1924. Public trust and confidence in the organization to serve all members of the community equally relies on professional staff making recommendations to the governing body that are free from political bias.
When Tenet 7 was last reviewed with the membership, the board approved the addition of a personal advocacy guideline to help members better understand their ethical obligation regarding issues of personal interest. The guideline recognizes members have a right to voice their opinion on public issues, and before taking this step, they should consider the impacts of their actions on the organization and the community. Finally, members may engage in issues of personal interest only when it does not present a conflict with their professional responsibilities.
Applicable Tenet and Guideline
Tenet 7. Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body.
Guideline on Personal Advocacy of Issues. Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to voice their opinion on public issues. Members may advocate for issues of personal interest only when doing so does not conflict with the performance of their official duties.
