Popular Ethics Topics
Ethics Resources
#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 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
“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
“Being committed to something important has never been more important, especially in the public sector. That’s why the ICMA Code of Ethics is proudly displayed in my office. It’s a reminder of the ideals we strive for; of the purpose and people we’re here for; of the reason why we’re worthy of the trust placed in us by our constituents, elected officials and team. I’m proud that for the last 101 years, these tenets have guided managers in their duties and responsibilities. I’m proud to stand by them and uphold them today and everyday.”
— Phil Kiraly, ICMA-CM, Village Manager, Village of Glencoe, Illinois
#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
“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
“As you can see from the photo, I also have my AICP ethics pledge on my wall. There is so much mistrust today between citizens and elected officials and the local governments and managers that serve them—it’s so important to me that everyone understand that my decisions and actions as a local government professional are guided not only by my internal morals, but by the ethics tenants established by both ICMA and by AICP. Displaying these on the wall in my office help me to convey that message.”
— Deborah Sturm Kendall, ICMA-CM, Town Manager, Town of Gordonsville, Virginia
#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
#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
“I choose to display (my Martha Perego autographed copy of!) the ICMA Code of Ethics in my office as a constant reminder that the Code serves as both a compass (guiding my decision making) and a shield (to protect me, elected officials, staff, vendors, and the public, alike). It is foundational to the work we do.”
— Steve Bartha, Town Manager, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
#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
“As a former city manager, who now works with city managers and elected officials, ICMA's Code of Ethics continues to resonate with me. Our reputations are determined by our ethical behavior, integrity, and professionalism. This is true in government and philanthropy, a nonprofit form of public service.”
— Valerie Lemmie, senior advisor for state and local government, Kettering Foundation
#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 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
“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
