About the Ethics Commission

The City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission was established in November, 1996 with the passage of Measure J which amended City Charter §202 (see Governing Legislation).

The mission of the Public Ethics Commission is to promote the highest confidence in the ethics of the government of the City of Oakland. We help ensure that government works the way it's supposed to -- that you are treated fairly, with honesty and integrity. We do this by:

• Informing you about your rights to obtain information about your City government;
• Creating easier access to information and meetings of public bodies in the City;
• Educating City officials, employees, Board and Commission members, and candidates for elected office about ethics laws;
• Investigating complaints about possible violations of ethics laws under our authority;
• Recommending changes in laws to promote ethical government; and
• Setting the standard, by example, for ethical conduct.

Commission Membership


The Public Ethics Commission consists of seven members -- three nominated for appointment by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, and four selected by the Commission as a whole. Commissioners receive no compensation and may serve no more than one consecutive three-year term.

QUALIFICATIONS

Each member of the Commission must be a resident of Oakland and registered to vote in Oakland.

During his/her tenure and for one year thereafter, no member of the Commission may:

• Be employed by the City or have any direct and substantial financial interest in any work or business or official action by the City;
• Seek election to any other public office; participate in, or contribute to, an Oakland municipal campaign; or
• Endorse, support, oppose, or work on behalf of any candidate or measure in an Oakland election. [Oakland Municipal Code §2.24.050]

DUTIES

• Attend monthly PEC meetings and one or more committee meetings;
• Oversee compliance with the Oakland Campaign Reform Act, Oakland Sunshine Ordinance, Limited Public Financing Act, Code of Conduct for City Officials, Conflict of Interest regulations, Lobbyist Registration Act, and Oakland False Endorsement In Campaign Literature Act;
• Review ethics laws and recommend amendments to the City Council; and
• Develop informational, training, and public outreach programs concerning the Commission's activities.

If you are interested in serving as a Commissioner, please call the office at 238-6620 or email your name, address and phone number to: ethicscommission@oaklandnet.com