Ethics

Why Ethics Matter

Public trust in the City is built on the conduct of elected officials, employees, board members, and volunteers. Only when residents have confidence that their City elected officials, employees, board members, and volunteers will act fairly and honestly can democratic government function properly. Therefore, it is imperative that all in public service perform their duties at the highest standards of personal integrity, fairness, and honesty, and never use their City position for improper personal gain.

Sources and Enforcement of City of Phoenix Ethics Policies and Laws

Although City ethics policies and laws stem from several sources and standards, three significant policies and laws establish City ethics standards:

1. The City of Phoenix Ethics Policy, Phoenix City Code Section 2-52;
2. The City of Phoenix Gift Policy, also found in Phoenix City Code Section 2-52;
3. Arizona law for conflicts of interest as adopted by Phoenix City Charter Chapter XI and found in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 38, Chapter 3, Article 8; and
4. The City of Phoenix Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, Phoenix City Code Section 2-54.

Violations of these ethics policies and laws by elected officials and board members are enforced through the City of Phoenix Ethics Commission. Violations of these ethics policies and laws by employees and volunteers are enforced through the City Manager. Although each of these policies and laws are generally uniform as applied to all in public service, some differences exist, and therefore, elected officials, employees, board members, and volunteers should look to guidance that applies to their specific public duty and role.

Ethics Commission​​

The Ethics Commission is authorized to receive allegations of ethical violations, investigate, take testimony, and engage in any other action to the exten​t permitted and established by law to oversee the investigation and enforcement of the gift policy and conflicts of interest pursuant to Phoenix City Charter Chapter XI, Sec. 1 (Title 38, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes) related to elected officials and board and commission members. To submit an Ethics Complaint, please see the Request for Ethics Inquiry Form under the Resources section below. If you have questions, please contact ethics.commission@phoenix.gov. 

Additional Information

If you or a member of the public need TTY or other assistance in reporting ethics or integrity concerns, please use Relay 7-1-1 or contact the City’s Equal Opportunity Department’s Compliance and Enforcement Division at 602-262-7486 or contact.eod@phoenix.gov.