Other Prohibited Conduct

See Sections 6-36 to 6-39 of the Ethics Law, contained in Article 8 of the City Code. Watch and read below to learn more.

Prestige of Office

A public servant  may not intentionally use the prestige of their office or position for their own private gain or that of another, unless for usual and customary constituent services.

Disclosure of Confidential Information

Except as official duty requires, a public servant  may not disclose or use, for their own benefit or that of another, confidential information that the public servant acquired in their public position and that is not available to the public.

Participation in Procurement

Any person (or employer of that person) who assists a City agency in any manner in the contract procurement process may not:

  • Bid on or submit a response for that contract; or
  • Assist/represent another person in bidding or submitting a response for that contract.

*Does not apply to a person who provides information, including technical specifications and other pre-bid information, at the agency's request. 

Employment of Relatives by Elected Officials

No elected official may use public funds to employ a relative of self or of any other elected official. “Relative” means:

  • Spouse;
  • Child, stepchild, foster child, or ward;
  • Parent or stepparent;
  • Sibling or stepsibling;
  • Mother-in-law or father-in-law;
  • Son-in-law or daughter-in-law;
  • Grandparent; or
  • Grandchild.

Key Terms

any person or organization engaged in any for-profit or not-for-profit business or other organized activity.

any one (1) or combination of sales, purchases, leases, or contracts that total $5,000 or more cumulatively and that are made to/from/with the City, OR to/from/with a person in connection with a City contract.

an individual’s spouse, parent, child, or sibling

ownership of a business entity (including convertible securities) that amounts to more than 3% of the entity, OR ownership of any interest that either resulted in the receipt of more than $1,000 in any one of the past three calendar years or that will result in the receipt of more than $1,000 in the current year or any future calendar year.

transfer of any thing or service of economic value without adequate consideration (i.e., without giving something of similar value in return, such as monetary payment). Does NOT include political contributions regulated under State Election Law, Title 13 (campaign finance).

legal or economic interest, regardless of encumbrance (e.g., a mortgage), that is owned or held wholly or partly, jointly or severally, or directly or indirectly.  Does not include certain financial interests, such as an insurance policy or pension.

a person who communicates with a public servant for the purpose of influencing legislative or executive action and who, in connection with that communication, expends $100 or more for gifts, incurs expenses of $500 or more, OR earns $2,500 or more in compensation.

any City elected official, head of Department, head of bureau/division, or any other individual with similar decision-making authority.  Also includes individuals with decision-making authority in quasi-judicial, regulatory, licensing, inspecting, or auditing functions.

any City official or employee.