Through the support of ICMA, ACMA strives to promote an ethical culture in local government. Since the development of the ICMA Code of Ethics in 1924, the organization has built an extensive collection of advice on ethics issues, case studies and model local government documents. This knowledge base has been translated into training courses, consulting services, ethics textbooks and other educational publications designed to further the organization’s mission throughout the world. Promoting an ethical culture is a key leadership responsibility. Equity, transparency, honor, integrity, commitment and stewardship are standards for excellence in democratic local governance. ICMA promotes ethical conduct through its Code of Ethics, training for local governments, publications on ethics issues, technical assistance and current issues and advice to members. For more information about ICMA’s Code of Ethics, its guidelines and enforcement process and current issues and advice facing local government professionals, visit the Ethics Program section of icma.org.

ACMA offers ethics training at least once a year at either the winter or summer conference. Through ICMA and other state affiliate groups, ACMA members have the opportunity to take advantage of online ethics courses.

ICMA Ethics Training

Ethics 101: Online Ethics Training for Local Government Staff

Texas City Management Association (TCMA) Ethics Course

This course was developed by the TCMA Ethics Committee and addresses the major points of the TCMA Code of Ethics.

Rules of Procedure

In February 2003, the membership of ACMA voted to adopt the ICMA Code of Ethics by reference through a set of Rules of Procedure. The ACMA Rules of Procedure shall enforce the ICMA Code of Ethics and applies specifically to members of ACMA who are not ICMA members. The purpose of these rules is to provide a reasonable process for investigation and determination of violations of the ICMA Code of Ethics with a fair opportunity for individual response. It is the intention of the ACMA membership that these rules be carried out carefully and expeditiously in order to minimize the time during which a member may be subject to possible disciplinary action while ensuring the fairness of the process.

View the ACMA Rules of Procedure (.pdf)

ICMA Code of Ethics

View the ICMA Code of Ethics

Membership Process

The ICMA Code of Ethics are enforced through the ACMA membership application process.

Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC)

PURPOSE:

Responsible for assisting the Board in implementing the Code of Ethics and Rules of Procedure. In tandem with the President and Board of Directors, the CPC is responsible for publicizing and promoting the Code of Ethics with the membership, elected officials and the general public. The CPC is also responsible for conducting investigations and preparing written findings of fact, which are sent to the President and the respondent. The CPC may recommend that disciplinary action be considered but it may not recommend a specific sanction.

LEADERSHIP/MEMBERSHIP:

The ACMA Board of Directors selects the chair of the CPC. The chair selects membership on the committee, with appropriate guidance from the Officers.

CURRENT/RECENT ACTIVITIES:

This committee was created in February 2003.

MEMBERS: