TITLE:
title
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE/CITY CLERK DIVISION, CITY ATTORNEY
PRESENTED BY: BRENDA GREEN, CITY CLERK
CONTACT INFORMATION: BRENDA GREEN, CITY CLERK (714) 754-5221
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Consider approval of a Code of Ethics and Conduct.
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BACKGROUND:
The goal of the Code of Ethics and Conduct is to ensure public confidence in the integrity of local government elected and appointed officials. The priority is to establish an ethics code to promote an honest, effective, and accountable city government, encourage high standards of behavior by public officials, and assist with decision-making. The code's framework is designed to guide public officials in their daily duties to help ensure that they exercise their public responsibilities without conflicts or improprieties, whether actual or perceived.
On July 8, 2025, the Council discussed potential adoption of a Code of Ethics and Conduct, giving direction to staff regarding potential provisions of such a code to be considered at a future City Council meeting for approval. Staff drafted a Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials modeled on the City of Gardena Code of Ethics and Conduct, but including several provisions from the City of Irvine policy as requested. See Attachment 1 (prior draft).
On February 3, 2026, the City Council considered a draft Code of Ethics and Conduct, and ultimately directed staff to return to City Council on April 7, 2026 with a revised draft.
ANALYSIS:
The intent of the Code of Ethics and Conduct is to achieve fair, ethical, and accountable local government for the City of Costa Mesa. The people of Costa Mesa expect public officials, both elected and appointed, to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law.
The following are the issue areas addressed and components of the proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct:
* Act in the Public Interest
* Comply with the Law
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