Ethics

One of the missions of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) is to administer, interpret and enforce the Seattle Ethics Code, Chapter 4.16 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

A Pledge to the People of Seattle
Seattle's Ethics Code is a statement of our shared values -- integrity, impartiality, independence, transparency.  It is our pledge to the people of Seattle that our only allegiance is to them when we conduct City business.  The Code provides minimum standards of conduct for all City employees, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, and volunteers.  Effective October 20, 2009, City consultants, contractors, and vendors who provide more than 1,000 hours of services to the City in a 12 month period also became subject to the Code.  The Code contains assurances that if the people's trust is questioned or broken, there is a fair process to determine what happened and whether sanctions should be imposed.  Read the entire Ethics Code: SMC 4.16, or get additional information by clicking the topics in the left column of this page.

Ethics Code Brochure:
"Top of the Crop!"

The Seattle Ethics Code was amended in 2009, changing some rules and clarifying others, and bringing some contractors under the Code. 

See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information or contact us for assistance.