1. Conflicts of Interest: In general, a conflict of interest exists when a public official or employee has a personal or private financial interest (including through a relative or business), at stake in a matter where he must act in his official capacity. Both the State Ethics Act and the City Code prohibit conflicts of interest. More…

2. Avoiding Conflicts: In many cases, public officials and employees can avoid a conflict by publicly disclosing it and disqualifying themselves from taking official action in the matter. More…

3. Interest in Contracts: City officials and employees may not benefit from, or have a direct or indirect interest in, a City contract, regardless of whether their official duties have anything to do with the contract in question. More…

4. Limitations on Helping Others: City employees cannot directly or indirectly assist or represent another person, other than a relative in certain circumstances, in a transaction involving the City, unless providing that assistance is part of their official duties. More…

5. Ban on Receiving Gifts: In general, City officials and employees should not accept anything other than their salaries and praise for performing their official duties. Certain gifts are banned under the City Code and by an Executive Order. More…

6. Ban on Certain Political Activities: City employees may not be officers or members of a committee of a political party, nor can they engage in campaign activities on behalf of a party or candidate in a political campaign or election. More…

7. Annual Financial Disclosure: Certain City officials are required to publicly disclose their finances and income each year. Three separate laws – the State Ethics Act, the City Code and a Mayor’s Executive Order – mandate that certain officials file the disclosure form required by each law. More…

8. Post-Employment Restrictions: The State Ethics Law prohibits City officials and employees from representing a person before the City for one year after they leave the City. Beyond that, the City Code prohibits City officials or employees from obtaining a financial interest in any official action taken by them for two years after they leave the City and permanently bans them from assisting another person in a matter that they worked on during their employment with the City. More…

9. Penalties for Ethics Violations: The penalties for violations of the ethics rules vary, but they can be severe. For example, a violation of the State’s conflict of interest rule is a felony and the maximum penalty is a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. More…

10. The Best Way to Comply With the Rules: When in doubt, ask for advice. In addition to being sensible, asking for advice may also protect you in certain instances. For example, under the State Ethics Law, good faith reliance on a written, non-confidential opinion by the City Solicitor avoids the State Law’s penalties. More…

* This list is a summary of some main concepts. It does not represent a comprehensive description of all the ethics rules, inclusions and exceptions, nor is it intended to be used as a guide in any particular situation. The publication of this list does not constitute legal advice. If you have any concerns about an action you are about to take that may be perceived to be in violation of the ethical rules which govern City of Philadelphia employees, please click on “More” after point No. 10, which will tell you how to seek advice.