These guides outline the ethics requirements of the Philadelphia Code. They describe what City workers, City Council staff, or City board or commission members should do if they:

• Have a conflict of interest.
• Receive prohibited gifts or gratuities.
• Want to engage in political activity.

City officers or employees can’t receive any money or gifts worth more than $99 within a year if the gift-giver:

• Needs an official action from the officer or employee.
• Has a financial interest that could be influenced by the officer or employee through official action.

To accept a gift, most officers, employees, and heads of executive branch agencies will need written approval.

Executive order 10-16 order prohibits City officers and employees from accepting money or certain gifts from specific sources.

Section 10-105 of the Home Rule Charter prohibits City officers and employees from asking for or accepting gratuities for their public service. The head of an agency can approve exceptions, such as a special reward for acts of bravery.

Under state law, public officials and employees are prohibited from accepting an honorarium.

Section 10-107 of the Home Rule Charter prohibits soliciting political contributions and engaging in certain political activities. The law also requires City officers and employees to resign before running for public office, excluding reelection.

City officers and employees may only participate in certain kinds of political activities. The Board of Ethics developed quick guides to help employees understand the rules.

City Council and City officers and employees can’t have a financial interest in any legislation that requires an official action from them. They must publicly disclose the conflict of interest and disqualify themselves from taking an official action related to the legislation.

Additionally, up to two years after service or employment, the individual can’t become financially interested in any legislation made by them through an official action.

Executive Order 1-11 prohibits direct supervision of and personnel actions regarding close family members. It also mandates disclosure.

The City’s sexual harassment prevention policy prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Executive Order 2-18 bans discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and outlines reporting and investigation processes.

Executive Order 9-17 protects against retaliation for reporting wrongdoing or waste. Retaliation examples include dismissal, suspension, or demotion.

Some City officers and employees are required to file a Statement of Financial Interests form each calendar year. The positions include:

• Elected officials.
• Heads of executive branch agencies.
• Members and executive directors of boards and commissions that exercise significant powers of government.
• Members of the mayor’s cabinet (finance director, managing director, City solicitor, etc.).

Under state law, public officials and employees must file a Statement of Financial Interests form each calendar year and the year after their service or employment.

Browse financial disclosure statements

This tool allows users to search for City and state financial disclosure statements by name, category, or year.

Executive Order 12-16 regulates outside employment and self-employment by City officers and employees. City workers are permitted to hold a second job as long as their employment doesn’t affect their job performance with the City or conflict with City interests.

Employees who wish to engage in a second job must file a request for outside employment or self-employment and get approval from their supervisors.

City Council and City officers and employees can’t have a financial interest in any legislation that requires an official action from them. They must publicly disclose the conflict of interest and disqualify themselves from taking an official action related to the legislation.

Additionally, up to two years after service or employment, the individual can’t become financially interested in any legislation made by them through an official action.

Under state law, former public officials or employees are prohibited from representing a person before a governmental body they were associated with up to one year after their service or employment.

This handout covers post-employment information like restrictions, financial disclosure requirements, and related ethics rules.