This page includes ethics information and resources for City employees.
Our office provides education and informal guidance on ethics rules for City employees. This page includes basic information and links to resources on ethics topics. For more details, visit our Frequently asked questions page.
Ethics rules can be complex and difficult to understand. Email us at integrity@phila.gov if you have questions, comments, or concerns about any of these issues. We can provide informal guidance, coordinate training, and refer you to other resources.
Jump to:
- Which rules apply to you?
- City ethics manuals
- Conflict of interest
- Financial disclosures
- Gifts, gratuities, and honoraria
- Nepotism
- Outside employment
- Political activity
- Post-employment
- Sexual harassment
- Whistleblower protections
Which rules apply to you?
Officers and employees of the City of Philadelphia are subject to ethics requirements. These rules come from three main sources:
- The Philadelphia Ethics Code.
- Mayoral executive orders.
- The Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
Government agencies can also create additional ethics rules for their employees.
Philadelphia Ethics Code
The Ethics Code includes parts of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and the Philadelphia Code. These provisions apply to all employees of Philadelphia’s government. This includes the:
- Executive branch.
- Legislative branch (City Council).
- Row offices. This includes the offices of the:
- District Attorney.
- City Controller.
- Sheriff.
- City Commissioners.
Executive orders
The mayor of Philadelphia can issue executive orders. These executive orders apply to employees who work for the mayor.
Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act
The Ethics Act applies to public officials and public employees. Provisions for employees usually apply to people who recommend or take official actions. Learn more from the State Ethics Commission.
Agency rules
City departments and offices may have additional ethics rules for their employees.
City ethics manuals
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.
Conflict of interest
City Council and City officers and employees can’t have a financial interest in legislation that requires an official action from them. They must publicly disclose the conflict and disqualify themselves from taking official action related to the legislation.
In addition, these individuals can’t become financially interested in such legislation for at least two years after the end of their service or employment.
Gifts, gratuities, and honoraria
Gifts
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.
Most officers, employees, and heads of executive branch agencies need written approval to accept a gift.
Executive Order 10-16 prohibits City officers and employees from accepting money or certain gifts from specific sources.
Gratuities
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.
Honoraria
Under state law, public officials and employees are prohibited from accepting an honorarium.
Financial disclosures
City process
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.).
Executive Order 11-14 outlines additional financial disclosure requirements for the City’s executive branch. The order applies to cabinet members and certain City officials, like deputy mayors.
State process
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.
Nepotism
Executive Order 1-11 prohibits direct supervision of and personnel actions regarding close family members. It also mandates disclosure.
Outside employment
Executive Order 12-16 regulates outside employment and self-employment by City officers and employees. City workers may 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 want to work a second job must file a request and get approval from their supervisors.
Political activity
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.
The Board of Ethics developed quick guides to help employees understand the rules about political activity.
Post-employment
This handout covers post-employment information like restrictions, financial disclosure requirements, and related ethics rules.
City Council and City officers and employees can’t have a financial interest in legislation that requires an official action from them. They must publicly disclose the conflict and disqualify themselves from taking official action related to the legislation.
In addition, these individuals can’t become financially interested in such legislation for at least two years after the end of their service or employment.
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.
Sexual harassment
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.
Whistleblower protections
Executive Order 9-17 protects against retaliation for reporting wrongdoing or waste. Retaliation examples include dismissal, suspension, or demotion.