Governing Laws and Policies

A summary of key legislation and policies governing the Public Ethics Commission and its work.

City Charter

• City Charter - Article II, Section 202 - City Council Salaries(PDF, 193KB)
• City Charter - Article IV, Section 401(1) - City Attorney Salary(PDF, 201KB)*
• City Charter - Article IV, Section 403(1) - City Auditor Salary(PDF, 205KB)*
• City Charter - Article IV, Section 603 - Public Ethics Commission(PDF, 265KB)*
• Measure OO(PDF, 1MB)

*Amended in 2024. Refer to Measure OO for latest language.

City Ordinances

Related California Laws

Policies and Procedures

• Public Ethics Commission Operation Policies(PDF, 760KB)
• PEC Mediation and Complaint Procedures (Effective January 7, 2024)(PDF, 214KB)
• PEC Enforcement Penalty Guidelines (Effective March 30, 2025)(PDF, 218KB)
• Guidelines for Waiving Late Filing Fees (Adopted: October 26, 2023)(PDF, 208KB)
• PEC Lobbyist Registration Act Admin Rules (adopted January 17, 2024)(PDF, 244KB)
• LPF/Democracy Dollars Debate Guidelines(PDF, 166KB)

Commission Resolutions*

2024

• Resolution 24-01 - City Council Salary Adjustment (Adopted 03-13-2024)(PDF, 203KB)
• Resolution 24-02 - City Auditor Salary Adjustment (Adopted 04-10-2024)(PDF, 141KB)
• Resolution 24-03 - City Attorney Salary Adjustment (Adopted 04-10-2024)(PDF, 178KB)
• Resolution 24-04 - Revised City Auditor Salary Adjustment (Adopted 05-22-2024)(PDF, 142KB)

2023

• Resolution 23-04 - City Attorney Salary Adjustment (Adopted 04-12-2023)(PDF, 284KB)
• Resolution 23-05 - City Auditor Salary Adjustment (Adopted 04-12-2023)(PDF, 284KB)
• Resolution 23-06 - Limited Public Financing Act of 2024 (Adopted 08-09-2023)(PDF, 269KB)

*Excludes Resolutions authorizing the PEC to meet by teleconference for a specific meeting.

Other Related Policies

• City Council Code of Conduct - City Council Resolution No. 78307(PDF, 56KB)
• City Censure Policy - City Council Resolution No. 84758(PDF, 232KB)

Resources and Guides

Reports

Required Training

The following trainings are required for Board and Commission members.

Introduction to the Government Ethics Act
Watch a brief video

Board and Commission Members Ethics Training
Register for training on demand

Open Meetings Sunshine Training
Register for training on demand

Administrative Hearings Training
An overview of the administrative hearing process

Government Ethics for Form 700 Filers Training
A comprehensive overview of local ethics laws in Oakland

We encourage Commissioners to take the state AB 1234 (For Local Officials) ethics training as well so you can see what is required of both state and local elected officials; but much of the content is similar to our local training since the laws are similar, with some Oakland rules made stricter, such as gift limits.