Public Ethics Commission

The Public Ethics Commission is an independent commission made up of Oakland residents and charged with ensuring fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in Oakland City government. Our objective is to make sure Oakland public officials and government decision-making processes operate in a fair and unbiased manner, to promote transparency in Oakland government, and to promote public trust in our local political system. The Commission's duties include ensuring compliance with the City of Oakland's government ethics, campaign finance, transparency, and lobbyist registration laws.

Sign up for updates from the Public Ethics Commission

To see full meeting calendar, agendas, and how to participate, visit Meetings

News and Updates

For a summary of important changes to Oakland campaign finance and transparency laws visit What's New

Report a Problem

The Commission has authority to impose penalties for violations of ethics laws, campaign finance laws, and lobbyist registration requirements.

Resources and Guidance

Resources to help City staff, public officials, candidates, lobbyists, contractors doing business with Oakland, and other organizations understand and comply with government integrity laws.

State and local disclosure laws are one tool to prevent conflicts of interest with City officials' public duties by shining light on their personal interests. The Public Ethics Commission acts as filing officer for financial disclosure statements filed by candidates, political committees, lobbyists, and designated City employees and officials. Disclosure statements are public records and are available for review online.