Programs in Government Ethics

Building on a long history of work with city, county, and state officials, the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics offers a national program in local government ethics. Training on issues from transparency to the management of campaigns, presentations on public policy issues, classes for undergraduates, and consultations with individual municipalities combine to produce a rounded program.

Presentations and Workshops
Whether at a brown bag for the Santa Clara Valley Water District or a presentation at the Palo Alto City Council, the Center advocates municipal ethics programs that focus on developing a culture of ethics and values rather than a simple rules-based approach. A special program for newly elected officials, “Ethics and the Public’s Business,” looks at the ethical dilemmas that arise in transitioning from candidate to officeholder.

Since its inception in 2002, the Government Ethics Program has worked with a variety of groups including the Sunshine Task Force of the city of San Jose, the city of Livermore, the city of Santa Clara, and many other municipalities. Center Senior Fellow in Government Ethics Judy Nadler has addressed the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the World Bank, the League of California Cities, and other organizations.

Ethics and Leadership Camp for Public Officials
Dubbed by the New York Times, a “novel effort to create a culture of ethics and accountability,” Ethics and Leadership Camp brings together locally elected officials from all over the country for two days of training on how to manage municipal ethics efforts. A case-based approach allows for dialogue and the sharing of best practices.

An Introduction to Government Ethics
The Center offers the only online primer for officials and citizens interested in the ethical dilemmas that arise in public service. Topics covered include conflicts of interest, whistle blowing, campaign ethics, and cronyism. Each section provides an analysis of the issue as well as a related case study and links to the best Web sites on the topic.

Staff

Judy Nadler (on leave Winter 2009), senior fellow in government ethics
Kirk Hanson, Center executive director

Video Presentation

A Locally Elected Official Talks About the Program