Long Beach’s Ethics Commission helps shape ethical policies and communicate the City’s Charter across departments.
Long Beach residents have a chance to shape the ethical backbone of the City’s government and proceedings by applying to a position on the Ethics Commission.
The Ethics Commission board member will help influence the policies that dictate campaign finance, conflicts of interest, lobbying and other ethical dilemmas. The commission also ensures that all city employees, officials and departments understand the City Charter, which states the rules surrounding City proceedings and will help departments shape their own conflict of interest codes.
The position is only open to Long Beach residents, and will be for a partial term through June 30, 2024. After that term, the appointee has the opportunity to be appointed by the Commission for two additional full terms.
Ethics Commissioners are limited to two consecutive full terms of four years total. The spot is considered a volunteer position, but commissioners have the option to receive a $200 stipend for each monthly meeting, or other special meetings.
On Nov. 8, the Ethics Commission will select applicants for interviews at its monthly meeting. On Nov. 15, interviews and the final selection will take place at the Billie Jean King Main Library. If more time is needed for interviews or discussion, an additional meeting will be held at a later date.
Roles of the Commission include:
- Provide support to agencies and public officials in administering the provisions of the City Charter and other laws relating to campaign finance, conflicts of interest and governmental ethics.
- Make recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council concerning campaign finance reform, lobbying, governmental ethics and conflicts of interest and to report to the Council concerning the effectiveness of these laws.
- Assist departments in developing their conflict of interest codes as required by state law.
- Advocate an understanding of the City Charter, City ordinances and the roles of elected and other public officials, City institutions and the City electoral process.
- Develop an educational program to familiarize newly elected and appointed officers and employees, candidates for elective office and their campaign treasurers, and lobbyists with City, state and federal ethics laws and the importance of ethics to the public’s confidence in municipal government.
Other duties may also be established by the City Charter or the Long Beach Municipal Code.
Long Beach residents can apply online through a Google form. Questions to apply include:
- Why are you interested in serving on the Ethics Commission?
- What is your personal definition of ethics and integrity?
- Please describe your experience volunteering and/or community involvement in the Long Beach area.
Questions following experience in Long Beach government follow, along with disclaimers about being in the public eye and following the City Charter. A resume is also required as part of the application, and applications without an attached resume will be automatically disqualified.
If residents have questions or technical issues, they can reach out to Heather Van Wijk at (562) 570-7443 or heather.vanwijk@longbeach.gov.
