HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/2026 09.E. City Council Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct rS 'Vii
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9.E.
For Meeting of: May 5, 2026
ITEM TITLE: City Council Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct
SUBMITTED BY: Sara Watkins, City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Council directed staff to bring back an updated (providing simpler, straightforward language) code of
ethics for Council's review. A revised Code of Ethics and Principles of Conduct are attached. Staff
provides the following links for examples to other jurisdictions' codes of ethics as well:
https://www.federalwaywa.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Department/CK/Code°/o20of°/o20Ethics.pdf
https://www.shorelinewa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8313/639063118079700000
https://www.cityofvancouver.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/100-36_ethics_policy.pdf
https://www.cityofferndale.org/DocumentCenter/View/1024/Rules-of-Procedure-and-Ethics-Handbook-
PDF?bidld=
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: An Engaged Yakima
RECOMMENDATION: N/A.
ATTACHMENTS:
Code of Ethics_updated.docx
Principles of Conduct for Yakima City Council Members_updated.docx
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Code of Ethics
Yakima City Council
As a Yakima City Council member, I will:
• Maintain professionalism, decorum, and conduct that reflects positively on the City.
• Clearly distinguish my personal opinions from official Council positions unless the
Council has formally adopted a policy.
• Keep all executive session information confidential.
• Disclose any conflicts of interest and abstain from discussing or voting on matters where
I have personal, financial, or property interests or involvement.
• Never use my position or City resources for personal or family benefit, including financial
gain or accepting gifts.
• Avoid holding or gaining a financial interest in any contract I voted on for one year after
leaving office.
• Refrain from assisting or representing others in City matters I handled while in office for
one year after my term ends.
• Avoid making knowingly false statements that could influence Council decisions, City
staff, or other agencies.
OR
Code of Ethics
Yakima City Council
As a Council member I will:
• Represent the City professionally and avoid conduct that could embarrass it.
• Make clear when I'm expressing my own views rather than an official Council position.
• Keep executive session information confidential.
• Dislcose conflicts of interest and abstain from related discussion or voting.
• Not use my role or City resources for personal or family gain, including gifts.
• Avoid gaining financial interests in contracts I voted on for one year after leaving office.
• Not assist or represent others on matters I handled while in office for one year after my
term.
• Avoid making knowingly false statements that could influence decisions.
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Principles of Conduct for Yakima City Council Members
As a Yakima City Council member, I agree to:
• Act with professionalism, respect and civility at all times.
• Treat colleagues, staff, and the public with honesty, fairness, and dignity.
• Maintain integrity and impartiality, ensuring my actions can withstand public scrutiny.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with City officials and employees.
• Support a constructive environment for residents, businesses, and City staff.
• Avoid abusive conduct, personal attacks, or questioning others' motives.
• Refrain from seeking improper influence or favors.
• Avoid personal remarks that may offend.
• Listen respectfully during public discussions and treat others as I wish to be treated.
• Remember that communications related to City business may be subject to public
disclosure.
OR
Principles of Conduct for Yakima City Council Members
The Principles of Conduct supplement state law, the Yakima Municipal Code and the Code of
Ethics. They apply to all City Council members and describe how we work together and treat
one another while serving the community. These principles emphasize conducting City
business with respect, professionalism, and civility. Each Council member is responsible for
upholding these expectations and modeling them consistently.
As a Yakima City Council member, I agree to:
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and civility in all interactions and work for the
greater good of Yakima.
• Treat others with respect, honesty, fairness, sensitivity and dignity.
• Act—and be seen as acting—with integrity and impartiality, maintaining conduct that can
withstand public scrutiny.
• Work with City officials and staff in a conscientious, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Support a positive and productive environment for residents, businesses, and City
employees.
• Refrain from abusive behavior, personal attacks, or questioning the character or motives
of Council colleagues, board and commission members, committee members, staff, or
the public.
• Avoid influencing anyone improperly to obtain benefits or special treatment.
• Avoid personal remarks that could be offensive or disrespectful.
• Listen courteously and attentively during public discussions and treat others as I would
expect to be treated.
• Remember that written notes, voicemails, emails, and other communications related to
City business may be subject to public disclosure, and even private conversations can
become public.
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