Chicago’s Campaign Financing Ordinance, Chapter 2-164 of the Municipal Code, imposes restrictions on candidates for elected City office, including incumbents running for re-election.

The Board of Ethics, established in 1987, administers and enforces Chicago’s Governmental Ethics and Campaign Financing Ordinances (Chapters 2-156 and 2-164 of the City’s Municipal Code). These laws establish conflict of interests standards for City employees, elected officials, appointed officials, lobbyists, contractors, candidates for elected City office, campaign contributors, and others who interact with City government personnel.

Guide to Dealing with Lobbyists or Being Lobbyied

The Governmental Ethics Ordinance requires persons who lobby City government to register with the Board of Ethics and regularly file activity reports (or termination notices, where appropriate).