Chicago Board of Ethics - A General Guide for the Public
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.
Chicago Farmers Markets
ChicagoFarmers Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds – at Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.
DCASE Opportunities
Find out what opportunities are offered by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), fellow City departments and community partners.
Gift Restrictions - A Plain English Guide
Before they accept any gift, City employees and officials should consider not only whether the law permits them to keep the gift, but whether accepting it may create the perception that their independent judgment will be compromised.
Inclusive Terminology 101
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities provides information to print and broadcast reporters, students, disability organizations and the general public about terminology and portrayal issues concerning people with disabilities.
Investigation of Discrimination Complaints
The Commission on Human Relations receives, investigates, and rules on discrimination complaints filed under the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance.
Lobbying FAQ's
The following is representative of situations where a person is NOT lobbying.
Lobbyist Filing Requirements
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).
Lobbyist Forms
Please note that anyone may print or download these blank forms and the filing instructions that accompany them, but the Board of Ethics will not accept for filing any form that is returned to the Board's offices electronically. Only those forms delivered to the Board in person or by mail that contain hand-written signatures can be accepted by the Board of Ethics for filing in compliance with the relevant provisions of the City's Governmental Ethics Ordinance.
Maxwell Street Market
Visitors to the Maxwell Street Market will experience an eclectic mix of foods and finds—including handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing, and much more.
Post Employment Restrictions
The Governmental Ethics Ordinance, Chapter 2-156 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, contains post-employment restrictions that apply to all former employees and officials of the City.
Special Events Permit Application
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) processes Special Events applications for outdoor festivals, street and art/craft fairs and athletic events.
Subcontractor Payment Certification Requirements
In March 2004, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance requiring the City to report payments to subcontractors and suppliers on the City 's website. This ordinance applies to all City-funded, construction-related contracts awarded after June 28, 2004.
Temporary Animal Exhibition Permits
Effective January 1, 2013, all Animal Exhibitions, 30 days or less, will no longer require an Animal Care License issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Instead, Temporary Animal Exhibitions will require a permit issued by the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control (CACC)
