In support of neighborhood empowerment, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission (CEC) provides the following information to help answer your questions about how state and City ethics, conflict of interest and disclosure laws may apply to Neighborhood Councils. If you have any questions or we can be of assistance to you, please contact us by phone at (213) 978-1960 or by e-mail.

Ethics and Open Government Training for Neighborhood Councils

The CEC and the Office of the City Attorney have prepared an online training to provide and overview of state and City ethics laws for City officials, employees and Neighborhood Council governing board members. Access the training here.

The Ralph M. Brown Act

This California state law governs public meetings. Questions about the Brown act should be directed to the Office of the City Attorney at (213) 847-3141.

• Summary of the Ralph M. Brown Act - prepared by the Office of the City Attorney
• Pamphlet on the Ralph M. Brown Act - prepared by the Office of the Attorney General

Financial Disclosure

• City Council Form 54
  
  
• Instructions for City Council Form 54
  
  
• CEC Transmittals to City Council regarding NC Financial Disclosure
  

Links and Resources

• What Can the City Ethics Commission Do for You - Find out about the programs the Commission administers for City officials, candidates, lobbyists and the public.
  
  
• Whistleblower Hotline – The City Ethics Commission investigates violations of the ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, and conflict of interest laws. You can report confidentially a violation of any law by a City official or employee; waste of City resources; abuse of authority or conflict of interests by any City official or employee or violations of any of the laws the Commission administers.
  
  
• Governmental Ethics Ordinance – The City’s ethics law, which overlays state law, is contained in Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 49.5.1 et. seq.
  
  
• Lobbying Neighborhood Councils (Ordinance effective 7/26/04)
  
  
• Department of Neighborhood Empowerment - The City agency that can advise you about the neighborhood empowerment process under the City Charter.


• Office of the City Attorney – The City agency that can answer your questions about the Ralph M. Brown Act - California’s open meeting law, conflicts of interest and legal liability and protections.
  
  
• City Attorney Legal Advice Letters Regarding Neighborhood Councils


• Fair Political Practices Commission - The state agency responsible for the administration, implementation and enforcement of the California Political Reform Act.