On June 25, 2009, the City Council approved revisions to the city's Campaign Finance Code and Ethics Code, which will become effective on July 5, 2009.

Ethics Code Revisions

Campaign Finance Code Revisions

Summary of Changes:

Amendment to the Ethics Code - Gift Rule:

City officials and employees will no longer be able to accept gifts of entertainment, transportation or lodging from those doing business or seeking to do business with the city, those seeking zoning or platting changes or lobbyists registered with the city;
 

Amendment to the Campaign Finance Code – Restrictions on Contributions from Those Seeking High Profile Contracts and Zoning Changes:

High-Profile Contracts

Under current Campaign Finance Code, legal signatories of high-profile contracts are prohibited from making campaign or officeholder contributions from time response is submitted to a solicitation until 30 days after contract is awarded.   

This contribution prohibition has been broadened to include:

• any individual seeking a high-profile contract;
• any owner or officer of an entity seeking a high-profile contract;
• the spouse of any of these individuals;
• any attorney, lobbyist or consultant retained to assist in seeking contract.

The contribution “black-out” period will run from the 10^th business day after the solicitation has been released until the 30^th calendar day after the contract has been awarded.
 

Zoning Changes

The contribution prohibition has also been extended to:

• any individual applying for a zoning change;
• any owner or officer of an entity seeking a zoning change;
• the spouse of any of these individuals.

The contribution prohibition start date for zoning applicants will begin on the date the application is submitted to the city and continue until the 30th calendar day after final action.