Promoting high ethical standards and being accountable to those we serve ensures that our community can trust us. The City of Shoreline makes a determined effort to promote and sustain an ethical culture grounded in values such as fairness, transparency, honesty, integrity, commitment, and stewardship. The City’s organizational values, which were developed by an employee committee and adopted by the City’s leadership in 2003, provide a solid framework for expectations.
The City Council adopted a Code of Ethics early in the City’s incorporation in 1995 and subsequently updated it in 2000. These standards and guidelines apply to the City Council, appointed officials such as the Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Board, and to all employees.
Besides having a combination of education and experience, many of the job positions and professions of our employees require an adherence to ethical codes and standards guided by each unique profession. Listed below are those professions represented at the City which have specific codes of ethics.
City Manager and City Manager Office Staff
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
City Attorney
Washington State Court
City Clerk
International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC)
City Planners
American Planning Association (APA)
Building Officials
International Code Council
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Code of Ethics | AIA Seattle
Economic Development Staff
International Economic Development Council
Finance and Budget Staff
Government Finance Officers Association
Human Resources Staff
Society for Human Resources
Professional Engineers
Washington State Administrative Code (Chapter 196-27A WAC)
The City takes violations of its Code of Ethics seriously. If you would like to report a violation or complaint of a City employee or official, please contact the City Manager, City Attorney or Mayor at (206) 801-2213.