Public Ethics Commission Enforcement Program
The Public Ethics Commission (PEC) has authority to impose penalties for violations of ethics laws, campaign finance laws, and lobbyist registration requirements. The Commission also can mediate or recommend "cure and correction" for violations of public records and open meetings laws, respectively.
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The Law
The PEC conducts investigations, holds public hearings, issues subpoenas, and imposes fines and penalties as provided for by ordinance. The Commission has the primary responsibility and power to investigate and enforce violations under the laws listed below.
Government Ethics Act
Ethics and conflict of interest rules for public servants
Campaign Reform Act
Local campaign rules seeking to reduce the influence of large donors on elections
Lobbyist Registration Act
Registration and disclosure rules for entities that influence public decisions by lobbying
Sunshine Ordinance
Promotes access to government documents and timely notice of public meetings
Limited Public Financing Act
Provides public funding for Council candidates to expand participation in elections
Complaint Process
Complaint Procedures(PDF, 214KB)
Describes the process a complaint follows from start to finish
Penalty Guidelines(PDF, 185KB)
Guidelines used by staff when recommending enforcement penalties
Enforcement Actions
A searchable list summarizing closed enforcement cases
Administrative Hearings Training
An overview of the administrative hearing process.
Report a Problem
File a complaint
Submit a complaint for a suspected violation of any of the laws listed above
Request mediation
Request mediation of an unfulfilled public records request
Public Ethics Commission Impact
Case Results
View statistics and summaries of cases prosecuted by the Enforcement Division
Mediation Program Results
A searchable list of completed public records request mediations
Annual Report(PDF, 810KB)
Read a summary report of the Public Ethics Commission's work in 2020
About
Public Ethics Commission Staff
The Public Ethics Commission is an independent commission made up of Oakland residents and charged with ensuring fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in Oakland City government. Our objective is to make sure Oakland public officials and government decision-making processes operate in a fair and unbiased manner, to promote transparency in Oakland government, and to promote public trust in our local political system.
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