Public Ethics Commission
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. The Commission's duties include ensuring compliance with the City of Oakland's government ethics, campaign finance, transparency, and lobbyist registration laws.
Get updates from the Public Ethics Commission
The Public Ethics Commission office is open Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Visitors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by emailing ethicscommission@oaklandca.gov to ensure the proper staff members are available.
Upcoming/Recent Meetings
MEETINGS LIST
Meeting Calendar
- January 29, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- March 19, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- May 21, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- July 16, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- September 17, 2025 - Regular Meeting
- November 26, 2025 - Regular Meeting
To see full meeting agendas and how to participate, visit Public Ethics Commission Meetings.
News and Updates
NEWS LIST
Measure W | Democracy Dollars | Oakland Fair Elections Act
In November 2022, Oakland voters passed Measure W, the Oakland Fair Elections Act. Measure W enacted several campaign finance reforms that change the way campaigns are typically financed for Oakland candidates.
Availability of public financing for the 2026 election will be announced after adoption of the FY 25-27, which is expected by July 1, 2025. Oakland's public financing programs, including the Limited Public Financing Program and the new Democracy Dollars Program, are not funded for the 2025 or 2026 elections currently.
What's New
Summary of important changes to Oakland campaign finance and transparency laws
Democracy Dollars Program | Oakland Fair Elections Act
Learn more about Oakland's new public campaign financing program.
Measure W(PDF, 5MB)
Read the full ballot measure text
Report a Problem
The Commission has authority to impose penalties for violations of ethics laws, campaign finance laws, and lobbyist registration requirements.
Enforcement Program
The Commission's enforcement authority, process, and outcomes
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
Transparency and Disclosure
State and local disclosure laws are one tool to prevent conflicts of interest with City officials' public duties by shining light on their personal interests. The Public Ethics Commission acts as filing officer for financial disclosure statements filed by candidates, political committees, lobbyists, and designated City employees and officials. Disclosure statements are public records and are available for review online.
Campaign Finance Statements
View statements and reports
Lobbyist Directory and Dashboard
View lobbyist registry and reports
Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700)
View statements
Ticket Distribution (Form 802)
View event ticket use reported by City officials
Behested Payments (Form 803)
View payments by third parties as the request of elected officials
Disclosure Resources
A catalog of available ethics-related data and tools.
Resources
Resources to help City staff, public officials, candidates, lobbyists, contractors doing business with Oakland, and other organizations understand and comply with government integrity laws.
Government Ethics
Ethics, gift, conflict of interest, and other rules public officials must follow
Campaign Finance Rules and Disclosure
The Commission enforces campaign rules and serves as filing officer for campaign reporting
Lobbyist Rules
Learn how to register as a lobbyist, report lobbying activity and more
Board and Commission Members
Essentials for new Board and Commission members
Candidates and Campaigns
View candidate toolkits, contribution limits, forms & other information about campaigns
Disclosure Information and Data
Disclosure statements are public records and are available for review online
Get Training
View resources and upcoming training opportunities for candidates, treasurers, committees, Form 700 filers.
Candidate and Treasurer Training
An overview of the California Political Reform Act and Oakland Campaign Reform Act
Lobbyist Training
Lobbyists must complete this training within 60 days of their initial registration
Board and Commission Members Ethics Training
Learn about the rules and responsibilities for Board and Commission Members
Government Ethics for Form 700 Filers Training
This Government Ethics Training provides a comprehensive overview of local ethics laws
Public Records Sunshine Training
Provides an overview of local transparency laws for City Staff
Open Meetings Sunshine Training
This training video is for City staff and Board and Commission members
AB1234 Ethics Training for Elected Officials
Required for elected officials and compensated board members
Special Projects and Reports
Please view our full list of Publications, Projects, and Reports at the following link.
Public Ethics Commission Publications
PEC Special Projects and Reports
About
Public Ethics Commission Members
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.
The Commission's duties include ensuring compliance with the City of Oakland's government ethics, campaign finance, transparency, and lobbyist registration laws