Ethics Hearing Board

Governmental ethics agencies, like the Pittsburgh’s Ethics Hearing Board, primarily function to provide advice on a broad range of conflict of interest laws. Public service is a public trust. Our goal is to ensure public positions are used to further the public interest and not manipulated for private gain.

In order for public officials and employees to be able to identify when to request advice, ongoing training and education is offered by the Board on governmental ethics laws regulating their conduct and mandating disclosures before, during, and after public service. When necessary, compliance is achieved by the Board through confidential complaints, investigation, and enforcement.

Our mission is to preserve the trust placed in the public servants of the City of Pittsburgh, to promote public confidence in government, to protect the integrity of government decision making, and to enhance government efficiency.

Governing Documents

• City of Pittsburgh Ethics Code, Chapter 197: Code of Conduct
• City of Pittsburgh Ethics Code, Chapter 198: Campaign Finance Regulations
• Pennsylvania State Ethics Act
• City of Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter

Additional Information

• Ethics Complaint Form
• Request for Advisory Opinion Form
• Ethics Matters: Pamphlet Describing the Work of the Board

Contact Information

Whistleblower Protection: the City of Pittsburgh Ethics Code §197.18 prohibits taking or threatening certain actions such as personal attack, harassment, intimidation or adverse employment actions in retaliation for opposing unethical practices or participating in an Ethics Hearing Board investigation or hearing.