This session provides elected officials information about Washington’s ethics laws, as well as common ethics and conflict of interest concerns.

• Understand what constitutes misuse of public office.
• Identify and manage potential conflicts, such as acceptance of gifts, avoiding nepotism in the workplace, and understanding regulations surrounding outside employment.
• Learn the requirements for filing statements of economic interest.

This webinar is for mayors, councilmembers, city managers/administrators, attorneys, and finance directors.

Please note that this information is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult legal counsel for advice about specific questions.

Recorded September 10, 2025

Presenters

• Charlotte A. Archer, Shareholder, Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder P.S.
• Jennifer S. Robertson, Shareholder, Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder P.S.

PowerPoint presentation slides

Recording

Additional resources

• AWC: Review PDC guidelines on elections activity for city officials
• AWC & MRSC: Mayor & Councilmember Handbook
• MRSC: Knowing the Territory – Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington City, County and Special Districts 
• MRSC: Holding two public offices: The doctrine of incompatible offices
• MRSC: Not what you were expecting to hear: More strategies for handling hate speech during public comment
• MRSC: Election season tips and reminders
• Public Disclosure Commission (PDC): Guidelines for local government agencies in election campaigns

City elected officials earn 1 credit toward the Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) as an elective in the Legal* competency area. Click here to let us know you’ve completed the training.

*Training does not fulfill the Legal competency requirement but does count toward overall CML credit total.