City Attorney presenter outlines Riverside ethics code, who may file complaints

A representative of the City Attorney's Office reviewed Chapter 2.78, the city’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, and explained who may submit complaints and which behaviors the code prohibits. The presenter said the code applies to the mayor, city council members and appointed boards, commissions and committees and described examples of improper third‑party advocacy, including a commissioner speaking on behalf of a close friend’s project.

“The purpose of the code of ethics is to achieve fair, ethical and accountable local government for the City Of Riverside,” the City Attorney's Office presenter said, and added that complaints may be filed by anyone who "live[s], work[s] including vendors and contractors or attend[s] school in the City Of Riverside," with a narrow exception when an out‑of‑city witness personally observes an alleged violation. The presenter also explained that ministerial duties (for example, approving a permit when an applicant has met statutory criteria) generally are not considered advocacy under the code.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about when advocacy constitutes a prohibited conflict (financial gain or close personal ties) and about examples of ministerial actions. The presenter and members discussed how broader policy advocacy differs from speaking on behalf of a specific private interest; the presenter used the example of speaking for or against marijuana dispensaries as citywide policy versus endorsing a single applicant.

The presentation set the groundwork for later agenda items that consider shifting the board’s governance structure and the involvement of the Inspector General in investigations. No formal action was taken on the code language at this meeting.