Board of Ethics
About the Board of Ethics
The Cook County Board of Ethics is responsible for enforcing the Cook County Ethics Ordinance. The Ethics Ordinance requires all Cook County officials and employees to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets forth general directives to ensure fair and honest government in Cook County. The Code of Conduct applies to officials, employees, persons doing or seeking to do business with the County, persons regulated by the County, and persons seeking official action by the County.
The Board enforces the Code of Conduct by investigating complaints of Ordinance violations and conducting related audits, issuing advisory opinions and providing other ethics advice, and designing and delivering ethics and other types of training sessions. Some of our main functions include rendering advice to Cook County officials, employees, and others governed by the County's Ethics Ordinance, and investigating violations of Cook County’s Ethics Ordinance. You can request an Advisory Opinion or Investigation by completing the forms linked below.
The Board of Ethics does not accept dual employment disclosures from employees. County employees should file directly with their departments.
The Cook County Board of Ethics enforces the Cook County Ethics Ordinance.
To clarify procedures and best effectuate the Cook County Ethics Ordinance, the Cook County Board of Ethics has adopted Rules & Regulations. The latest version of the Rules & Regulations went into effect on September 21, 2023.
The Board has developed the following guides addressing several ethics topics. Information provided is guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
Dual Employment
Dual employment, for purposes of the Ethics Ordinance, is having one or more jobs (secondary employment), in addition to your County position, for which you receive compensation. Examples of dual employment include being a real estate broker, running a small business, driving for a rideshare service, delivering food, tutoring, etc.
Gift Ban
Cook County officials and employees are generally prohibited from receiving gifts or gratuities from prohibited sources (e.g., vendors, potential vendors, regulated entities, lobbyists, etc.). There are limited exceptions that may apply, and officials and employees must still disclose the receipt of gifts or gratuities from a prohibited source within ten (10) business days of receipt.
Gift Disclosure Guide
Political Activity
Cook County officials and employees are prohibited from engaging in certain types of election or campaign-related activities while at work or using County resources.
Political Activity Prohibitions Poster
Post-Employment Restrictions
Cook County officials and employees remain subject to some provisions of the Ethics Ordinance after leaving public service, including restrictions on being employed by or receiving fees for services from some County vendors or representing parties other than the County in litigation or commercial transactions involving the County.
Post-Employment Restrictions Memo
Printed Promotional Materials
The Ethics Ordinance outlines prohibitions related to printed materials.
Election Period Restrictions - Section 2-586
Permanent Prohibitions on Promotional Materials - Section 2-586
Use of County Property
County property and resources can only be used for County purposes.
Training Videos
Ethics Lunch & Learn - New Online Ethics Forms | October 2024
Ethics Lunch & Learn - Election Season Reminders | July 2024
Disclosure and Request Forms are collected by the Cook County Board of Ethics in compliance with the Cook County Ethics Ordinance. These are primarily internal forms (for Cook County President, Commissioners, elected officials, appointees, and employees). If you have questions regarding these disclosures, please contact the Cook County Board of Ethics.
As of September 2024, the Cook County Board of Ethics moved most Disclosures and Requests to a single online form, which is the preferred method to receive this information. If you are unable to access the forms using the link below, please contact the Cook County Board of Ethics.
Cook County Board of Ethics provides the following information to support candidates for Cook County office to have awareness of and comply with the Cook County Ethics Ordinance. Information provided is guidance and should not be considered legal advice. Below are a few quick links, but we encourage you to review the full page for Cook County Candidates.
Candidate & Elected Official Ethics Guidance
Campaign Finance Database & Guidance
Cook County vendors, potential vendors, lobbyists and paid appointees are subject to certain campaign contribution limitations to elected County officials, candidates for County office, and campaign committees controlled by or established in support of a County official or candidate for County office.
Campaign Finance Database & Guidance
Report - Seeking Official Action
Printed Promotional Materials
The Ethics Ordinance outlines prohibitions related to printed materials.
Election Period Restrictions - Section 2-586
Permanent Prohibitions on Promotional Materials - Section 2-586
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