DEDICATED TO TRUTH, TRANSPARENCY, AND ETHICAL CONDUCT IN CITY GOVERNMENT

About

  • Ethics San Mateo (ESM) was launched on Global Ethics Day, October 19, 2022.
  • In 2023 ESM became a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.
  • We are a IRS Code 501(c)(4) Tax Exempt Corporation.
  • We have been granted Tax Exempt status by the State of Californian Franchise Tax Board.
  • The mission of Ethics San Mateo is to support and lead efforts by the residents of San Mateo to ensure our city is served by our elected and appointed officials according to the highest level of ethical standards and behavior.
  • To ensure we maintain a fair and balanced approach, we formed an Advisory Council to help guide us through the sometimes complex ethical issues we investigate.
  • We are issue agnostic. We do not take positions on building heights, traffic issues, code variances, zoning, etc.
  • We DO take positions on HOW decisions are made, who is influencing the decision-makers, and the tactics the influencers are using.
  • We DO take positions when we observe conduct that may be in violation of ethical standards.