Council Code of Conduct

City of Corvallis

At its June 2, 2025, meeting, the 2025-2026 City Council adopted the following Code of Conduct.

 

The Corvallis City Council Code of Conduct promotes a culture of respect, professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the City Council. The Code of Conduct also ensures that all City Council members have the opportunity to participate fully in decision-making processes, while operating in alignment with best practices.

The Corvallis City Council will:

  • Adhere to legal and ethical standards for Oregon public officials
    • Maintain confidentiality of privileged information
    • Avoid actions that benefit special interests at the expense of the City
    • Act in a manner that fosters public trust of the City government
  • Pursue excellence
    • Look beyond single issues and act in the best long-term interest of the entire City even when it is difficult
    • Clarify when expressing personal opinions and/or not acting in an official capacity
    • Abide by Corvallis’ Council-Manager form of government and refrain from interfering with day-to-day administration of City business
    • Engage in ongoing education and networking
  • Foster positive working relationships
    • Communicate with fellow Council members, City staff, and community members with respect and professionalism
    • Assume good intentions
    • Exercise humility
    • Meet regularly with the Mayor and the City Manager
    • Consult with Council Leadership and/or the City Manager regarding the appropriate handling of sensitive matters, ensuring that any necessary public disclosures are made thoughtfully and constructively
  • Follow meeting best practices
    • Hold efficient meetings to respect everyone’s time
      • e.g., be punctual, be prepared, be on task, be on topic, be concise, be clear
    • Foster productive discourse and an inclusive environment for fellow Councilors
      • e.g., listen without interrupting, encourage participation, seek common ground
    • Honor the expertise of staff
    • Maintain neutrality when responding to public comments
    • Ask questions of staff by 10 am the day of the meeting when possible
    • Send motions, amendments, or other materials to the City Recorder by 2 pm the day of the meeting when possible

 

 

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