ETHICS TRAINING: In January 2006, the State of California adopted Assembly Bill 1234, commonly known as the “Ethics Training Law” and as a result, elected, selected, and appointed Neighborhood Council board members are required to take the Ethics and Open Government training every two years.All Board Members must take the State of California administered Ethics Training before they can vote on Neighborhood Council agendized business.All Board Members must take the Ethics Training and then either email or fax the Online Particpiation Certifiate to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at EmpowerLA.EthicsTraining@LACity.org or 213-978-1571.

All Ethics and Funding compliance information is posted on the Neighborhood Council’s roster page which can be viewed by clicking this link and selecting the appropriate Neighborhood Council.

Ethics Training is posted based on expiration (2 years from certification) and Funding Training is based on compliance date (no expiration).

California’s Ralph M. Brown Act, was an act of the California State Legislature, authored by Assemblymember Ralph M. Brown and passed in 1953, that guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate  in meetings of local legislative bodies.
California’s Public Records Act is a law passed by the California State Legislature and signed by the Governor in 1968 requiring inspection and/or disclosure of governmental records to the public upon request, unless exempted by law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Neighborhood Council Board Members must comply with Conflict of Interest Laws that include the Political Reform Act and common-law conflict of interest rules. Compliance ensures that members are free from bias caused by their own financial interest, allowing them to act in an impartial manner.
The Los Angeles City Charter established the Neighborhood Council System in 1999 and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment which supports the Neighborhood Council mandate “to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs.” (Charter Section 900)
The Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils took the Charter mandate and brought it to life by establishing goals, policies and objectives of the Neighborhood Council system.
California’s Public Records Act (6250 et seq) was adopted more than 50 years ago and is intended to make the government’s operations open to greater public scrutiny by increasing the public’s access to its records.  Under the Act, a member of the public is allowed to make a request and obtain information that is a public record from a government agency.
Los Angeles City Attorney’s advice regarding Neighborhood Council candidate forums.
Los Angeles City Attorney’s advice regarding Neighborhood Councils and Ballot Measures.
Los Angeles City Attorney’s advice to Neighborhood Councils regarding Ballot Measures, Lobbying, and Legislation at the State and Federal level.