May 15, 2023 •
Oakland Hires new Executive Director of the Public Ethics Commission
Nicolas Heidorn has been hired as the new executive director of the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission. Heidorn previously worked as chief consultant of the California State Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments committee and as legal director of the […]
Nicolas Heidorn has been hired as the new executive director of the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission. Heidorn previously worked as chief consultant of the California State Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments committee and as legal director of the government watchdog group California Common Cause. Currently, Heidorn operates a consulting firm that focuses on election reform policy and has spearheaded Oakland’s Democracy Dollars program. With the city’s budget problems tightening the mayor’s budget, Heidorn has been brought in to navigate the program’s delayed rollout and the commission’s bloated caseload.
January 30, 2020 •
Oakland Public Ethics Commission to Consider Adjusting Contribution Limits
The Public Ethics Commission will consider annual adjustments to the contribution limits at their regular meeting next week. Commission staff will present an updated list of the campaign contribution limits and expenditure ceiling amounts, as adjusted according to the increase […]
The Public Ethics Commission will consider annual adjustments to the contribution limits at their regular meeting next week.
Commission staff will present an updated list of the campaign contribution limits and expenditure ceiling amounts, as adjusted according to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as required by the Oakland Campaign Finance Reform Act.
The limitations on contributions from persons to candidates who adopt the voluntary expenditure ceiling will increase to $900 per election.
If approved, the adjusted limits will be in effect for the 2020 elections.
September 18, 2018 •
Oakland to Launch Campaign Finance App for November Election
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission and OpenOakland, a civic technology group, have jointly released a new version of their web tool, Open Disclosure, to track political contributions in Oakland elections. The corresponding app, to be released on September 25, will […]
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission and OpenOakland, a civic technology group, have jointly released a new version of their web tool, Open Disclosure, to track political contributions in Oakland elections.
The corresponding app, to be released on September 25, will show the source and spending of campaign funds for both Oakland city candidates and ballot measure committees.
In addition to displaying sources of contributions, the new release will also include data on spending by independent expenditures.
December 11, 2014 •
Oakland, California Council Passes Ethics Act
City Council passed the Oakland Government Ethics Act towards the end of an eight-hour meeting during the early hours of December 10. In November, voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the city’s Public Ethics Commission (PEC). Measure CC, a […]
City Council passed the Oakland Government Ethics Act towards the end of an eight-hour meeting during the early hours of December 10.
In November, voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the city’s Public Ethics Commission (PEC). Measure CC, a charter amendment, gives the PEC authority to enforce the city’s lobbying laws and to levy fines in excess of $1,000 for violations.
The Oakland Government Ethics Act compliments the charter amendment by providing a new set of ethics rules including a revolving-door provision and a new lower annual gift limit of $250. Gifts from persons who do business or seek to do business with the city are further limited to $50 annually.
The legislation is effective immediately.
December 3, 2014 •
Oakland Council Set to Vote on New Ethics Rules
City Council is preparing to hold a final vote on the Oakland Government Ethics Act after voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the city’s Public Ethics Commission (PEC). Measure CC, a charter amendment, gives the PEC authority to enforce […]
City Council is preparing to hold a final vote on the Oakland Government Ethics Act after voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the city’s Public Ethics Commission (PEC). Measure CC, a charter amendment, gives the PEC authority to enforce the city’s lobbying laws and to levy fines in excess of $1,000 for violations.
The Oakland Government Ethics Act compliments the charter amendment by providing a new set of ethics rules including a revolving-door provision and a new lower annual gift limit of $250. Gifts from persons who do business or seek to do business with the city would further be limited to $50 annually.
The council is scheduled to hold a final vote on the legislation on December 9, 2014.
November 6, 2014 •
Oakland, California Measure to Strengthen Ethics Commission Passes
Voters have approved an amendment to the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission. The commission now will have the authority to enforce the Oakland Lobbyist Registration Act and provisions of the […]
Voters have approved an amendment to the Oakland City Charter to strengthen the authority, resources, and independence of the Public Ethics Commission. The commission now will have the authority to enforce the Oakland Lobbyist Registration Act and provisions of the state’s Political Reform Act.
Measure CC sets aside $500,000 in additional funding for the commission in order to hire more staff members and investigate violations. The seven-member commission now has the authority to impose penalties and fines when four members agree by vote.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.