Juan Ganum | Ethics Committee Chair
As I conclude my tenure as chair of the Ethics Committee in 2025, I reflect on a year that emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in municipal management. Over the past year, our committee addressed two issues which required a thoughtful application of the Rules of Procedure for the ICMA Code of Ethics. The experience of serving our organization’s membership on a peer review committee has reinforced my belief that ethical governance is not just about resolving challenges but about fostering accountability and trust. This last article delves into the significance of our rules of procedure and their role in shaping a culture of integrity within municipal management.
The ICMA Code of Ethics and MME’s Commitment
The ICMA Code of Ethics provides a comprehensive framework that guides municipal executives in ethical decision-making. As a state-level affiliate, the MME adopts these ethical principles and requires its members to adhere to them. This alignment not only upholds consistency across professional organizations but also reinforces the shared mission of promoting ethical governance.
The MME Ethics Committee serves as the state review agency responsible for addressing potential breaches of the ICMA Code of Ethics. Its mission extends beyond enforcement, encompassing educational initiatives to strengthen members’ understanding of ethical conduct. By combining proactive education with enforcement, the MME fosters a professional environment where ethical behavior is both expected and supported.
Key Features of the Rules of Procedure
The Rules of Procedure for the Enforcement of the ICMA Code of Ethics outline a structured approach to investigating and addressing ethical violations. These rules are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and timeliness in the resolution process. Below are some of the critical aspects of these procedures:
- Jurisdiction and Membership Obligations
All MME members are bound by the ICMA Code of Ethics and subject to its enforcement procedures. Membership in the MME includes an acknowledgment of this commitment. The rules also ensure accountability for past violations by retaining jurisdiction over investigations even if a member resigns or allows their membership to lapse during the
process. - Ethics Committee Composition
The MME Ethics Committee is composed of voting members appointed by the MME Board of Directors, with a preference for geographic diversity across Michigan. At least two-thirds of the committee members must also be ICMA members, ensuring alignment with the broader ethical framework. To prevent conflicts of interest, members must
disclose any relationships or circumstances that could compromise their impartiality. - Investigation Process
When a complaint or potential violation is reported, the Ethics Committee initiates a
thorough investigation. The process includes the following steps:-
- Preliminary Review: A Review Committee, comprising the Ethics Committee Chair and two members, evaluates whether the complaint is clear, complete, and
indicative of a potential ethics violation. - Notification: If the complaint proceeds, the respondent is formally notified and
given 30 days to respond. - Fact-Finding: A subcommittee conducts a detailed investigation, including interviews and document reviews. Both the complainant and respondent may
present evidence and participate in discussions. - Reporting and Recommendations: The subcommittee submits a report to the full Ethics Committee, which reviews the findings and forwards recommendations to the MME Board for final adjudication.
- Preliminary Review: A Review Committee, comprising the Ethics Committee Chair and two members, evaluates whether the complaint is clear, complete, and
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- Sanctions for Violations
The MME may impose various sanctions on members found in violation of the Code of
Ethics. These include:-
- Private Censure: A confidential letter of disapproval.
- Public Censure: Notification to stakeholders and publication in the MME
newsletter. - Expulsion: Revocation of MME membership privileges.
- Membership Bar: Prohibition from rejoining the MME.
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The severity of the sanction depends on factors such as the nature of the violation, the respondent’s professional responsibilities, and the presence of mitigating circumstances.
Proactive Education and Support
The MME Ethics Committee recognizes the importance of education in preventing ethical violations. By offering resources, training sessions, and articles, the committee empowers members to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Proactive inquiries—where members seek guidance before taking action—are encouraged, reinforcing the value of prevention over enforcement.
For example, members facing potential conflicts of interest or questions about transparency can consult the Ethics Committee for clarification. These inquiries not only resolve immediate concerns but also contribute to a culture of openness and continuous learning.
Balancing Confidentiality and Transparency
Confidentiality is a vital component of the enforcement process. It ensures that investigations are conducted with integrity while protecting the reputations of all parties involved. However, transparency is equally important to maintain public trust. Public sanctions and educational publications help demonstrate the MME’s commitment to accountability while respecting privacy where appropriate.
Challenges and Opportunities
Enforcing ethical standards in municipal management presents unique challenges. Balancing fairness with efficiency, addressing conflicts of interest, and navigating legal complexities require careful consideration. The MME’s Rules of Procedure address these challenges by providing clear guidelines and emphasizing impartiality.
At the same time, the rules create opportunities to strengthen trust in municipal leadership. By holding members accountable and providing educational resources, the MME reinforces its role as a leader in ethical governance.
Ethics in municipal management is not just a set of rules but a commitment to integrity, accountability, and public trust. The MME’s adoption and enforcement of the ICMA Code of Ethics demonstrate this commitment in action. Through its Rules of Procedure, the Ethics Committee ensures that violations are addressed with fairness and transparency, while proactive education helps members uphold the highest standards of conduct.
My final plea to each of you is to always bear in mind that we are part of an association that exists to support its members. Collectively, we have the experience, knowledge and wisdom to overcome most any challenge that a manager might face. Look not only to the MME’s own leadership, but to each other when dealing with your daily struggles. If being part of the MME has taught me anything, it’s that Michigan has an extraordinarily thoughtful and talented group of individuals helming its communities.
Juan Ganum
Chair, Ethics Committee
City Manager, Bridgman
Juan has 25 years of experience in local government. He served as the community development director for the City of Niles from 1998 to 2015 and has since served as city manager for the City of Bridgman. Juan graduated from Michigan State University in 1995 with his bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning and earned his master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University in 2007. He serves as the Michigan Municipal Executives’ Ethics Committee chair, is on the board of MML’s Workers’ Compensation Fund, and a member of various committees and boards in Berrien County. Juan believes that engaged residents hold the keys to meaningful and lasting change in Michigan’s cities, townships, and villages.