The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) is celebrating a significant milestone—15 years of promoting integrity and accountability in local government. This anniversary not only marks a moment of recognition but also underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring that public officials and employees uphold ethical standards, as per the Palm Beach County newsroom.
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) was created in 2010 following a grand jury’s recommendation amid growing concerns about ethical lapses in local government. Since then, it has worked to protect public trust by overseeing the conduct of more than 10,000 public officials, employees, and board members across the county. The COE works closely with the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General and the State Attorney’s Office to carry out its mission.
The COE’s work goes beyond monitoring top officials. Its schedule is filled with community outreach, including speaking engagements at local organizations like Rotary clubs and partnerships with Florida Atlantic University to promote ethics education. The COE's chief, Christie Kelley, summed it up by saying, "Over the past 15 years, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics has demonstrated that knowledge is essential to ethical leadership," as per an interview by the county's newsroom. Kelley emphasizes the ongoing commitment to ethics, building a foundation where integrity is as crucial as the decisions being made.
With the motto “Ask first, act later,” the commission encourages public officials to seek advice before making decisions that might lead to ethical issues. So far, it has issued more than 550 advisory opinions to provide clarity and help prevent potential missteps. Additional resources and information are available on the COE’s website for those interested in learning more.
