BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Fun Fact: we love the monthly Palm Beach County “Commission on Ethics” reports that are circulated to the public. Not because they routinely reveal some sort of ethical breach, but because the reports show that most Palm Beach County employees know when they need to ask questions so they don’t get in trouble. For two decades, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics has been answering those questions. The Commission is now celebrating its two-decade anniversary, and shared this announcement with BocaNewsNow.com:
>> The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics (COE) proudly celebrates 15 years of promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in public service. Since its inception, the COE has provided oversight, accountability and support to more than 10,000 elected officials, public employees and advisory board members within Palm Beach County.
The COE was established in 2010 following a grand jury recommendation due to significant ethical concerns in the county. The primary role of the COE is to maintain public trust and ensure ethical governance across the county. Palm Beach County’s collaborative ethics movement includes the COE, the Office of Inspector General Palm Beach County and the Office of State Attorney, all working towards promoting local government integrity, transparency and accountability.
The commission’s mission goes beyond high-profile cases. It involves year-round engagement with county government, the 39 municipalities, public entities, civic organizations and community groups. COE staff participates in speaking engagements with local organizations, including Kiwanis clubs, Rotary clubs, Junior Achievement clubs, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County Inc. and the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of Palm Beach County and also collaborates on ethics education initiatives with Florida Atlantic University.
At the heart of the COE’s work are its core values of honesty, integrity and character, which guide its commitment to ethical leadership throughout the community.
“Over the past 15 years, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics has demonstrated that knowledge is essential to ethical leadership,” said COE Executive Director Christie Kelley. “Through ongoing education and training, we aim to prevent misconduct and foster a culture where ethics is recognized and valued across all areas of local government.”
The COE encourages those under its jurisdiction to follow the motto, “Ask first, act later,” by seeking guidance before taking action that may raise ethical concerns. To date, the COE has published more than 550 advisory opinions, providing clear and timely advice on ethical matters.
To learn more about the COE, including advisory opinions, complaint procedures and gift disclosure forms, or to schedule a COE speaker, please visit the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics website.
