1) What does the Denver Board of Ethics do? The Board of Ethics administers the Denver Code of Ethics, which regulates the employees, elected officials, appointed officials and board and commission members of the Denver city government. The Board gives advice about ethics issues and investigates complaints about ethics issues regarding Denver city government personnel. The Board also assists in giving ethics training to city personnel.
2) How can I contact the Board of Ethics?
- By telephone – 720-865-8412
- By e-mail - michael.henry@ci.denver.co.us
- By mail – 201 West Colfax Avenue, Department 703, Denver, CO 80202
- In person – 201 West Colfax, Room 2 H 13 (Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building), however, please call first
- By website – www.denvergov.org/ethics.
3) What subjects are covered by the Denver Code of Ethics? (The full text can be found under Code of Ethics on this website.)
- Employment and supervision of family members
- Gifts to city personnel
- Conflicts of interest
- Prior employment for city personnel
- Outside employment or outside business activity for city personnel
- Subsequent employment for city personnel
- Use of public office for private gain
4) Who are the members of the Denver Board of Ethics? There are 5 members, all unpaid volunteers. Two are appointed by the Mayor (Carolyn Lievers and Ann Terry); two are appointed by the City Council (Leslie Lawson and Leonard Plank) and one joint appointment (Lori Mack). The Board has one full-time employee, Staff Director Michael Henry (720-865-8412).
5) Does the Denver Board of Ethics deal with consumer complaints or complaints against attorneys, doctors, real estate agencies, etc.? No; however, if you call the Board of Ethics at 720-865-8412, you can be directed to the proper agency (usually a state agency).
6) Do I need to give my name if I wish to contact the Denver Board of Ethics? No; you may discuss any ethics issue anonymously; however, you cannot file a formal complaint (which must be filed in writing) against a person without giving your name. Career Service Rule 15-21 provides that a Denver city Career Service employee cannot be retaliated against for filing a complaint with the Denver Board of Ethics or for cooperating with an investigation by the Board of Ethics.
7) Who can give me advice about the Denver Code of Ethics? Every ethics issue depends on the specific facts of each situation. Please contact the Denver Board of Ethics at 720-865-8412 and the Staff Director will be glad to discuss a specific situation with you.