Philadelphia, March 4, 2021 – Today, by a vote of 17-0, Council approved legislation, introduced last month by Councilmember Derek Green (At-Large), which offers an amendment updating the requirements for city employees and elected officials who file the annual financial disclosure form.
The main two main changes of the bill seek to right-size the universe of city employees and appointees subject to the city’s financial disclosure requirements. The first ensures that all executive branch employees who head departments, offices or agencies or are part of the Mayor’s Cabinet, file disclosures to prevent current gaps in reporting. The second major component eliminates one barrier to public participation by exempting members of advisory boards and commissions. However, members of boards and commissions that exercise significant powers, like the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Board of Revision of Taxes, will still be obligated to file a financial disclosure form.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues, as well as to the Administration and the Board of Ethics for their support of this legislation,” said Councilmember Green. “This bill moves us toward a more transparent and accessible city government by ensuring executive management accurately discloses their finances, while simultaneously encouraging and empowering citizens to be more directly involved in helping local leaders to correctly prioritize the city’s agenda.”
In addition, the amendment requires disclosure of the specific amount of income in excess of $5,000, while maintaining the current threshold of disclosing the source income above $500. Most of the ordinance, including the positions affected, will take effect immediately, while changes that require an update to the Board of Ethics disclosure system will take effect in January 1, 2022.
Read the legislation.
###
