Ethics specialists wearing "moral compasses" as necklaces spent two days taking elected officials from Florida, Texas, and Arizona through various exercises in ethical governance.
"Billed as the first of its kind boot camp for municipal ethics, the two-day gathering here at Santa Clara University on June 21 and 22 could become a model, some experts say. It would serve as a way for local elected officials, academics, and ethics commissioners to prepare for ethical dilemmas that officials deal with in office."
"Instead of an intellectual exercise, organizers hoped to create an 'experiential' component to help participants create real change in their cities. They took a silent walk to the local church mission to reflect on their values and goals."
"Public officials also tried to imagine how they would feel about seeing their own names in newspaper stories under real-life headlines: 'Citizen group to impeach mayor'; 'Attorneys sue city and council members.'"
FULL STORY: Boot camp for city officials teaches 'a culture of ethics'

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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