Ethics in Engagement from Code to Community

This presentation examines how to apply the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct — particularly Sections A and B — to community engagement. Presenters review core principles and rules of conduct, including advancing equity, safeguarding public trust, enhancing public understanding, and maintaining professional integrity. They explore questions such as:

• How can engagement “improve planning knowledge and increase public understanding of planning activities” (Principle #5)?; and

• How do we uphold Section B — serving clients honestly and transparently — while ensuring the public’s perspectives are fully and accurately represented?

These questions inform a discussion of case studies that reflect real-world community engagement challenges, including navigating interference from elected officials, prejudicial remarks in meetings, and pushback from historically marginalized communities. Refer to specific principles and rules and share strategies for staying grounded in ethics when the way forward is uncertain.

Apply lessons learned from the discussion to create an “ethics worksheet” that adapts the Code to concrete engagement practices. Leave with actionable tools for conducting community engagement ethically, responsibly, and in fidelity to the Code.