LHA Code of Ethics.pdf

This document is a Code of Ethics for the Lowell Housing Authority, established in December 2013 and signed by all employees. The code sets comprehensive ethical standards for Board Members, officials, agents, employees, and professional consultants, prohibiting improper conduct and potential conflicts of interest. Key ethical restrictions include preventing financial interests in contracts, prohibiting acceptance of gifts to influence decisions, and barring compensation beyond official pay from any agency with which the Lowell Housing Authority has interactions.

The document outlines strict guidelines for business interactions, including prohibitions on contracting with or purchasing goods from board members' immediate family without prior written consent from multiple state development departments. Employees involved in bid solicitation and procurement are specifically restricted from having financial interests in contracts they oversee, both during their tenure and for one year thereafter. Violations of these ethical standards will result in disciplinary action as determined by the Executive Director, and the code will be reviewed annually with employees and provided to new Board of Commissioners members at the start of their term.