Member onboarding
Learn the City's onboarding rules to serve on a board or commission.
State or City law requires board and commission members to complete the following within 90 days of appointment:
Any member who doesn't complete these requirements will be considered to have resigned, and their seat will be treated as vacant.
See Code of Ordinances § 10.80
Some boards members also must complete a financial disclosure form.
Oath of office
The purpose of an oath of office is to formally and publicly commit to uphold the duties and responsibilities of your position. Your oath must be notarized and filed with the Office of City Clerk.
See Minnesota Statutes § 358.05 - Oath of Office
Oaths can be given by the Office of City Clerk or by your staff liaison, if they are a notary.
The oath
"I solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and Laws of the State of Minnesota, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Minneapolis, and that I will perform the duties of the office for the term to which I have been appointed to the best of my ability."
Participation agreement
The participation agreement explains:
- What the City expects from members
- Responsibilities members agree to when they accept their appointment
Any member found breaking the agreement can be officially un-appointed.
See Code of Ordinances § 10.80(b)(3)
Your staff liaison will provide a copy of the participation agreement. A signed copy of the participation agreement must be filed with the Office of City Clerk.
Ethics training
Members must complete ethics training. Ethics training is created by the Ethics Officer in the Office of City Attorney.
See Code of Ordinances § 10.80(d) Ethics
The topics covered include:
- Conflict of Interest
- Disclosure of information
- Gifts
Statement of Economic Interest
Minnesota law requires people in positions where they help make decisions about how the City spends or invests money to fill out a form called a Statement of Economic Interest (SEI).
The SEI form requires certain board or commission members to share information about their finances. This helps make sure there are no conflicts between their personal finances and their public duties.
Only a few Minneapolis boards have the kind of decision-making power that requires filing an SEI.
If your board requires an SEI:
- The Office of City Clerk will provide you with the form.
- You must complete the SEI form:
- Within 60 days of your appointment
- Annually in January
- When you resign or your term is over