In our last article, we introduced the idea of a city charter for Ogden Valley—a powerful tool that would allow the new city to establish its own rules and create a clear, community-based governing framework. In this follow-up, we explore another important dimension of what a charter can do: create strong, community-driven standards for ethics and transparency in local government. Under Article XI, Section 5 of the Utah Constitution, a newly formed city like Ogden Valley can adopt a charter—a kind of local constitution that outlines how the city will operate.
One of the most impactful features of such a charter is the ability to embed ethical obligations and accountability measures for elected officials directly into the city’s foundational framework. A charter can establish strict ethical standards for the Mayor and City Council members, helping ensure that public decisions are made in the public interest—not influenced by private gain. These standards could include conflict-of-interest rules, financial disclosure requirements, prohibitions on gifts or compensation from developers or contractors, and mandatory recusal from votes when personal interests are involved.
One example of the kind of provision a charter could include is a ban on receiving personal
benefits from individuals or entities involved in zoning or ordinance changes. A model provision might read:
“No elected official of the City, including the Mayor and City Council members, shall solicit, accept, or receive any form of compensation, gift, or personal benefit from any individual or entity that has requested a zoning change, land use entitlement, or other ordinance or regulatory action affecting property within the City limits, during their term of office and for a period of one year thereafter.”
This type of safeguard is intended to ensure that decisions about development, land use, and city policy are made objectively and without undue influence.
In addition to ethical conduct rules, the charter could require open meetings, public access to documents, annual financial audits, and even the establishment of an independent ethics commission to provide oversight and accountability. These measures help create a culture of trust and transparency from day one.
Ultimately, a city charter must be approved by the voters, which means the community has the final say. This ensures that the charter—and the ethical and transparency safeguards it
contains—truly reflect the will of the people of Ogden Valley. A charter can’t be adopted
overnight. In fact, it will take time, study, and a public vote after the city is formally
incorporated. Still, these conversations are important to begin now. As residents consider who to elect to the first city council and mayoral offices, it’s worth asking where the candidates stand on questions of ethics, public trust, and charter development. Their answers may shape how Ogden Valley’s government is built—and how it serves its people for generations to come. Community input will be essential every step of the way. Residents are encouraged to learn more, share their thoughts, and take part in discussions about the values and principles they want to see reflected in Ogden Valley’s future city government.