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Minn. Stat. § 471.895. Minn. . Gifts from lobbyists for officials in metropolitan cities with populations Stat. § 10A.071. Minn. Stat. § 10A.01, subd. 21, 24. over 50,000. Metropolitan cities with a population over 50,000 are subject to an additional law related to gifts. Local officials in these cities are also prohibited from receiving gifts from "lobbyists." A "lobbyist" is defined as someone engaged in lobbying in the private or public sector, or a city employee or non -elected city official who spends more than 50 hours in any month attempting to influence governmental action. Minn. Stat. § 10A.07. . Conflict of interest and economic disclosure in metropolitan cities with populations over 50,000. Elected and appointed officials of metropolitan cities with populations over 50,000 must disclose certain information if they will be involved in a decision that will affect their financial interests. The law affects elected or appointed city officials, or city employees with authority to make, recommend, or vote on major decisions regarding the expenditure or investment of public funds. The law applies if the official or employee must make a decision or take an action that substantially affects their financial interests or those of a business with which they are associated. However, there is an exception if the effect is no greater for the interested business than for others in that business, occupation, or position. Minn. Stat. § 10A.01, subd. 22. . Statements of economic interest. City officials in cities within the seven - Minn. Stat. § 10A.09, subds. 1, county metropolitan area with populations over 50,000 (as determined by 6a. the most recent federal census, a special U.S. census, an estimate by the Met Council, or the state demographer) must file a statement of economic interest. The statement must be filed with the local official's governing body and the Minnesota Public Disclosure Board. 6. City values statements and ethics policies Ethical expectations can be difficult to convey. In addition, the conflict of interest laws are scattered throughout many statutes and court cases, making them difficult to find and hard to interpret. As a result, some cities have developed and adopted their own policies on ethics and conflicts of interest. Policies must be consistent with state law. Generally, these policies can take two forms: a values statement expressing core principles for ethical conduct, or a formal code of conduct. Cities may adopt a values statement or a code of conduct or both. However, it is important to note that state law does not require formal adoption of a city ethics policy. a. Values statements See Appendix F: Sample Values statements are written to reflect the core ethical values of the city. Statement of Values. They are a way to compare preferred values against actual behaviors. Values statements may take many forms, but generally they contain four to six cardinal values surrounded by "I" statements and examples. Minnesota Mayors Chapter 1-35 Association