Ethics Case of the Year

2026 Ethics Case Materials

CM Providers are encouraged to use multiple-scenario cases in their ethics sessions. One option is to use the "Ethics Cases of the Year" presentation prepared annually by the AICP Ethics Committee. Follow the steps below to use the Ethics Cases of the Year to prepare an ethics session:

Step 1: Use the formatted PowerPoint presentation of the ethics case as part of your session, adding your slides as needed.

Step 2: Consider different session formats. Examples include but are not limited to lectures, moderated discussions, facilitated breakout sessions, and game shows.

Step 3: Consider content options. Use the five scenarios, pick two or three for discussion, or examine only one scenario in depth within the larger case context.

Step 4: Enter your 60-minute session for CM | 1 | Ethics credits.

Step 5: Promote your ethics session in your preliminary conference program.

Step 6: Tell us what you have learned and make suggestions for future Ethics Cases of the Year. Contact us at getinvolved@planning.org.

Resources

Ethics Cases of the Year 2025 (PDF)

Ethics Cases of the Year 2025 (PPT)

*** Notes for presenters that explain some of the slides and scenarios are included in the PowerPoint. The notes are not visible in the PDF.

Notes on the 2026 Ethics Case of the Year

This year's "Cases of the Year" is a series of four ethical scenarios modeled on real-life planning issues. These scenarios were based on either inquiries or complaints filed with the Ethics Officer during 2025. Identifying factors, such as names and location, have been changed so the focus can be on the educational aspect of each scenario. This "Cases of the Year" presentation was created by the AICP Ethics Committee with assistance from Ralph Willmer, AICP Ethics Officer.

The four scenarios are: Cultural Insensitivity; County Planner Elected Mayor of Small Town Within County; Planner as Real Estate Agent; and Hostile Work Environment.

To assist you further, the PowerPoint presentation includes notes for presenters that explain some additional details related to the scenarios.

Please contact the Ethics Officer at ethics@planning.org if you need any assistance with this presentation.