The MEA prohibits municipalities from contributing to candidate campaigns (s. 88.8(4)) and to third party advertising (s. 88.12(4)); contributions may include money, goods, or services (s. 88.15(1)).
The MEA also requires municipalities to establish rules and procedures for the use of municipal resources during the election campaign period before May 1 in a regular election year (s. 88.18).
The Policy is required to prevent corporate resources, such as facilities, equipment, staff time, information technology, communications channels, or other City-funded assets, from being used, or appearing to be used, to support or oppose any candidate or registered third party. Given the MEA’s broad definition of “contribution” (including goods and services), even nonmonetary access or support can constitute an improper contribution and create operational and reputational risk.
The City’s Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy is intended to meet these requirements for the 2026 Municipal Election.
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