You are presenting before the Chamber of Commerce on economic development versus environmental protection, and you are known as an environmental advocate. Is presenting the economic value of environmental protection to the Council a violation of the AICP Code?

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Presenting the economic value of environmental protection is a legitimate way to inform policy decisions and advocate for the public interest. The AICP Code supports planners presenting information and analyses that help decision-makers weigh trade-offs, including how environmental protection can generate economic benefits such as ecosystem services, avoided costs, and sustainable growth. The key requirements are that the information be accurate, credible, and transparently sourced, and that any conflicts of interest or funding sources are disclosed. Compensation to speak does not in itself violate the Code; the important factor is maintaining honesty and avoiding misrepresentation or private gain. So sharing the economic case for environmental protection in this context aligns with ethical practice.