Conflicts of Interest Policy

All those interested in running for a DTNA board seat will need to read and agree to the following Conflicts of Interest Policy:

The standard of behavior for DTNA board members is that all members are transparent in communicating all potential conflicts of interest between the interests of DTNA on the one hand and personal interests on the other. This includes avoiding potential and actual conflicts of interest, as well as perceptions of conflicts of interest. Each board member has a duty to place the interest of DTNA foremost in any dealings with the DTNA  and has a continuing responsibility to comply with the requirements of this policy. 

Examples of Conflicts of Interest include (but are not limited to):

• A personal property interest or issue that benefits the individual but is in contrast to the commitment of the DTNA board to represent the neighborhood.

• A professional affiliation that could be perceived as putting DTNA in a difficult position with that affiliation, be it in the private or public sector.

• A professional affiliation that could influence decision making at the board level.

A Conflict of Interest does not preclude board members from participating in any decision making. It exists to make issues such as these known to the board so as to protect the organization from any undue scrutiny and criticism by the public, thus endangering not only our reputation and trust with the community, but also potentially our 501c3 status. 

DISCLOSURE 

A copy of this policy shall be given to each board member at the beginning of their term of office.

If there is a material change in the conflict of interest information provided with their candidate application, the board member shall report the change promptly to the entire DTNA board via email and the new information shall be filed in the GoogleDrive with access limited only to board members. 

SCREENING QUESTIONS 

When a board member is inducted into the organization, the conflict of interest form must be signed within 3 weeks of election starting in 2026. The DTNA president shall be responsible for collecting the candidate’s answers and Conflict of Interest Form.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AT A MEETING 

Circumstances may arise in which a board member realizes they have a conflict of interest - financially based or otherwise - at a meeting. Conflict of interest in a matter pending before the DTNA board or membership should be raised before that agenda item begins (ideally, at the start of the meeting).  Again, this does not preclude the board member from participating in the conversation, unless they elect to recuse themselves.

The minutes of the meeting shall reflect that the conflict of interest was disclosed.  Finally, all board members will list their potential conflicts of interest and encumbrances.