The Ethics Commission promotes integrity by requiring members, officials and employees of Albany County to be independent, impartial and free from conflicts of interest in fulfilling their public responsibilities. The Commission ensures transparency through public disclosure reporting and holds officers and employees of Albany County accountable for ethical misconduct.

The Commission consists of five (5) members, two (2) are recommended by the Majority Leader of the Albany County Legislature, one (1) is recommended by the Minority Leader of the Albany County Legislature and two (2) by the County Executive. The Chairman of the Albany County Legislature may accept or reject the recommendations. The Chairman of the Albany County Legislature is the appointing authority for the Commission. Terms for the Commissioners vary and are set forth in Local Law No. 8 for 2011.