Campaign Finance Disclosures & Filings

California state law requires the filing of campaign disclosure statements by local candidates for elective office, elected officeholders, and committees supporting or opposing local candidates or ballot measures. Statements are filed on a regular cycle, with additional statements required during election years. These statements provide the public about campaign contributions and spending.

The information provided are aids for finding relevant information. Those involved with campaign committees should become fully aware of the legal requirements surrounding campaign reporting and contribution limits.  Candidates and other interested persons are strongly encourage to read the full content of City Code section 2.13 and City Code section 2.14 to ensure compliance with all provisions.

Fair Political Practices Commission

Established in 1974, California's Fair Political Practices Commisison (FPPC) has the primary responsiblity for the administration of the Political Reform Act. The Act regulates campaign financing, conflicts of interest, lobbying, and governmental ethics. The Commission establishes the annual filng deadlines for filing and the required campaign finance forms. 

The Office of the City Clerk can not advise filers on the proper completion of campaign finance forms. Filers should contact the FPPC directly to seek advice. The FPPC provides several ways filers can seek advice: 

  • By phone Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 1-866-ASK-FPPC (1-866-275-3772);
  • By email advice@fppc.ca.gov

For more information about FPPC advice services visit the FPPC website

This website is intended to provide general information regarding campaign disclosure reporting. Additional filing requirements may apply beyond what is stated on this website. Filers with questions about required filings, where or when to file should consult the FPPC for guideance.

Campaign Contribution Limits

The City of Sacramento has established campaign contribution limits and are updated biannually. Current limits are outlined in City Code Section 2.13.050.

Electronic DIsclosure Filing

To provide greater access to the public, the Sacramento City Code requires FPPC campaign finance forms to be filed electronically. Paper filings are no longer accepted. (City Code section 2.13.130) The only exceptions allowing for the receipt of paper filings are Major Donor forms and initial 410 forms establishing a new committee.

To assist filers in meeting this obligation, the Office of the City Clerk provides, free of charge, an Internet based electronic campaign disclosure statement filing system. The system is fully searchable for use by the public. Electronic filing through a trusted system ensures that receipts and expenditures in city election campaigns are fully and truthfully disclosed, and that voters may be fully informed. 

Independent Expenditure Committees

City Code section 2.13.150 contains regulations pertaining to independent expenditures made in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for city office. 

Public Campaign Financing

The City of Sacramento has adopted local campaign finance regulations for public campaign financing (also referred to as matching funds). These regulations pertain to provisions for financial support for a candidate for elective office through payment of public "matching" dollars, restrict spending, and place limits on contributions. Due to budget constraints Campaign Reform Fund is no longer funded. Therefore, public financing is not available. 

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