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Gift-Giving & Receiving: What City Officials and Staff Need to Know

December 15, 2025

Close-up view of hands of unrecognizable woman giving red gift box tied to bow handed to man.The holidays are a season of gratitude, celebration, togetherness … and the potential for lots of treats and gift exchanges. For those working in Minnesota’s city halls, public works facilities, and council chambers, the rules for holiday gift giving come with a few important guidelines designed to protect public trust. 

Here’s a reminder of what’s allowed — and what’s not — when local officials receive gifts during the holidays. 

Who Counts as a ‘Local Official’? 

Whether you’re a council member, clerk, manager, part-time employee, or anywhere in between, it’s safe to assume the state’s gift rules apply to all city employees and officials, not just elected leaders. 

What’s Considered a ‘Gift’? 

Before you accept a tin of cookies, it helps to know what the law actually considers a gift. It includes anything of value given without the giver receiving something of equal or greater value in return, which can include:

  • Money
  • Services
  • Property
  • Forgiveness of debt
  • Promises of future employment 

Even well-intended gestures can fall under this definition. 

The Big Rule: No Gifts From ‘Interested Persons’ 

City officials and employees cannot receive gifts from “interested persons,” those who have a direct financial interest in decisions you’re empowered to make. That includes vendors, contractors, consultants, developers, and residents seeking approvals or permits. 

So that box of chocolates from a colleague down the hall? Probably fine. A bottle of wine from a contractor whose proposal is on next month’s council agenda? Definitely not. 

Holiday-Friendly Exceptions 

Minnesota law allows several types of small gifts. City officials may accept:

  • Small trinkets costing $5 or less (think stocking stuffers)
  • Plaques or mementos recognizing service
  • Informational materials of unexceptional value
  • Food or beverages if speaking or answering questions at an event away from your workplace
  • Gifts given because of group membership if most members are not local officials and everyone gets the same gift
  • Food or beverages at certain national/multi-state conferences when most dues come from public funds

Gifts to the City Are Different 

While individuals face limits, cities can accept gifts of money or property if the council passes a two-thirds vote accepting the donation and its conditions and the gift goes to the city as an entity and not to an individual. (Think community foundations, service clubs, or families wanting to fund a park bench or holiday lights.) 

A Few Practical Tips 

  • Internal gift exchanges purchased by employees? Totally fine. The rules target “interested persons,” not coworkers.
  • Vendors at holiday events? Stay cautious. Avoid accepting freebies.
  • “Thank you” treats from the public? Politely decline unless they clearly fall under an exception.
  • When in doubt, ask your city attorney. 

Keeping the Season Merry and Ethical 

These rules help ensure that generosity never blurs the line between appreciation and influence. With a few simple precautions, you can spread holiday cheer while keeping your city’s integrity bright and shining.