COIB was established by Section 2602 of the City Charter, replacing the Board of Ethics. The Board has five public members: three appointed by the Mayor, one appointed by the Public Advocate, and one by the Comptroller, all with the advice and consent of the City Council. The Mayor designates the Chair. Members serve for staggered six-year terms and receive a per diem of $250. The Chair receives a per diem of $275.

COIB interprets Chapter 68 of the City Charter, the Lobbyist Gift Law, the Affiliated Not-For-Profits Law, and the Legal Defense Trust Law and provides confidential advice, educates public servants, and prosecutes violations of those laws. COIB also collects and examines annual disclosure reports filed pursuant to Section 12-110 of the City’s Administrative Code.