An architect is invited to speak in support of a developer's project at a city council meeting. If the architect has an economic interest in the outcome, what must they do?

• A. They may speak without disclosure.
• B. They must disclose their economic interest.
• C. They cannot speak at all.
• D. They must resign their license.

Answer: (B)

Conflicts of interest and disclosure obligations arise when a professional stands to gain financially from the outcome of a matter they are asked to influence. In this scenario, the architect is invited to speak in support of a developer’s project and has an economic stake in the result. The ethical obligation is to disclose that interest to the city council and any other relevant parties before offering testimony. This disclosure preserves transparency, allowing decision-makers to evaluate the testimony with full awareness of potential bias and to maintain public trust in the profession. The architect can still speak after disclosure, but failing to disclose would be unethical and could subject them to professional discipline.