This post summarizes the Center for Political Accountability’s Guide to Corporate Political Spending, which provides best practices for implementing the CPA-Zicklin Model Code. The Model Code identifies a company’s broader societal and democracy obligations and responsibilities that should govern its political spending decisions. This new Guide spells out what concrete steps and actions management should follow as it makes spending decisions and evaluates the accompanying risks. 

This playbook sets out practical guidance for companies on how to optimise their indirect “policy footprint”. It covers how to assess and improve associations' alignment and impact, by clarifying their strategic policy priorities, evaluating where to invest in important trade association relationships, and engaging those associations constructively and effectively. 

This piece proposes that trade associations are positioned to be powerful groundbreakers for business—helping shape rules that enable long-term value and healthy competition. But without clear standards, the authors argue, these same associations risk acting as bodyguards for narrow interests, distorting markets, block innovation and undermining trust in business and government. This piece proposes applying CPR principles—Legitimacy, Transparency, Accountability, and Responsibility—to guide more consistent, credible association advocacy aligned with shared business and societal goals, and the ultimate promise of free markets.