Community Associations Institute announces a newly updated and revised Alternative Dispute Resolution  Public Policy. This update, approved by the CAI Board of Trustees, reflects CAI’s commitment to fostering fair, effective, and community-driven mechanisms that support harmonious and well-functioning associations.

The revised policy reinforces a core principle: community associations should drive their own dispute-resolution processes to ensure flexibility while protecting the rights of homeowners and associations. Key updates include:

• Removing references that could invite unnecessary government intervention in community dispute resolution.
• Strengthening the autonomy of association boards in designing ADR processes that best fit their community’s needs.
• Clarifying CAI’s stance against mandatory binding arbitration within declarations while encouraging voluntary ADR participation.
• Emphasizing the importance of selecting mediators or arbitrators with community association expertise for fair and knowledgeable resolution.
• Ensuring ADR results are shared with association members while maintaining confidentiality during the process.

This policy aligns with CAI’s broader efforts to promote civility and respectful community dialogue. We encourage community associations and management companies to adopt CAI’s Civility Pledge and the Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities framework as proactive steps toward reducing disputes and fostering a culture of respect.

Civility Pledge: Community Association Civility Pledge | Community Associations Institute

Rights and Responsibilities: Rights and Responsibilities | Community Associations Institute

By implementing fair ADR processes and promoting civility, community associations create stronger, more engaged, and cooperative neighborhoods.

For more CAI policy updates and resources, visit www.caionline.org/advocacy