Alternative Dispute Resolution Council
Alternative Dispute Resolution Council
In 2001, the Legislature passed Rep. Ralph Becker’s H.B. 132 that created Title 63, Chapter 46c, Governmental Dispute Resolution Act. In 2002, the state of Utah received a grant from the Hewlett Foundation to assist in establishing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as the first step in resolving conflict in agencies of government. In the spring of 2003, Governor Leavitt issued an Executive Order endorsing dispute resolution and creating the ADR Council. Under the leadership of Chairman Palmer DePaulis and with the assistance of consultant Michelle Straube of CommUnity Resource Inc., the members of the council did excellent work in educating themselves about dispute resolution, and implementing the grant with mediation pilot programs in the Department of Human Services Office of Licensing, the Department of Workforce Services, the Career Service Review Board, and now the Department of Commerce.
By 2004, a full-time coordinator was necessary to fully implement the goals of the grant and the Executive Order, was expected to be reissued by Governor Walker before she left office. In December, 2004, Ms. Susan Bradshaw, a local attorney and mediator was hired to become the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for the state.
In November 2006, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. issued an executive order continuing the Council for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the executive branch of state government. The Council, originally established in 2001, is comprised of a representative from each agency of government and is charged with the mission to change the culture of interaction between government and its citizens by reducing conflicts and disputes through the use of ADR techniques, specifically mediation. The Council also seeks to promote collaboration and consensus building among state policy makers to achieve efficiencies, reduce the cost of government, and promote better outcomes.
By 2004, a full-time coordinator was necessary to fully implement the goals of the grant and the Executive Order, was expected to be reissued by Governor Walker before she left office. In December, 2004, Ms. Susan Bradshaw, a local attorney and mediator was hired to become the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for the state.
In November 2006, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. issued an executive order continuing the Council for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the executive branch of state government. The Council, originally established in 2001, is comprised of a representative from each agency of government and is charged with the mission to change the culture of interaction between government and its citizens by reducing conflicts and disputes through the use of ADR techniques, specifically mediation. The Council also seeks to promote collaboration and consensus building among state policy makers to achieve efficiencies, reduce the cost of government, and promote better outcomes.
