Consensus is a decision-making process that works creatively to include all persons making the decision. In contrast to majority voting, consensus decision-making is about finding common ground and solutions that are acceptable to all. The process requires participants to take each other seriously and recognize each other’s equal rights. It is a process that can result in surprising and creative solutions – often better than the original suggestions.
Except where otherwise required by the Declaration, Bylaws or the Oregon Condominium Act, consensus is the primary method of decision-making at all levels of Home Owners Association (HOA) governance. If consensus cannot be reached on a specific issue at two consecutive meetings, the community falls back to a two thirds vote (or greater as determined by the by-laws) at a third meeting.
Cully Grove 