The best known form of ADR is mediation. ADR also covers a number of activities, including facilitated negotiation, two-party negotiation, and binding arbitration. Although there is a long tradition of using ADR techniques to settle disputes in a wide variety of situations, in labor disputes for instance, an increasing number of state agencies and local governments have recently begun to explore resolving public policy disputes using ADR techniques. ADR can help focus issues that are the source of conflict. Because ADR processes are generally voluntary, ADR is dependant upon open communication and a willingness to negotiate.
Planning often focuses on solving problems.
ADR can be a useful tool in planning. Many planning projects are controversial. Planning projects affect people. If people misunderstand them or are negatively impacted by them, they will contest planning initiatives. ADR is an appropriate tool to consider in conflict situations that may arise over a specific development proposal.