Governance & Bylaws

A note on this document. This is a plain-English description of how Mechanics Alliance currently operates, and how it is structured to evolve. Mechanics Alliance is in its founding period — formal corporate bylaws will be developed and published as the association grows toward a member-elected board structure. Founding members have direct input on this evolution.

1 · Operating entity

Mechanics Alliance is operated by Commoner Apps LLC, a Texas limited liability company headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Alliance is currently a for-profit trade association (not a 501(c) nonprofit). Member dues are paid to Commoner Apps LLC and used to operate, build, and grow the association.

This is disclosed publicly on every page footer. There are no hidden owners. The intent is to evolve toward a more formal association structure (potentially a 501(c)(6) trade association) once membership reaches a sustainable scale and a member-elected governance body can take over.

2 · Decision authority during the founding period

During the founding period (until 1,000 founding members are claimed and an initial member-elected body is seated), decision authority for Mechanics Alliance is held by the founders: Elijah Strauss and Hannah Strauss, on behalf of Commoner Apps LLC.

Decisions made under founder authority include:

→Membership tier structure and dues levels
→Vendor partnership approvals
→Position statements and advocacy priorities
→Member benefit programs and partner negotiations
→Brand standards, code of conduct, and member review process

Founder authority is bounded by these governance principles, by the published Terms of Service, and by the Code of Conduct.

3 · Founding Member Council

As founding membership grows, Mechanics Alliance convenes a Founding Member Council — an advisory body of working mobile mechanics drawn from the founding cohort. The Council meets quarterly (initially virtually) to:

→Review and provide input on Mechanics Alliance priorities
→Recommend advocacy positions and vendor-partner directions
→Surface member concerns and grievances
→Help shape the transition to a member-elected board

Council recommendations are advisory during the founding period; founders retain final decision authority but commit to public response when Council recommendations are not adopted. Council membership rotates and is open to any founding member who applies.

4 · Member rights

All current Mechanics Alliance members — Founding, General, Pro, and Vendor — have the following rights:

→Access to all member-tier benefits as published
→Voice in policy, priorities, and the Council via direct communication, surveys, and Council application
→Notice of material changes — bylaws, dues, member terms, code of conduct — at least 30 days in advance
→Departure at any time, with refund of unused dues prorated to the cancellation date (Founding membership is permanent and free; nothing to refund)
→Appeal of any membership-review decision (see Code of Conduct)
→Transparency via an annual operating summary published to all members starting at the close of the Alliance's first full operating year

5 · Amendment process

Material changes to these governance principles, the Code of Conduct, member dues, or the Terms of Service are communicated to all current members at least 30 days before they take effect, with the rationale, the changed text, and a member feedback channel.

Members who object to a material change may depart with a prorated refund of unused dues without prejudice. The Founding Member Council is consulted on substantive changes during the founding period.

6 · Path to a member-elected board

the Alliance's intent is to transition to a member-elected board of directors structure once two conditions are met:

1.The founding membership cohort is closed (1,000 members reached or program ended)
2.Annual paid membership reaches a level that supports independent association governance — anticipated 2027 or later, depending on growth

When that transition happens, Mechanics Alliance will likely restructure as a 501(c)(6) trade association (or similar nonprofit-association vehicle) with formal bylaws, an elected board, officers, and member voting rights. Commoner Apps LLC will continue to operate the technology and back-office services under contract to the association during and after the transition.

7 · Financial transparency

Mechanics Alliance does not publish a full audited financial statement during the founding period (it is a private LLC), but commits to publishing an annual operating summary to members starting at the close of the Alliance's first full operating year. The summary covers:

→Total membership by tier
→Vendor partner count and program revenue (range)
→Major operating expense categories (technology, programs, partnerships, advocacy)
→Concrete program activity (resource guides published, vendors onboarded, advocacy actions taken)

Founding members receive the operating summary first; a public-facing version follows.