The Courts, which have been put to the task of defining the meaning of the term, have gone to the dictionary definitions.

The common dictionary definition of “coordinate” shows that a person or party operating in “coordinate” fashion is operating as a party “of equal importance, rank or degree, not subordinate.” (Webster’s New International Dictionary)

In California Native Plant Society v. City of Rancho Cordova, 172 Cal. App. 4^th 603, 91 Cal. Rpr. 3d. 571 (Third App. Dist. 2009) the Court said this of “coordinate:”

“... the concept of ‘coordination’ means more than trying to work together with someone else.  Even under the City’s definition of the word ‘coordination’ means negotiating with others in order to work together effectively.  To ‘coordinate’ is ‘to bring into a common action, movement, or condition’; it is synonymous with ‘harmonize.” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Supra, at p. 275, col. 1) Indeed, the very dictionary the City cites for the definition of the word ‘coordinate’ defines the word ‘coordination’ as ‘cooperative effort resulting in an effective relationship.’ (New Oxford Dict., supra, at p. 378, col.3)