The Institute for Local Government has published A Local Official’s Guide to Selecting a Conflict Resolution Professional for Inter-Agency Disputes, the third publication in a series of resources to encourage and support local officials’ use of alternative dispute resolution to address disputes and disagreements between public agencies. The guide was published thanks to the generous support of McDonough Holland & Allen PC and the JAMS Foundation.

Finding a conflict resolution professional is not unlike finding other kinds of professionals, but there are some nuances to be aware of. This guide outlines a six-step strategy to select the most effective conflict resolution professional for the situation. Here are the six steps:

1. Determine the Skill Set
2. Compile a List of Names
3. Evaluate Written Materials
4. Interview Candidates and Check References
5. Compare Competencies
6. Make a Selection

The publication is available online without charge in electronic form at www.ca-ilg.org/mediatorselection. Hardcopy versions are also available for a small charge. Proceeds from all publications sales support the Institute’s work in service to local officials.

This publication is the product of the Intergovernmental Conflict Resolution Program (www.ca-ilg.org/mediate). Also available on the Institute’s website is information about situations in which local agencies have used alternative dispute resolution to resolve interagency disputes, as well as information about the conflict assessment services the Institute offers. The site also includes a link to the Munilink database which offers local agencies information on professionals available to provide alternative dispute resolution services.

The Institute for Local Government is the nonprofit research affiliate of the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties. The Institute promotes good government at the local level through forward-thinking resources to help local officials in their service to their communities.