The Institute for Local Government has launched a new program to present local agencies with information about options for resolving disputes short of litigation. The program’s first publication, A Local Official’s Guide to Intergovernmental Conflict Resolution, describes benefits and approaches to resolving conflicts with other local agencies through a variety of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes (see www.ca-ilg.org/intergovtconflictresolution). Also in progress is a second publication examining special legal issues associated with local agency use of ADR. The Institute is grateful for funding from the law firms of McDonough, Holland and Allen, and Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai, respectively, for these resources.

The Intergovernmental Conflict Resolution Program will offer additional resources on this topic through its website (www.ca-ilg.org) and future publications.

The Institute’s efforts are supported by funding from the California State Association of Counties, the League of California Cities and most recently a grant from the JAMS Foundation. We are interested in hearing from local agencies about ADR experiences they may have had (whether positive or negative). In addition, if you find your agency in conflict with another local agency, we would be happy to talk with you about how our project may be able to help. Contact us at info@ca-ilg.org or call our office at 916.658.8263.