Case Studies Database

New Mexico Department Mediates Professional Licensing Disputes

For the past two years, New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department—which regulates 39 professions and involves 34 professional licensing and enforcement boards—has been using mediation as an alternative to formal administrative hearings. The licensing boards refer disciplinary matters to mediation, and while not all boards are using mediation, more and more are trying it. Since 2001, 36 disputes have been referred to the Department's ADR Services.

New Mexico

State Agency

2001

Ohio Commission Assists Local Governments in Resolving Disputes

During a dispute between a city and a township over competing land use development plans and related water and sewer issues, the Northeast Ohio Area-wide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) contacted the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management for help in resolving the conflict. The NOACA case is one example of how disputes in Ohio can be successfully negotiated as part of the Local Government Initiative, a Commission-sponsored program offering conflict resolution services to local government officials.

Ohio

Local Government / Northeast Ohio Area-wide Coordinating Group

2002

Regional Conflict Leads Utah Legislature to Consensus Building

A lobbying blitz and flaring tempers during the 2003 Legislative Session set the stage for an alternative approach to addressing a major regional planning issue in Utah. Four legislators, two from each party. convened a working group of representatives from cities, counties, special districts, private utilities, associations of government, the Transit Authority, the State Planning Coordinator, the Geographic Information System agency, and a an intergovernmental advisory group. The working group reach consensus on ways to address conflicts among local governmental entities over regional facilities.

Utah

Legislators

2003

Washington Adopts Collaborative Governance Structure for Salmon Recovery

In 1999, federal officials listed Puget Sound Chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act. A group of civic leaders produced a regional plan developed by hundreds of stakeholders in 14 watersheds for salmon recovery. Governor Chris Gregoire and the 2007 Legislature worked together to enact legislation and provide funding that will significantly boost efforts to restore and protect Puget Sound. The newly established Puget Sound Partnership will be a new state agency with cabinet-level status. It will be governed by a Leadership Council made up of seven civic leaders. This action plan will set measures and priorities to guide all protection and restoration programs in the region.

Washington

Governor, Legislators, Community Group

2007