Community Mediation FAQs

Questions

What is mediation?

Mediation is a means to resolve conflict with the assistance of a mediator(s) in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, private and respectful.

What is Community Mediation?

Community Mediation is a program administered by the City of Albuquerque Legal Department’s Alternate Dispute Resolution Office (ADR) for the City of Albuquerque residents to resolve issues and disputes with the community.

What is a mediator?

A mediator is a trained, impartial third party who assists citizens in reaching an agreement among each other to settle their dispute. Mediators help describe feelings, clarify issues and identify underlying concerns. The mediators used by the ADR Office are not only trained, but experienced in community mediation skills and bring additional professional skills to the mediation.

Why choose mediation?

Conflicts between neighbors and other members of the community may be resolved through informal mediation. Mediation is for people who want to solve problems and work together to bring a “Win–Win” resolution.

How can mediation help?

Mediation can reduce tension, conflict and disagreements in your neighborhood.

Mediation can enhance community policing in our city and promote community harmony.

Mediation explores and creates solutions to reflect the unique needs and interest of the issue (situation).

What types of disputes can be mediated?

Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of disputes that impact your community, including neighborhood disputes such as:

• Noise;
• Animals;
• Trees;
• Driveways and fences;
• Homeowner Association disputes;
• Landlord/Tenant;
• Disputes between Youths;
• Disputes between Youth and Adult;
• Consumer Merchant Issues;
• Multiparty Public Issues.

Where and when do mediations take place?

Mediation sessions are scheduled in locations convenient to your neighborhood. The session can take place during the day or evening depending on the schedules of the people involved.

What is the cost?

There is no cost to you.

How does the mediation process begin?

Call the City of Albuquerque Dispute Resolution Office. Shannon Triplett at 505-768-4500 or [email protected]

We will work with you to answer questions and determine if mediation can help you resolve your conflict.

If an officer or City department referred your dispute, a mediation case manager will contact you.