Why is a Peer Network Needed?
Unresolved or badly resolved conflict costs money. It results in poor decisions, frustrates both council members and administration, and can do significant damage to a municipality’s reputation. Intermunicipal and local municipal disputes are a unique blend of issues and personalities. Municipal leaders who have successfully resolved disputes are in an excellent position to offer advice about the challenges and triumphs of finding win-win outcomes.
What are the Benefits?
The Peer Network for Dispute Resolution believes that knowledge is power. This innovative service puts the power of knowledge into the hands of municipal leaders to help them help themselves. Now you can tap into the wisdom and experience of recognized Alberta municipal leaders easily and cost-effectively.
Other benefits include:
- issues resolved at the local level
- reduced tension and improved harmony between neighbours
- alternate ways of resolving disputes instead of going to court
- municipal leaders expand their networks
- association members get access to a value-added service.
- improved intermunicipal relationships
- building effective cost sharing agreements
How does the Peer Network Work?
A Dispute Resolution Peer Network Committee oversees the program. Nominations for the Peer Network are reviewed and respected municipal leaders are selected for a two-year appointment.
Members are selected from the following organizations:
- Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC)
- Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA)
- Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators Association (ARMAA)
- Local Government Administration Association (LGAA)
Peer mentors participate on a voluntary basis. They receive annual training in facilitation, communication and alternate dispute resolution to enhance their skills and keep them current with today’s best practices. The cost of this program is shared by Alberta Municipal Affairs, AUMA, AAMD&C, ARMAA and LGAA.
More Background Information
The AAMDC Advisory Committee on Council Conflict Resolution Report recommended that the “AAMD&C request the support of Alberta Municipal Affairs Dispute Resolution Initiative to establish a group of respected administrators and elected officials around the province who could be available to provide advice and support to their peers in resolving conflict.”
Formally announced at the AAMD&C Spring 2004 Convention, the Peer Network for Dispute Resolution has gathered a group of respected leaders with extensive experience in the municipal field to offer advice, suggest alternatives and provide short-term assistance to help resolve conflict.
Municipal disputes are a unique blend of issues and personalities. Municipal leaders who have successfully resolved disputes are in the best position to offer advice about the challenges of finding solutions that benefit all involved.