Intergovernmental Mediation : a Technique for Successful Local Government Partnerships

Problem. Statement Local government officials are faced with ever-increasing citizens\u27 demands and unfunded Federal and State mandates while competing with neighboring governments for dwindling federal and state monies. Both of these tend to fuel intergovernmental conflicts. Research is necessary, therefore, to determine the most effective ways of addressing the alarming rate at which intergovernmental conflict is occurring in order to meet the needs of local government officials. Methodology. This study examined the relationship between local government organizations in terms of intergovernmental mediation, conflict resolution, and the sharing of revenues and resources. Data were collected from county commissioners in Ohio, township trustees, appointed local government officials, and citizens at large. Conclusion. Too few local governments employ intergovernmental mediation as a method to address conflict and intergovernmental disputes. Only 32% of those surveyed had any experience with intergovernmental mediation. In addition, many of the local government officials who employed mediation were not using a neutral third party. In examining Defiance County government’s intergovernmental mediation practices, it was discovered that intergovernmental mediation does help to reduce the potential of intergovernmental conflict In addition, there was a positive relationship between intergovernmental conflict mediation and timely solutions at a relatively low cost