Chandler launches free neighborhood mediation program

Chandler’s Neighborhood Programs Office is partnering with the Lodestar Mediation Clinic at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law to offer Chandler residents a free, voluntary way to resolve neighbor-to-neighbor disputes without going to court.

The program officially started Sept. 15, according to a news release.

The Neighborhood Mediation Program connects residents with trained mediators who help neighbors communicate, understand each other’s needs and work toward their own solutions.

Mediators do not take sides, make decisions or recommend outcomes. They simply guide the conversation and help both parties reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.

“Mediation gives neighbors a chance to be heard and to solve problems together, rather than letting small disagreements escalate,” Priscilla Quintana, senior neighborhood programs manager, stated in the news release. “This partnership with ASU’s Lodestar Mediation Clinic brings professional, well-trained mediators to our residents at no cost.”

The Lodestar Mediation Clinic is part of ASU Law’s Lodestar Dispute Resolution Center, which advances the study and practice of negotiation, mediation and other approaches to resolving conflict through teaching, research and community service.

The clinic gives law students the opportunity to move from the classroom into real-world mediation. Through the partnership with the city of Chandler, students will work under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty and mediators, applying their training to real-world neighbor-to-neighbor disputes and developing practical skills in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.

“This partnership gives our students the opportunity to put their mediation training into practice while providing a meaningful service to the community,” said Art Hinshaw, clinical professor of law and director of the Lodestar Mediation Clinic at ASU Law. “By working with Chandler residents on real-world disputes, students develop the skills to help people communicate effectively, better understand one another’s perspectives and work toward solutions together.”

The program is designed to handle a range of neighbor-to-neighbor issues, including HOA conflicts, property maintenance issues, noise complaints and landlord/tenant disputes.

Chandler residents interested in mediation can start the process by first completing an online mediation interest form. City staff will email the requesting resident an intake form and the other party involved in the dispute.

Once both intake forms are received, the case is forwarded to the mediation team at the Lodestar Mediation Clinic. Mediation staff will then reach out to schedule a session.

For more information on mediation services or to submit a mediation interest form, click here  or contact Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4362.

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