Definitions Growth Management is a legislatively created system that regulates the amount, timing, location and character of development through comprehensive planning on the local, regional and state level. Reaching and maintaining this equilibrium is an inherently conflictual activity which calls for new tools and approaches. Conflict Resolution represents a range of tools characterized by collaboration, consensus-building and mediated approaches. During the past decade these approaches have been successfully applied in hundreds of land-use and environmental controversies at the local, state and national levels. They are serving to better manage and resolve conflict brought on by growth management laws.
Mediation is simply negotiation assisted by a professional third party neutral.
The process improves communication, reduces uncertainty and offers parties the prospect of fair and creative solutions that can save time and money. Mediation represents a supplement rather than a substitute for the traditional conflict resolution systems such as litigation, administrative hearings and the normal political bargaining process. The parties agree to explore individual and shared issues rather than argue positions. They cooperate in a creative problem-solving process that leads to formulating an agreement with improved chances for implementation and compliance. A Consortium is a group formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member.