Helping to Resolve Conflicts Through Mediation

With warmer weather, neighbors may find themselves crossing paths more often which can bring both wonderful opportunities for connection and occasionally more conflict. Summertime is also a common time for lease turnover, where landlords and tenants may find themselves in challenging negotiations regarding move out and security deposit disagreements.

The city's Community Mediation and Resolution Center (CMRC) assists the Boulder community with conflict resolution between individuals or within communities or organizations through mediation services. Mediation is a process that enables people to resolve their conflicts through open communication and creative problem-solving.

Mediation brings parties in conflict together in a respectful conversation guided by neutral mediators. Mediators help people communicate effectively with each other so they can better understand each other's perspective and needs. Parties collaborate to work towards solutions that are acceptable to all participants. Mediation empowers individuals to determine their own outcomes and 88% of all mediations through CMRC reach a resolution.

Past mediation participants have said:

• “This was a great experience. Very happy - I was listened to, heard and acknowledged “

• “For me, the process was completely worthwhile and shifted my thinking so that my initial issue evaporated.”

Mediation through CMRC is free and many find it less stressful than going to court. If mediation is appropriate and all parties are interested in moving forward, participants are matched with a mediator who facilitates the mediation process.

Our trained mediators guide the discussion without taking sides and help parties reach a written agreement. Mediators are not judges and do not give legal advice. Their role is to help the individuals or groups involved in a conflict isolate their issues, identify possible solutions to each of those issues and then choose mutually acceptable solutions to create a final agreement. CMRC has a team of nearly 50 mediators with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds and bilingual mediators available.

Mediation is scheduled at our convenience either virtually or in-person and an average session is two hours. Most participants reach a resolution within one or two mediation sessions. Mediation is available in English and Spanish.

Mediation is available to residents of the City of Boulder. Additionally, landlord-tenant mediation through CMRC is offered to all Boulder County residents, excluding City of Longmont residents.

Longmont residents have access to mediation services through Longmont Mediation Services. Learn more on the city of Longmont’s website or by calling 303-651-8444.

Conflicts can take place in many different relationships. Here are some of the types of mediation services offered:

• Landlord-tenant

• Roommate

• Neighbor

• Seniors aged 60 or older (at least one party must be a senior)

• Parents and their children

• Teenagers

• Students

• Community groups

• Homeowner associations (HOAs)

• Non-profit agencies

• City of Boulder employees

• Clients and staff of homeless services

• Race and cross-cultural relations

• Human rights

CMRC does not offer mediation for divorce, child custody or parenting plans.

1. Review the Guide to Mediation for more information about how it works.

2. Fill out the online informational form, email the mediation team or call 303-441-4364.

Yes! Whether you are a seasoned mediator or restorative justice facilitator looking for ways to serve the community, or you have just completed your mediation or restorative justice training and would like to gain case experience, we invite you to submit a volunteer application, call the Mediation team at 303-441-4364 for more information or send your resume to mediation@bouldercolorado.gov.