The GMS Mediation Services program offered by Growth Management Services provides support for resolving disputes that arise during planning. Mediation Services provides two main categories for dispute resolution, including government to government disputes and tribal disputes with local governments.
Commerce has contracted with and will maintain a pool of mediation consultants. To access our Mediation Services, we require a quick intake form for each of the two categories to ensure appropriateness:
RCW 36.70A.190(5) directs Commerce to provide “mediation services to resolve disputes between counties and cities regarding, among other things, coordination of regional issues and designation of urban growth areas.”
For mediation services within this category, please fill out the GMS Mediation Request Intake Form, or contact Valerie Smith, Deputy Managing Director at 360-725-3062 or Valerie.Smith@commerce.wa.gov.
RCW 36.70A.190(6) directs Commerce to facilitate the timely resolution of disputes between a federally recognized Indian tribe and a city or county.
Tribes may request Commerce provide facilitation services to resolve issues of concern with a proposed comprehensive plan and its development regulations, or any amendment thereof.
For mediation services in this category, please fill out our Tribal Planning Intake Form, or contact Bridget Ray, Tribal Planning Liaison at 360-725-2735 or Bridget.Ray@commerce.wa.gov.
Other resources
The Community Safety Unit also provides a Dispute Resolution Program offering services supporting housing stability, family stability, and youth and community restorative practices focusing on equity.