The courtroom isn't always the best place to solve a problem. Since 1983, the CRC's Dispute Settlement Program (DSP) has been providing mediation and conciliation services to Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents.
Mediation is an informal process of dispute resolution where a neutral third party (the mediator) assists two or more parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution to their dispute. The ultimate decision-making authority rests with the parties themselves. The mediator is not a judge, lawyer or counselor; rather, the mediator is a skilled facilitator who assists the disputants in:
Defining and clarifying issues
Reducing obstacles to communication
Exploring possible solutions
Reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement
For disputing parties:
Provides disputants with an opportunity to make their own decisions
Can be an avenue for payment of restitution for damages or losses
Is an alternative to court conviction or other court actions
Offers disputants an opportunity to talk openly and have questions answered
Saves court costs and the disputants’ time
To the community:
Empowers the community to solve some of its own problems
Offers hope for a more peaceful community by introducing conflict resolution as a means to resolve disputes
Reduces taxpayer costs by removing cases from court dockets
Expedites more serious cases through the criminal justice system
DSP provides mediation services in cases involving:
Misdemeanor criminal complaints, including those that involve juvenile offenders, such as damage to property, larceny, assault, communicating threats and harassments
50C No contact orders
Neighborhood conflicts
Consumer complaints
Conflicts between co-workers
Employer/employee disputes
Student issues/truancy
Landlord tenant concerns
Medicaid appeals
Miscellaneous conflicts
Community Relations Home Page
Americans with Disabilities Act
Citizen Review Board
Fair Housing
Community Affairs
NonDiscrimination Ordinance
Mary Williams – Dispute Settlement Team ManagerMary.P.Williams@charlottenc.gov
Lisa Forde - Community Relations SpecialistLisa.Forde@charlottenc.gov
Sue Green - Administrative OfficerSue.Green@charlottenc.gov
Donna Murrell - Community Relations Specialist/SupervisorDonna.Murrell@charlottenc.gov
To learn more about mediation or to schedule a session, please call
704.336.2903
When You Rent Book
This handbook provides information for renters as well as residential rental property owners and managers in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Having access to essential information about state and local maintenance codes, dispute resolution and the code enforcement process, and an understanding of the connections between health and housing, are all key components to healthy rental housing. This handbook offers helpful tips and information about ways to ensure rental units and homes are maintained and the legal issues involved with renting property.
When You Rent Book City of Charlotte
When You Rent Book City of Charlotte - Spanish Edition
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Referral Form
Offers opportunities for tenants and landlords to eliminate communication barriers and work together to solve problems involving damaged property, security deposits, living conditions, financial assistance for repairs or miscellaneous conflicts stemming from the landlord-tenant relationship. Submit an Referral
Dispute Resolution Referral Form
The courtroom isn't always the best place to solve a problem. Mediation can be a quicker and more thorough way to reach a resolution without the expense and formality of the courtroom. Submit an Referral
Dispute Settlement Brochure English & Spanish Version
The Dispute Settlement Program (DSP) has been providing mediation and conciliation services to Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents since 1983. Mediation is offered through DSP for free and can be a quicker and more thorough resolution to a variety of disputes. Learn more about DSP services by downloading our brochure.
Dispute Settlement Brochure English
Dispute Settlement Brochure - Spanish Edition