Mediate NOLA is a new initiative that provides free mediation and conflict resolution services to address neighborhood disputes. Through direct communication and compromise, we can establish respectful and ongoing relationships that help neighbors to peacefully coexist and thrive.
Mediate NOLA helps address issues in their neighborhood that may include:
- Quality-of-life issues between residents and nighttime economy related businesses
- Neighboring business to business misunderstandings
- Navigation of City permitting and processes for both businesses and residents
By using this process participants can better understand the impact they have on their neighborhoods and how to respond and adapt to mitigate any potential issues.
Quality of Life issues between Residents and Businesses
Your conflict may be open to Mediate NOLA
- If you are a resident experiencing a chronic quality-of-life issue such as excessive noise, trash, crowds and you believe the issue is related to a neighboring business; or
- If you are a small business that is experiencing a heavy volume of complaints from a neighboring resident
In all cases, both parties in the conflict must be willing to enter a discussion with one another and a mediator. This process is not a substitution for action from other City agencies or legal steps, it’s meant to facilitate communication between neighbors.
Disputes Between Neighboring Businesses
If you are a small business experiencing a conflict or a failure to communicate with your neighboring business—noise, parking, trash, or use of space—and you could use a neutral party to assist, Mediate NOLA can be utilized to come to a mutually beneficial resolution.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a constructive conversation between people in conflict facilitated by an impartial Mediator. It is a voluntary process that provides participants an opportunity to collaboratively design creative solutions and repair and establish better relationships. Mediation is 100% confidential. No one is privy to the conversations taking place within its confines with approval from both sides.
Participants, not mediators control the outcome of mediation. Mediators simply help participants communicate their concerns and interests. Mediation is based on the premise that when parties can create their own resolutions to conflict, the resolutions tend to be more lasting and satisfactory.
What types of conflict do not qualify for Mediate NOLA?
- If the parties are already engaged in an adversarial or formal litigation process;
- If parties are engaged in any type of illegal activity, including failure to be legally permitted
- Any violent activity
Can Mediate NOLA help businesses reduce fines and summonses?
Participation does not absolve or clear summonses that may have already been issued as a result of the conflict with your neighbor. This applies even if the summons was issued as a direct result of a complaint the neighbor made. You must still respond to all hearings, summons or tickets. All violations with City agencies must still be resolved in full.
What are the benefits of participating in Mediate NOLA?
While this program is distinct from the hearing process related to summonses issued by the City agencies, mediation between neighbors can work toward solutions that help prevent future complaints. If parties can resolve their disputes directly, it saves time, frustration and resources.
Is participation mandatory?
Participation in mediation is voluntary. Both parties must agree to participate. If one of the parties declines the opportunity to participate, the mediation cannot occur.
While mediations can be conducted remotely, better resolution occurs from in person meetings.
Ready to talk? Here’s How
You can contact us at nolanightmayor@nola.gov to learn more about the process and how to request mediation. In your email, please include a phone number where you can be reached and a brief outline of your ongoing issue.
The Office of Nighttime Economy is a non-enforcement liaison and advocate between the City, the hospitality industry, culture bearers and residents.