County Commissioner Patty Lent addressed the mediators of the Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County (DRC) July 26. Kitsap County is undergoing tremendous change in population growth and demographics as well as economic and housing shifts, and significant changes like these typically bring about conflict. Commissioner Lent discussed these changes and how the DRC may be instrumental in helping to resolve conflict in new and various areas.

Last year the DRC conducted 200 mediations and assisted more than 1,800 Kitsap County residents. In Small Claims Court. Nearly 35 percent of the contested cases are now opting for DRC mediation with an 87 percent success rate for cases settling out of court.

The DRC is a private, non-profit agency established in 1989 that provides businesses and residents and of Kitsap County with options for resolving disputes themselves, out of court, quickly and inexpensively. The DRC works through professionally trained, certified mediators who volunteer to help people solve a broad array of disputes in areas including employment, housing, landlord-tenant, property use, business, small claims, neighborhood problems and family issues.

The DRC also offers trainings and consultations regarding conflict management for individuals and organizations. Trainings and services are tailored to meet desired outcomes.

For information on the DRC’s services, call (360) 698-0968, e-mail drc@kitsapdrc.org or visit the DRC Werb site www.kitsapdrc.org.