County officials are increasingly responsible for resolving complex disputes that involve diverse parties, including elected officials, citizen groups, and business interests. Third-party dispute resolution processes offer a set of tools that can assist county managers in resolving disputes while increasing public involvement in government and building stronger relationships in the community. Numerous examples are presented illustrating a variety of dispute solution techniques in conflict situations. For third-party processes to be successful, participants must understand when to use third-party processes, how to select qualified neutrals, and how to get others committed to the process. Each of these topics is discussed in the context of county governance.