Systems and methods are described for managing conflicts between a load balancing protocol and a neighbor relations protocol. Network characteristics for an access node in communication with a plurality of wireless devices may be determined. The plurality of wireless devices may be classified into a high priority class and a low priority class based on a traffic requirement for each of the wireless devices. The determined network conditions my then be compared to a criteria. Based on the comparison, the high priority class of wireless devices may be instructed to perform one of a neighbor relations protocol and a load balancing protocol.