Cities that finance public projects through municipal bonds owe their investors and the public an accurate and complete picture of their financial health. The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is the regulator charged with ensuring the fairness and efficiency of the municipal market. Join MSRB Executive Director Lynnette Kelly for an overview of the bond issuance process, the role of financial professionals and the importance of disclosure. Kelly will also introduce the wealth of educational resources in the MRSB’s online Education Center. This event is the third in a yearlong series that is part of the Lincoln Institute’s campaign to promote municipal fiscal health.

The National Conference of State Tax Judges meets annually to review recent state tax decisions, consider methods of dealing with complex tax and valuation disputes, and share experiences in case management. This meeting provides an opportunity for judges to hear and question academic experts in law, valuation, finance, and economics, and to exchange views on current legal issues facing tax courts in different states. This year’s program includes sessions on valuing big box stores; using the going concern approach to value real estate; and tax exemptions.

The annual conference of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) offers state and local assessing officials the opportunity to hear varied perspectives on property tax policy from eminent economists, academics, and practitioners who have a special interest in property taxation. Each year, the Lincoln Institute sponsors a seminar for conference participants on current issues in property tax policy. This year’s sessions will focus on “Tax Increment Financing: Policy and Administrative Challenges.”

This program allows municipal officials from New England to consider critical issues for the fiscal health of their cities and towns. Economic and fiscal experts present information on fiscal sustainability and financing options, among other topics. This small interactive invitation-only seminar is co-sponsored with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.