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 there will be a special session on the housing crisis and the tax system.

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 issues from practitioners and valuation experts. This year, the Lincoln Institute will present three seminars for conference participants on current issues in valuation and property tax policy:

Property Tax Policy Research Tools, Methods and Resources
Assessing officers and their associations should act as an information resource to enable legislators and other policy makers to better understand the effects of proposed policy changes. This session will highlight how to find property tax policy information and provide examples of key system features in the U.S. and Canada.

Solutions for Estimating the Value of Land in a Large Urban Jurisdiction
Accurate measurement of land value is an important component of a sound assessment system, yet allocating the land portion of total property value is challenging in areas with few vacant land sales. This session will present new methods for estimating land values in a large urban jurisdiction.

The Use and Benefits of Automated Valuation Models: Results and Insights from the 2019 AVM Survey
In 2019, the IAAO in partnership with the Lincoln Institute, surveyed the IAAO membership on the use of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for the assessment of property. This presentation will reveal the results of the survey and provide insight into accuracy and efficiency of these valuation tools.

Events in Detroit, Stockton, Flint, and Puerto Rico highlight the severe challenges related to fiscal systems that support public services and the continued stress they face given local governments’ shrinking revenue streams.

Whether you want to better understand public-private partnerships, debt and municipal securities, or leading land-based finance strategies to finance infrastructure projects, this Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance will give you the skills and insights you need as you advance your career in urban planning, real estate, or economic development.

Overview

Created by Harris Public Policy’s Center for Municipal Finance and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, this program provides a thorough foundation in municipal finance with a focus on urban planning and economic development. This course will include modules on the following topics:

• Urban Economics and Growth
• Intergovernmental Fiscal Frameworks, Revenues, Budgeting
• Capital Budgeting/Accounting and Infrastructure Maintenance
• Debt/Municipal Securities 
• Land-Based Finance/Land Value Capture
• Public-Private Partnerships 
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Fiscal Analysis for Land Use and Development Decisions

Participants will learn how to effectively apply tools of financial analysis to make strategic decisions and gain an improved understanding of the interplay among finance, urban economics, and public policy as it relates to urban planning and economic development.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Municipal Finance. 

Who Should Attend

Urban planners who work in both the private and public sectors as well as individuals in the economic development, community development, and land development industries.

Cost

Nonprofit and public sector: $1,080
Private sector: $2,025