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 the top 10 things to look for in an appraisal, judicial perspectives on statutory construction, ensuring access to justice for self-represented litigants in a neutral tribunal, and distinguishing real and personal property. 

Conservation easements play an important role in protecting natural landscapes and sensitive habitats, and in promoting sustainable land use practices. In this course, students will explore the principles, applications, controversies, and implications of this land policy instrument.

The course begins with an introduction and overview of conservation easements, setting the stage to explore their uses in land policy. Throughout the modules, students will also review the legal principles, valuation methods, and federal tax provisions associated with conservation easements, while gaining insights from real-world examples and exploring strategies to address controversial aspects of this tool.

Modules

Module 1: Introduction and Overview

Module 2: Conservation Easements as an Instrument of Land Policy

Module 3: Why Are Conservation Easements Important? A Cape Cod, MA, Example

Module 4: Legal Principles of Property Taxation and Conservation Easements, Part I

Module 5: Legal Principles of Property Taxation and Conservation Easements, Part II

Module 6: The Appraisal of Conservation Easements

Module 7: Considerations for Valuing Restricted Land

Module 8: Valuing Land Affected by Conservation Easements: Guidance from Federal Law and Regulations, Part I

Module 9: Valuing Land Affected by Conservation Easements: Guidance from Federal Law and Regulations, Part II

Audience

Policymakers, professionals working in the field of environmental protection, planners, appraisers and valuation experts, lawyers and legal professionals specialized in land use and property law, and property owners interested in learning more about conservation easements.

Learning Goals

After finishing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain what conservation easements are and their purpose
• Explain the uses of conservation easements as a land policy instrument
• Identify different types of easements
• Identify controversial aspects of conservation easements and propose ways to mitigate them
• Discuss the effects of conservation easements on property values
• Identify the federal tax provisions that address conservation easements

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 two sessions on current issues in property tax policy and administration: 

Truth in Taxation – An Alternative to Assessment and Levy Caps 
Tuesday, August 29, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

Utah adopted Truth in Taxation to avoid “silent” tax increases that occur when property values rise and tax rates remain constant. This session will highlight how Truth in Taxation provides a policy alternative to assessment and levy caps, which can undermine equity in property taxation. 

Demonstration of the Lincoln Institute Vertical Equity App
Wednesday, August 30, 1:00–2:30 p.m. 

This session will demonstrate a new app developed by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Center for Appraisal Research and Technology that calculates several measures of vertical equity for assessments and provides a narrative report to assist the user in their interpretation. 

The economic growth and development of urban areas are closely linked to the fiscal conditions of these places. This research seminar offers a forum for new academic work on the interaction of these two areas. It provides an opportunity for specialists in each area to become better acquainted with recent developments and to explore their potential implications for synergy.