- This course examines the deep problems of the Massachusetts property tax in the 1970s and the subsequent reforms that created one of the most functional and fair property tax systems in the United States. The course presents the property tax system prior to the reform; discusses the events leading up to the tax revolt and the reform of the assessment system; and considers the future of the current system.
- This course seeks to enhance awareness of the property tax as a potentially important source of revenue for local government authorities in African countries. It provides an overview of property taxation and its role in fiscal decentralization, reviews current international practices and trends in developing and developed countries, discusses the implications of choosing different property tax bases, and examines the administrative realities inherent in any property tax system. The ultimate goal of the course is to improve understanding of important policy issues and administrative features of the property tax, as it is levied and collected within a constitutional, legal, and political environment.
- This course presents a variety of political and economic views on the taxation of land and buildings. It reviews the rationale for applying different tax rates to land and buildings, describes the history of two-rate taxation in Pennsylvania, and discusses current issues in the assessment of land value.
- This online course presents an overview of a consensus building approach to resolving land use disputes. Course modules introduce the mutual gains approach and strategies for assessing land use disputes, designing public processes to address them, and deliberating productively in a multi-party environment.
- This course on conservation easements brings together land policy, environmental questions and tax policy in a complex and compelling way. Although widely used and accepted since their implementation several decades ago, conservation easements still generate controversy, and there is little guidance on how they should be valued for tax purposes. This online course provides an overview of conservation easements, including background on the current policy debate, and draws on experts in environmental studies, planning, tax law, valuation and assessment.
- This tax administration course covers the following topics: Statistical Modeling and Valuation, the Role of GIS and Spatial Analysis, The New Model of the Assessor (Building the Model Builder), Managing the New Assessment Office, and Lucas County Case Study (Implementing, Integrating Technology).
- An introductory planning course for members of planning boards, planning commissions, zoning boards, conservation boards, and other related planning positions.
- This course focuses on the interplay between land use and transportation, and the market forces affecting land use.
- Specifically tailored to planning needs in Vermont, this course is a supplemental course to the more comprehensive Planning Fundamentals; it serves as an example of how one state applies the principles described in the Planning Fundamentals course.
- This course explores the fundamentals of forest processes and active, private stewardship. It is designed for owners of small woodlands such as land trusts, local governments, and private landowners.
- Discussion forums for Community Lots web site.
- Discussion forum for Resolving Land Use Disputes web site.
