State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

 
INTERGOVERNMENTAL POLICY AND PLANNING DIVISION

The Intergovernmental Policy and Planning Division (IGPP) functions as a conduit for intergovernmental communications by gathering and disseminating information concerning the needs of local governments and Council of Governments, the programs of assistance available to them, and legislative activities affecting them.  IGPP also coordinates state efforts to revitalize cities, preserve the unique charm of our state, and build livable, economically strong communities while protecting our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.  The IGPP Division includes two units - the Office of Responsible Growth (ORG) and the Assessment, Data Collection and Grants Management Unit.

CURRENT NEWS

CT Fair Share Housing Study - OPM is seeking a proposer to develop a methodology to calculate affordable housing need on a regional level across CT and then allocating a “fair share” of that need across municipalities within those regions.  Deadline October 2, 2023. 

Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor Committee (CCMA) Appointment - Two positions will be appointed for the term November 14, 2023 to November 13, 2029 pursuant to CGS 12-40a.  See Appointment Letter / CCMA Background Information Questionnaire.  Deadline September 27, 2023.

Renters' Rebate Program - Deadline October 1st - Accepting Applications - Application may be made at the municipality social service agency or Assessor's Office between April 1st and October 1st.

State Plan of Conservation and Development - The next State C&D Plan revision cycle is set for 2025-2030. The State C&D Plan is to be submitted to the General Assembly prior to the start of the 2025 legislative session.    

Small Town Economic Assistance Program - STEAP 2023 Grant Application period is closed.  Awards to be announced on or about September 29th. 

Municipal Coronavirus Relief Fund Program - CARES Act - March 2020 to December 2021

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 / Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - June 2021 to present                                                                                                 

                                                    
IGPP FUNCTIONS

Division members advise the Secretary on regional and local governmental issues and propose legislation relating to property assessment, taxation, and conservation and development. Staff also make recommendations to the Secretary concerning legislative and administrative improvements to property tax exemption programs administered by IGPP that assist business enterprises, as well as tax relief programs for the elderly, veterans and persons with disabilities. Division staff administer 23 grant programs under which funds are annually distributed to Connecticut municipalities or residents thereof and COGs.

 

The Undersecretary or staff currently serve as the Secretary’s designee on the State Water Planning Council (WPC), the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) and the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Advisory Board.  The Undersecretary has also traditionally served as the OPM liaison to the Connecticut Councils of Governments (CTCOG) as well as the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and the Connecticut Conference of Small Towns (COST).

 

The Division staffs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR), and the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Advisory Board and participates on the State Agencies Fostering Resilience Council (SAFR). In addition, staff members are appointed to the Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor Committee and the Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector Committee and serve on various committees of the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers and the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association as needed.

 

Staff prepares revisions to the Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut (C&D Plan) on a recurring five-year cycle. The Plan provides the policy framework for state capital investment decisions regarding future growth and development in the state. Staff also administer the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act and oversee the process that seeks to minimize or avoid environmental harm resulting from state agency actions that may have an impact on the environment.

                       

Staff prepares technical reports for use by state, regional and local officials, including annual Equalized Net Grand Lists by town and the biannual Estimates of State Formula Aid to Municipalities. In addition, staff members provide limited technical assistance to town officials, and disseminate information concerning Connecticut assessment and property taxation to the general public.
 OFFICE OF RESPONSIBLE GROWTH
The Office of Responsible Growth (ORG) was established by Governor Rell’s Executive Order No. 15 in October 2006 to help build upon efforts “to revitalize cities, preserve the unique charm of our state and build livable, economically strong communities while protecting our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.” 
 
ORG’s major work functions include the following:

Visit the Office of Responsible Growth webpage
 
ASSESSMENT, DATA COLLECTION AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT 

Develops and recommends policy to the Governor and provides guidance to municipalities in certain areas of property tax assessment. Issues regulations concerning municipal revaluations; qualifies revaluation personnel; recommends schedules for motor vehicle property assessment purposes; and prescribes municipal assessment forms.

Manages formula grant programs that benefit municipalities:
Manages property tax relief programs that benefit individuals/companies:
Collects, analyzes and publishes municipal data including equalized net grand list, mill rates and grand levies along with revaluation date tracking, testing and certification.
 
Acts as liaison to Connecticut Association of Assessing Officials, Connecticut Certified Municipal Assessors Committee and Certified Connecticut Municipal Tax Collector Committee.
For further information, contact:
Martin L. Heft, Undersecretary
Martin.Heft@ct.gov  860.418.6355