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

Certified CT Municipal Assessor (CCMA) Committee - The Office of Policy and Management is seeking interested parties from municipalities with a population over fifty thousand for appointment to the Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor Committee. Letter to Applicants and CCMA Background Information Questionnaire
 
CT Fair Share Housing Study - OPM has engaged ECONorthwest to assist in the analysis and development of the methodologies. ECONorthwest has performed similar studies for other states around the country. The final report will be presented to the General Assembly to help guide choices for future housing production policy considerations.
 
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.


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CORONAVIRUS FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS

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 team members advise the Secretary on regional and local governmental issues and propose legislation relating to property assessment, taxation, and conservation and development. Team members 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. The division administers over 20 grant programs under which funds are annually distributed to Connecticut municipalities, districts or residents thereof and Councils of Governments.

 

The Undersecretary serves 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 also serves as the OPM liaison to the Connecticut Councils of Governments (CTCOG), the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), the Connecticut Conference of Small Towns (COST) and the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers (CAAO). 

 

The Division provides administrative support to the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) and the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Advisory Board. In addition, team members are appointed to the Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor Committee and the Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector Committee. 

 

ORG team members prepare 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.

                       

Team members prepare legislative and technical reports for use by state, regional and local officials. Additionally, team members provide assistance to municipal officials and disseminate information concerning Connecticut assessment and property taxation to the general public.

 OFFICE OF RESPONSIBLE GROWTH
The Office of Responsible Growth is established by Section 17 of Public Act 23-207 as a successor to Executive Order #15 to coordinate 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.
 
 
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 and property tax relief programs that benefit individuals/companies.  Team members collect, analyze and publish municipal data including grand list, equalized net grand list, mill rates and tax levies. 

Oversees the municipality revaluation process including date tracking and certification of revaluations.  Tests and certifies revaluation employees and companies.    


Martin L. Heft, Undersecretary 
Martin.Heft@ct.gov  860.418.6355