NERCRD Land Use Toolbox: Fiscal Impact/Taxation links

The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development Land Use Toolbox
Fiscal Impact/Taxation links
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Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Regional Rhode Island Vermont West Virginia Connecticut CERC CERC, http://www.cerc.com/home.html Description: A group of agricultural businesspeople, representing Connecticut's major agricultural commodities, working to raise the awareness, productivity and competitiveness of the state's agricultural businesses. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Agricultural Businesses Cluster Connecticut Agricultural Businesses Cluster, http://www.ctagcluster.com/ Description: A group of agricultural businesspeople, representing Connecticut's major agricultural commodities, working to raise the awareness, productivity and competitiveness of the state's agricultural businesses. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Brownfields Redevelopment Authority Brownfields Redevelopment Authority, http://www.ctbrownfields.com/ Description: Connecticut Brownfields Redevelopment Authority offers redevelopment grants, assessment grants, financing and the one-stop center for programs that encourage and stimulate the development of Connecticut's brownfield sites. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, http://www.ccm-ct.org/ Description: The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is Connecticut's association of cities and towns. CCM provides member cities and towns with a wide array of other services, including management assistance, individualized inquiry service, assistance in municipal labor relations, technical assistance and training, policy development, research and analysis, publications, information programs, and service programs such as workers' compensation, liability-automobile-property, risk management, energy cost containment, and revenue collection assistance. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Connecticut Return to top of page Connecticut Farm Bureau Connecticut Farm Bureau, http://www.cfba.org/index.php Description: Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, voluntary organization of farm families united to find solutions for concerns facing production agriculture in our counties, state and nation. Connecticut Farm Bureau provides farmers with a strong clear voice in state and national issues. Volunteer leaders and staff work closely with state and federal regulatory agencies and elected officials on issues ranging from economic viability, property rights, taxation, land use planning to labor laws and farmland preservation. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Farmland Trust Connecticut Farmland Trust, http://www.ctfarmland.org/ Description: The Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) was formed to: protect Connecticut's remaining farmland for agricultural use by current and future farmers; enhance agricultural diversity, economic development, environmental quality, and rural character; and assist landowners, local land trusts, towns, and state agencies in protecting agricultural land. To further this mission, the Connecticut Farmland Trust purchases and accepts donations of farmland and agricultural conservation easements. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, http://www.chfa.org/mainpages Description: For over 34 years, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has provided affordable homebuyer programs and rental housing opportunities for Connecticut families and the elderly. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Housing Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut Rural Development Council Connecticut Rural Development Council, http://www.ruralct.org/ Description: The mission of the Rural Development Council is to develop strategies to help improve employment opportunities, incomes and the well-being of rural communities in Connecticut. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Connecticut Return to top of page Connecticut State Judicial Branch Court Opinions, http://www.jud.state.ct.us/external/supapp/aro.htm#Supreme Description: The Connecticut Judicial Branch website provides public access to Supreme Court and Appellate Court opinions prior to their publication in the Connecticut Law Journal. The "officially released" date that appears near the beginning of each opinion is the date the opinion will be published in the Connecticut Law Journal or the date it was released as a slip opinion. A searchable archive of court opinions is also available. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut Connecticut State Library General Statutes of Connecticut, http://www.cslib.org/psaindex.htm Description: The Legislative Commissioners' Office is responsible for compiling the General Statutes of Connecticut and publishing a printed edition every other year. The browseable version of the General Statutes of Connecticut is the electronic version of the printed volumes and is also prepared under our direction. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Act 490, http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1366&q=259834 Description: Public Act 490 is Connecticut's law (Connecticut General Statutes Sections 12-107a through 107-f) that allows your farm, forest, or open space land to be assessed at its use value rather than its fair market or highest and best use value for purposes of local property taxation. Without use value assessment, most landowners would have to sell the land because they would not be able to afford the property taxes on farm, forest, or open space land. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Municipal Public Access Initiative Municipal Public Access Initiative, http://www.munic.state.ct.us/ Description: The Municipality Websites Page is intended to be a comprehensive listing of Municipally designated Official Websites as are available for the 169 towns and cities in Connecticut. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Connecticut Return to top of page Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter Homepage, http://connecticut.sierraclub.org/ Description: The mission statement of the Sierra Club is to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth; practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; and educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Connecticut State Office of Policy and Management Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Program, http://www.opm.state.ct.us/igp/services/nrz.HTM Description: Public Act 95-340, as amended by Public Act 99-35, established a process for the development of Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs). The objective of the NRZ process is to revitalize neighborhoods through the collaborative involvement of residents, businesses and government to determine the vision and priorities of the individual neighborhoods. The NRZ process provides a mechanism for local stakeholders, along with local municipal officials, to develop a strategic plan to revitalize their neighborhood. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Connecticut State Office of Policy and Management Statutes Governing Property Taxation and Assessment, http://www.opm.state.ct.us/igp/services/sgat.htm Description: Property Tax Statutes is a compendium of laws compiled and published in odd-numbered years by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). These statutes relate to the assessment and taxation of property and are germane to Connecticut's assessors, tax collectors and/or boards of assessment appeals. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Connecticut Return to top of page Delaware Delaware Forest Service Delaware Forest Service, http://www.state.de.us/deptagri/forestry/index.htm Description: The Delaware Forest Service provides a wide range of services to help Delawareans manage and improve their forest resources. These services are divided into three categories: conservation, protection, and education. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Delaware Delaware State Courts and Orders Court Opinions and Orders, http://courts.state.de.us/Opinions/(1233arvs105twzvg51mz0g30)/List.aspx Description: A listing with links to court decisions. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Delaware Delaware State Government Delaware Administrative Code, http://www.delcode.state.de.us/ Description: The Delaware Administrative Code is a topically oriented compilation of all regulations in effect. Administrative regulations have the force and effect of law. They effect each Delawareans daily life from the water we drink, to the air we breathe as well as many other topics. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Delaware Department of Agriculture Land Use Planning and Preservation, http://www.state.de.us/deptagri/aglands/index.htm Description: The Delaware Department of Agriculture's Planning Section is a technical and professional enterprise within the Department which includes land use planning, agricultural lands preservation and computer operations. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Delaware Return to top of page Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Brownfields, http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/dnrec2000/Divisions/AWM/sirb/brownfield.asp Description: Brownfields are industrial or commercial properties which have been abandoned or under utilized as a result of hazardous substance contamination. While these properties have an enormous potential for economic development, they have failed to attract the private market because of the liability associated with the brownfields and the potential costs involved with their cleanup. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Delaware Economic Development Office Brownfields Redevelopment, http://www.state.de.us/dedo/new_web_site/frames/brownfield.html Description: Brownfields provide DEDO with a unique opportunity to create quality jobs, and revitalize urban communities. This initiative is a key part of Governor Minner's Livable Delaware Agenda, which aims to reduce sprawl and congestion by directing growth to areas where the state, counties and local governments have planned for it. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Delaware Economic Development Office Tax Incentives, http://www.state.de.us/dedo/new_web_site/frames/tax.html Description: The State of Delaware has adopted a clear, bipartisan policy to attract new business and encourage the expansion of existing operations with key tax incentives. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Delaware Historic Preservation Office State Historic Preservation Office, http://www.state.de.us/shpo/default.shtml Description: The Delaware State Historic Preservation Office coordinates preservation efforts throughout Delaware and serves as an advocate for the preservation of Delaware's historic places and unique cultural identity. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Delaware Return to top of page Maine Department of Conservation Forest Policy and Management Division, http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/fpmhome.htm Description: The Forest Policy and Management Division provides technical assistance, information and educational services to the public, forest landowners, forest products processors and marketers, municipalities and other stakeholders. The division also implements the Forest Practices Act, providing outreach and enforcement services. The division anticipates and responds to forest policy issues and reports to the public on the state of the forest resource. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of the Secretary of State Online Rules of Maine State Government Agencies, http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/rcn/apa/depts.htm Description: Rule chapters in the Code of Maine Rules (CMR) are arranged by unique numbers which identify the department, departmental unit, and chapter. For example, 01-015 CMR Chapter 1 represents Chapter 1 of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Maine Milk Commission. Click on the highlighted departmental designation to reach a complete list of its current chapters. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Greater Portland Neighborhoods Coalition Greater Portland Neighborhoods Coalition, http://www.maineneighborhoods.org/ Description: The Greater Portland Neighborhoods Coalition (GPNC) was founded and established by Carol R. Schiller in April 2003 to unify and strengthen community work. The GPNC mission is to provide a forum for residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, and institutions to communicate, educate, and collaborate on common issues. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Downtown Center Maine Downtown Center, http://www.mdf.org/downtown/index.html Description: The Maine Downtown Center is a program of the Maine Development Foundation devoted to fostering new vitality at the heart of Maine Communities. The mission of the Maine Downtown Center is to foster downtown development that is dynamic and community-based, and results in economic development, business growth, job creation, housing revitalization, historic preservation, and cultural enhancement. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Maine Historic Preservation Commission Maine Historic Preservation Commission, http://www.state.me.us/mhpc/ Description: The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is the state agency which functions as the State Historic Preservation Office in Maine. As such, the Commission is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and protection of Maine's significant cultural resources. The Commission oversees the statewide survey program, nominates properties to the National Register of Historic Places, reviews development activities for their effect on cultural resources, co-ordinates rehabilitation projects under the Preservation Tax Incentives Program, assists local governments in survey work and the design of preservation guidelines, and is involved in a variety of public education activities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Judicial Branch Supreme Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.me.us/opinions/supreme/index.html Description: The opinions of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court have been published on this site since January 1, 1997. The permanent official version of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's opinions is that published in Atlantic Reporter, 2d Series, which has been Maine's Official Reporter since 1966. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Municipal Association Maine Municipal Association, http://www.memun.org/ Description: The Maine Municipal Association is a voluntary membership organization of the State's cities, towns, plantations and organized townships to provide a unified voice for Maine's municipalities to promote and strengthen local government. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Preservation Maine Preservation, http://www.mainepreservation.com/ Description: For over 30 years, Maine Preservation has encouraged the recognition and preservation of Maine's historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, downtowns and communities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division, http://www.state.me.us/revenue/propertytax/homepage.html Description: Information about property taxes. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Revenue Services Tax Relief, http://www.state.me.us/revenue/taxrelief/homepage.html Description: Information about property taxes relief. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Maine State Housing Authority Maine State Housing Authority, http://www.mainehousing.org/ Description: The Maine State Housing Authority assists the people of Maine to obtain and maintain decent, safe, affordable housing and services suitable to their unique housing needs. MSHA provides leadership, maximum resources, and promotes partnerships to develop implement sound housing policy. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing Jurisdiction: Maine State Planning Office Floodplain Management Program, http://www.state.me.us/spo/flood/ Description: The NFIP is a voluntary program that offers community residents the opportunity to purchase flood insurance provided by the Program in exchange for the community's commitment to practice sound land use management. Currently, there are over 6,900 flood insurance policies in effect in Maine with coverage totaling over $899 million. Mortgage loans and disaster assistance are severely limited in communities that do not participate in the NFIP. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Maryland 1000 Friends of Maryland 1000 Friends of Maryland, http://www.friendsofmd.org/friends2.html Description: Formed in 1996, 1000 Friends of Maryland is a coalition of business and development companies, architectural and historical preservation organizations, community and environmental groups. Our mission is twofold: to preserve what is best about Maryland and to encourage sensible growth. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Maryland Coalition for Smarter Growth Coalition for Smarter Growth, http://www.smartergrowth.net/ Description: The Coalition for Smarter Growth is dedicated to preserving quality of life in the Washington Region for current and future generations. We believe that suburban sprawl is contributing to higher taxes in developing jurisdictions and to disinvestment and blight in older communities. We oppose public spending for an Outer Beltway which will contribute to sprawl without reducing traffic gridlock; destroy farmland, open space, and the environment; and subsidize the continued movement of jobs and residents from our Nation's Capital and older suburbs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Maryland Code of Maryland Regulations Code of Maryland Regulations, http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/ Description: Maryland State agency regulations are compiled in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). COMAR contains 33 Titles, with each Title usually corresponding to a department or agency. Each regulation is assigned a unique four-part codification number. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanup Program, http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/ERRP_Brownfields/index.asp Description: The Maryland Brownfields and VCP program was established in February 1997 to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of industrial and commercial properties, promote economic development, create new job opportunities, and prevent urban sprawl. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland Return to top of page Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland Historical Trust, http://www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net/index.html Description: The Maryland Historical Trust was formed in 1961 to assist the people of Maryland in identifying, studying, evaluating, preserving, protecting, and interpreting the state's significant prehistoric and historic districts, sites, structures, cultural landscapes, heritage areas, cultural objects, and artifacts, as well as less tangible human and community traditions. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Stewardship, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programapps/stewcon.asp Description: Information about programs that promote sustainable forest management practices. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Environmental Trust, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/met/ Description: The Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) is a statewide local land trust governed by a citizen Board of Trustees. Our goal is the preservation of open land, such as farmland, forest land, and significant natural resources. Our primary tool for doing this is the conservation easement, a voluntary agreement between a landowner and MET. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland Live Baltimore Home Center Live in Baltimore, http://www.livebaltimore.com/index.html Description: Live Baltimore Home Center is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1997 to promote the benefits of city living. As the single source for information about living in Baltimore City, Live Baltimore provides comprehensive information about city neighborhoods, real estate professionals and home buying incentive programs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Transportation Jurisdiction: Maryland Return to top of page Maryland Judiciary Maryland Appellate Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.md.us/opinions.html Description: Only reported opinions are available here. Reported opinions appearing on this website may not be the final, official version of the text of Appellate Court opinions/orders. Only the bound volumes of the Maryland Reports and Maryland Appellate Reports contain the final, official texts of the reported opinions of the Maryland Court of Appeals and the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maryland Office of Smart Growth Office of Smart Growth, http://www.smartgrowth.state.md.us/ Description: The Office of Smart Growth will continue and build upon its mission to coordinate the Priority Places efforts of state agencies, work with developers and local officials to help them bring smart growth projects to fruition, and educate and informe the public. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maryland Preservation Howard County Preservation Howard County, http://preservationhowardcounty.org/ Description: The mission of Preservation Howard County is to actively pursue the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Howard County, Maryland and to increase public awareness and appreciation of our non-renewable resources. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland Preservation Maryland Preservation Maryland, http://www.preservemd.org/ Description: Preservation Maryland is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Maryland's rich and diverse heritage of buildings, landscapes, and archeological sites. Through advocacy, outreach, and funding programs Preservation Maryland assists individuals and communities with efforts to protect and utilize their historic resources. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property Information, http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/real.html Description: Information about property taxes, assessments, and tax credits for homeowners, property owners, and farmers. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maryland Return to top of page Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Brownfields, http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwsc/brownfld.htm Description: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is committed to the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields properties as a way to stimulate the economy and promote environmental protection goals. While there is no formal definition of the term "brownfields" in Massachusetts, these properties often have certain characteristics in common: they are typically abandoned or for sale or lease; they typically have been used for commercial or industrial purposes; they may have been reported to DEP because contamination has been found; or they may not have been assessed due to fear of unknown contamination conditions. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Department of Revenue Bureau of Local Assessment, http://www.dls.state.ma.us/bla.htm Description: The Bureau of Local Assessment is responsible for regulation, oversight, training and technical assistance to cities and towns in the areas of real and personal property valuation and classification. Consequently, one of the main duties of the Bureau is to review and recertify each municipality's property values once every three years to ensure they are at full and fair market value. The Bureau also values properties for state mandated programs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Department of Revenue Property Tax Bureau, http://www.dls.state.ma.us/ptb.htm Description: In Conjunction with the Division's other bureaus, the Property Tax Bureau issues periodic Legislative Bulletins summarizing recent legislation affecting property taxation and municipal finance. The Informational Guideline Releases (IGRs) detail changes in particular areas of law. We also offer manuals for local officials and an index of recent letter opinions of the Bureau and of the Informational Guideline Releases. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Massachusetts Business Development Corporation Brownfields Program, http://www.mass-business.com/site/content/brown_overview.asp Description: The Mass BRAC Program is a unique, first-of-its-kind program that brings together the resources necessary to successfully redevelop brownfields and create solid business opportunities for lenders and developers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mass BRAC offers a unique structure that utilizes environmental insurance to safeguard parties involved in redevelopment from the risk of environmental liabilities associated with brownfields. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Return to top of page Massachusetts Housing Partnership Massachusetts Housing Partnership, http://www.mhp.net/ Description: The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) is a self-supporting state agency that promotes more stable and diverse neighborhoods in cities and towns across Massachusetts through the development and preservation of affordable housing. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Code of Massachusetts Regulations, http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/cmr.html Description: This area provides access to those sections of the CMR which are available on the web. Sections not listed are not currently available on the web. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Massachusetts MassDevelopment MassDevelopment, http://www.massdevelopment.com/ Description: Welcome to MassDevelopment. This web site provides an overview of the many dynamic financing and real estate services that we offer. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Court Opinions, http://massreports.com/welcome.htm Description: Welcome to the official website of the office of the Reporter of Decisions of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court. Since 1804 the Reporter's office has prepared the opinions of the Supreme Judicial Court, the oldest court in continuous existence in the Western Hemisphere. The primary purposes of this website are to provide the most timely and efficient dissemination of the decisions of the two Massachusetts appellate courts. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Massachusetts University of Massachusetts Resource Economics Outreach Activities, http://www.umass.edu/resec/outreach/index.html Description: Information about Resource Economics outreach programs that deal with "big picture" issues such as the food system, natural resources like water and land, environmental policies, and community development. Resource Economics carefully weighs the options about how resources are developed, allocated, and used. And they develop skills to make decisions when no easy answers are apparent. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Return to top of page New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration Current Use Program, http://www.nh.gov/revenue/currentuse/currentuse.htm Description: Information about the Current Use Program. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration Property Taxes, http://www.nh.gov/revenue/property_tax/index.htm Description: A list of links to property tax publications. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services, http://www.mnhs.net/ Description: Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (MNHS) is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to rebuilding Manchester's neighborhoods. We're a partnership of local residents, businesses, and the city--working together to help families improve the quality of life in their communities. Since 1993, we've helped hundreds of families work towards their dream of owning a home. We've helped grow neighborhoods, repair and renovate old buildings, and rebuild the community. We've helped bring over $14 million in public and private investment to the Center City area of Manchester. In short, we've helped change Manchester for the better. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: New Hampshire New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, http://www.nhcdfa.org/ Description: The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) was established by legislation (RSA 162-L) in 1983 to address the issues of affordable housing and economic opportunity for low and moderate income New Hampshire residents. The Authority is both a body politic and a nonprofit corporation that is governed by an eleven member board of directors who are appointed by the governor for five year terms. The Authority provides financial and technical assistance to community development corporations, worker cooperatives, and certain municipal entities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Return to top of page New Hampshire Judicial Branch Supreme Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.nh.us/supreme/opinions/index.htm Description: These opinions are subject to motions for rehearing under Rule 22 as well as formal revision before publication in the New Hampshire Reports. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Hampshire New Hampshire Mainstreet New Hampshire Mainstreet, http://www.nhcdfa.org/mainstreet.html Description: While commercial district revitalization can be addressed in many ways, the underlying premise of the Main Street approach is summed up in the program goals - to encourage economic development, within the context of historic preservation, that is appropriate to today's market place. This approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, empowerment, and the rebuilding of commercial districts based on its traditional assets: unique architecture, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Office of Legislative Services New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/listagencies.html Description: All adopted administrative rules subject to RSA 541-A, the Administrative Procedure Act, must be filed by state executive branch agencies to make the adopted rules effective and therefore have the force of law. Together the effective agency rules comprise the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Office of State Planning Floodplain Management Program, http://www.nhoem.state.nh.us/NFIP/homepage.shtm Description: Anyone who applies for a mortgage on an existing home in flood-prone areas will be required to carry flood insurance for the life of the mortgage. Private insurance for such at-risk structures is very expensive, if you can find a company that will even insure you. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers residents in those communities that choose to participate in the Program the opportunity to purchase federally-subsidized flood insurance; in exchange, the community agrees to adopt and enforce a Floodplain Management Ordinance, and commits to practice sound land use management within flood-prone areas known as special flood hazard areas. Another advantage to being a participant in the Program is that disaster assistance is much more readily available; in fact, for communities that do not participate in the NFIP, assistance is severely limited. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Hampshire S.P.A.C.E. S.P.A.C.E., http://www.nhspace.org/ Description: The Statewide Program of Action to Conserve our Environment (S.P.A.C.E.) is a private, not-for-profit (501(c)4) coalition of natural resource conservation organizations, agricultural groups, recreational user groups, and concerned landowners and individuals. S.P.A.C.E. Is New Hampshire's Current Use Coalition. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: New Hampshire University of New Hampshire Community Development Programs, http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/CommDev/CommDev.htm Description: UNH Cooperative Extension's Communities program provides education, training, and assistance to New Hampshire communities to enhance their ability to improve their economic, environmental, social, and physical well-being. The Communities program offers capacity-building assistance in a variety of forms, including workshops, trainings, informational materials, public facilitations, and technical assistance. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: New Hampshire Return to top of page New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/rural/divintro.htm Description: The Division of Rural Resources is responsible for services and programs that maintain and enhance the viability of New Jersey agriculture and related agribusinesses. The division administers a variety of programs aimed at reducing production costs on the farm and creating business development incentives for New Jersey's farmers and agriculture business community. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Main Street New Jersey, http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dhcr/msnj.htm Description: Main Street New Jersey provides selected communities with technical assistance and training of proven value in revitalizing historic downtowns. The program helps municipalities improve the economy, appearance and image of their central business districts through the organization of local citizens and resources. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: New Jersey Division of Taxation Property Tax Relief Programs, http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ Description: Information about several property tax relief programs in the state of New Jersey. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: New Jersey New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program, http://www.state.nj.us/commerce/Brownfields.shtml Description: Created under the Brownfields and Contaminated Site Remediation Act of 1998, the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program is designed to provide financial incentives for developers to cleanup and redevelop New Jersey's estimated 10,000 closed municipal landfills and polluted industrial sites. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: New Jersey Return to top of page New Jersey Historic Trust New Jersey Historic Trust, http://www.njht.org/ Description: Established in 1967, the New Jersey Historic Trust is the only nonprofit historic preservation organization in New Jersey created by State law. The Trust provides financial support, protection and technical assistance through its five programs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: New Jersey New Jersey State League of Municipalities New Jersey League of Municipalities, http://www.njslom.org/ Description: The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brain power. All 566 municipalities are members of the League. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: New Jersey Office of Administrative Law New Jersey Administrative Code, http://www.state.nj.us/oal/rules.html Description: The Division of Administrative Rules reviews all State executive branch rulemaking notices for compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq., and the Rules for Agency Rulemaking, N.J.A.C. 1:30. These notices are then processed by the Division for publication in the New Jersey Register, published twice a month. Following publication of adopted rules in the New Jersey Register, the rules are incorporated into the New Jersey Administrative Code. The Code is not currently available online. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Jersey Preservation New Jersey Preservation New Jersey, http://www.preservationnj.org/ Description: Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is the only statewide private membership-supported historic preservation organization in New Jersey. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the vitality of New Jersey's communities by promoting and preserving their diverse historic resources. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: New Jersey Return to top of page Rutgers Law School Opinions of the New Jersey Courts, http://lawlibrary.rutgers.edu/search.shtml Description: This is a full-text archive of the Opinions of the New Jersey Courts, including the Supreme Court, from March, 1994 to date, the Superior Court Appellate Division and the Tax Court from September, 1995 to date. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Jersey Rutgers University Center for Urban Policy Research, http://policy.rutgers.edu/cupr/index1.htm Description: CUPR, a component of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, is nationally and internationally recognized for its research on affordable housing, land use policy, the arts and cultural policy, development impact analysis, the costs of sprawl, transportation information systems, environmental impacts, and community economic development. CUPR has developed a wide array of fiscal, environmental, transportation, and quality of life impact models that have been used in major public policy evaluations throughout the United States. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: New Jersey Rutgers University New Jersey Environmental Digital Library, http://njedl.rutgers.edu/njdlib/ Description: The NJEDL is an online library of environmental literature and multimedia related to New Jersey. The collection includes documents and reports, scientific studies, photographs, videos, maps, and more. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New Jersey Return to top of page New York Catskill Watershed Corporation Catskill Watershed Corporation, http://www.cwconline.org/ Description: The CWC is a not-for-profit corporation with a dual goal: to protect the water resources of the New York City Watershed west of the Hudson River, while preserving and strengthening communities located in the region. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New York Cornell University Department of Applied Economics and Management Outreach Programs, http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/programs.htm Description: Faculty in the Department of Applied Economics and Management (AEM) embrace a tradition of engaging contemporary economic and social issues and, as a result, they have developed a strong reputation and commitment to outreach and public service. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: New York Cornell University Policy Issues in Rural Land Use,http://www.aem.cornell.edu/outreach/piirlu/piirluhme.htm Description: Links to policy issues related to rural land use. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: New York Division of Administrative Rules NY Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations, http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/oiswww.html Description: Directions on how to get ahold of this 82 volume loose-leaf publication containing all rules and regulations adopted by state agencies, miscellaneous boards and authorities and the Judiciary. The NYCRR and supplementation of new and amended pages is available from Lawyers Cooperative Publishing, a member of the West Group, at 1-800-344-5009 and is currently not available online. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New York Return to top of page New York Farm Bureau New York Farm Bureau, http://www.nyfb.org/# Description: Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agriculture industry. Farm Bureau's "grass roots" policy development process continues to ensure that the organization represents the majority position of its membership. Policy development begins at the county level with problem identification and culminates at the New York Farm Bureau Annual Meeting with a resolution addressing the issues. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: New York New York State Unified Court System Court Decisions, http://www.nycourts.gov/decisions/index.shtml Description: The Courts in New York State are responsible for handling an ever-increasing number of cases from litigants seeking relief in a wide variety of matters. During the year 2002, the New York Courts issued over 3,500,000 decisions. Many of the New York State Court System's decisions are available online. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: New York Office of Real Property Services Office of Real Property Services, http://www.orps.state.ny.us/ Description: The mission of the Office of Real Property Services is to lead the State's efforts to support local governments in their pursuit of real property tax equity. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: New York Preservation League of New York State Preservation League of New York State, http://www.preservenys.org/ Description: The Preservation League of New York State is dedicated to the protection of New York's diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes. It actively encourages historic preservation by public and private organizations, agencies, and individuals in local communities throughout New York State and provides the united voice for historic preservation. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: New York Return to top of page Pennsylvania 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, http://www.10000friends.org/ Description: 10,000 Friends is an alliance of organizations and individuals committed to promoting land use policies and actions that will enable Pennsylvania to strengthen its diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities and reduce sprawl. 10,000 Friends seeks growth and development that will support the economic and social viability of Pennsylvania's cities and towns, conserve fiscal resources, and protect our state's exceptional natural landscapes, environmental quality, and heritage resources. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Brookings Institution Back to Prosperity: A Competitive Agenda for Pennsylvania, http://www.brook.edu/es/urban/publications/pa.htm Description: This report contends that the economic future of a major rust belt state depends on revitalizing its demographic mix and curbing some of the nation's most radical patterns of sprawl and abandonment. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Code, http://www.pacode.com/ Description: The Pennsylvania Code is an official publication of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It contains regulations and other documents filed with the Legislative Reference Bureau under the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1102, 1201-1208 and 1602) and 45 Pa.C.S. Chapters 5, 7 and 9, known as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL). It consists of 55 titles. The Pennsylvania Code is arranged by subjects. Each title brings together administrative regulations, court rules or other documents on related subjects. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Governor's Center for Local Government Services, http://www.inventpa.com/default.aspx?id=136 Description:As the one-stop shop for all Pennsylvania Local Governments, the Governor's Center for Local Government Services provides a full range of financial assistance to local governments. The Center's mission is to: be the principal advocate for local governments, provide vital programs, services and training to local officials and municipal employees, and cut through red tape expeditiously to solve problems at the local level. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Department of Community and Economic Development Invent PA : Community Resources, http://www.inventpa.com/default.aspx?id=192 Description:Links to and information about the state's economic and community development financial assistance programs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Heritage Parks, http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/heritageparks/ Description: State Heritage Parks are large geographic regions or corridors of the Commonwealth that span two or more counties. These areas contain a multitude of cultural, historic, recreational, natural, and scenic resources of state and national significance that collectively exemplify the industrial heritage of Pennsylvania. Through regional partnerships and public grassroots planning strategies, these resources are identified, protected enhanced, and promoted to strengthen regional economies through increased tourism, creation of new jobs and stimulation of public and private partnerships for new investment opportunities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Land Recycling Homepage (Pennsylvania's Brownfields Program), http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/landrecy/default.htm Description: The Land Recycling Program encourages private cleanups of contaminated properties and the return of those sites to productive use. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PA SiteFinder - Recycling Real Estate into Investment Opportunities, http://www.pasitefinder.state.pa.us/ Description: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Land Recycling Program created PA SiteFinder as a "one-stop-shop" for brownfield buyers and sellers. PA SiteFinder compiles the necessary information and resources so you can recycle real estate into a sound investment. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Local Government Commission Pennsylvania Local Government Commission, http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/ Description: The Local Government Commission, created in 1935 by an Act of Assembly, is one of the oldest agencies of its kind in the United States. The Commission is comprised of five Senators and five House Members, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House, respectively. It is a bi-partisan legislative service agency affording research assistance to the General Assembly, collectively, and to individual legislators as well. Another primary function of the Commission is to propose legislation which will assist local governments to be more effective and efficient in providing services. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Office of Governor Ed Rendell Growing Greener 2, http://www.growinggreener2.com/ Description: Growing Greener means creating new jobs while revitalizing communities and reclaiming our most treasured natural resources for a better quality of life. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Community Affairs Extension Home Page, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/ Description: The CAX Files is a collection of educational materials from Penn State Cooperative Extension to help citizens and local leaders anticipate, understand, and shape the forces affecting their communities. Courses, workshops, and other programming are made available to individuals and communities requesting assistance, and are tailored for local needs. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Community Impact Model, http://cimpsu.aers.psu.edu/ Description: CIM-PSU is a fiscal impact model, based on the economic and fiscal relationships in Pennsylvania counties. When combined with information about a change, it can predict how that change will affect your community. CIM-PSU's analysis is at the county-level, and provides information on the following indicators: employment and unemployment, income, population, government expenditures and revenues, and school district expenditures and revenues. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Penn State University Costs and Revenues of Residential Development, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/residentialimpact/ Description: This website is intended to help local officials and citizens use a basic Per Capita Multiplier model to examine potential residential developments in their own community. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Farm Economics Publications, http://extension.aers.psu.edu/FarmEcPubs.asp Description: Links to PDF files of various publications relating to farm economics. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Farm Taxes Website, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/farmtaxes/ Description: This extension site and bulletin examines the relationship between gross farm income and real property taxes in Pennsylvania, using results from a study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. It is intended to help you better understand farming in Pennsylvania, local taxes, and the impact of real property taxes on farms. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Fiscal Impacts of Different Land Uses, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/landuse/cocs.htm Description: Identifying the impacts of different land uses will help you recognize what types of land development and uses should be encouraged in your municipality, and what types should be treated cautiously. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Penn State University How is the Real Property Tax Distributed Among Land Uses?, http://cas.psu.edu/docs/publications/freepubs/FreePubs/ua323.html Description: Widespread dependence on the real property tax in Pennsylvania has increased public concern about how-and how fairly-the tax burden is distributed. This eight-page publication covers how the real property tax burden is distributed across different property types in Pennsylvania to help readers develop a more complete understanding of tax fairness in their communities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Local Taxes and Our Community, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/ltoc/ Description: The Local Taxes & Our Community series of workbooks is intended to help local officials and citizens in Pennsylvania move beyond stereotypes to better understand local taxes in their own community. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University PA Local Tax Reform, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/taxreform/ Description: Non-partisan educational information about local taxes in Pennsylvania. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University Pennsylvania Land Use Studies, http://www.landuse.aers.psu.edu/ Description: Researchers at Penn State University have conducted a study on land use in Berks County, Pennsylvania, funded by the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development and by Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future. This study examined the impact that land uses have on nearby residential property values, and on factors that influence the location of new residential development. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Penn State University Pennsylvania Local Government, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/localgovernment/ Description: Resources and information for local government officials in Pennsylvania. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, What you can do with others Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Penn State University What are the Local Taxes in Pennsylvania?, http://cax.aers.psu.edu/localgovernment/TAXES/taxdesc.htm Description: Pennsylvania law allows local governments and school districts to use a wide variety of taxes to fund their services. The multitude of taxes may appear confusing initially, but each is straightforward. This web page describes the major local taxes and their role in local finance. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Economy League PA Economy League, http://www.pelcapital.org/ Description: The Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc. (PEL) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy research and development organization. Our mission is to provide critical information, perspective and support to the business, civic, and governmental leadership of our communities and our state in their efforts to make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work and do business. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Environmental Council Pennsylvania Environmental Council: Leading the State in Environmental Education and Advocacy, http://www.pecpa.org/ Description: The Pennsylvania Environmental Council improves quality of life for all Pennsylvanians by enhancing the Commonwealth's natural and built environments by integrating advocacy, education and implementation of community and regional action projects. The Council values reasoned and long-term approaches that include the interests of all stakeholders to accomplish its goals. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission PHMC: Bureau for Historic Preservation, http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhp/overview.asp?secid=25 Description: The Bureau administers the state's historic preservation program as authorized by the Pennsylvania History Code and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is guided by advisory boards and The Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Plan. The role of the Bureau is to identify and protect the architectural and archaeological resources of Pennsylvania. Our responsibility is to work with individuals, communities, local governments and state and federal agencies to educate Pennsylvanians about our heritage and its value, to build better communities through preservation, to provide strong leadership, both individually and through partnerships, and to insure the preservation of Pennsylvania's heritage. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Court Opinions Postings, http://www.courts.state.pa.us/Index/Opinions/IndexOpinions.asp Description: Postings of Pennsylvania Court Opinions. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Plan for a New PA Budget: Property Tax Relief, http://www.planforanewpa.state.pa.us/budget/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=433247&budgetNav=\| Description: Pennsylvania homeowners have been hit hard by these repeated property tax increases. Moreover, in many Pennsylvania communities stagnant economic conditions and weak residential property markets have meant that even with constant property tax increases, homeowners have not be able to generate enough tax income to adequately fund their schools and make up for the declining state share of public education costs. The Plan for a New Pennsylvania reverses these unhealthy trends by offering Pennsylvania's homeowners an average property tax reduction of 30%. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Preservation Pennsylvania Welcome to Preservation Pennsylvania, http://www.preservationpa.org/FrameHome.htm Description: Preservation Pennsylvania, through creative partnerships, targeted educational and advocacy programs, advisory assistance, and special projects, assists Pennsylvania communities to protect and utilize the historic resources they want to preserve for the future. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania South Central Assembly for Effective Governance South Central Assembly, http://www.southcentralassembly.org/ Description: The South Central Assembly for Effective Governance is an eight-county regional nonprofit organization working with local governments to foster planned growth. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Return to top of page Regional Connecticut River Joint Commissions Connecticut River Joint Commissions, http://www.crjc.org/ Description: The catalyst for cooperatively meeting the Valley's challenges is the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, who seek a strong and vibrant economy while capitalizing on the natural wealth of this place. Capitalizing without corrupting means conserving. Helping Valley people achieve that balance and finding the resources to ensure that quality of life is the role of the Connecticut River Joint Commissions. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: New Hampshire, Vermont Conservation Law Foundation Ventures Conservation Law Foundation Ventures, http://www.clfventures.org/ Description: CLF Ventures is redefining environmental advocacy. Through innovative partnerships with private and public sector clients, we combine CLF's longstanding reputation for environmental protection with our financial and business transaction skills. As a result, we are able to provide our clients with innovative solutions to complex environmental problems. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Green Valley Institute Green Valley Institute, http://thelastgreenvalley.org/gvi/ Description: The Green Valley Institute exists to help Heritage Corridor communities and citizens sustain their environment and quality of life while growing their economies. We are a non-regulatory organization dedicated to: improving the knowledge base from which land use and natural resource decisions are made and building local capacity to protect and manage natural resources as our region grows. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Massachusetts Heritage Conservancy Welcome to Heritage Conservancy, http://heritageconservancy.org/ Description: Heritage Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving our natural and historic heritage. Founded in 1958, it was concern for the rapid loss of open space in Bucks County which led to the formation of the Bucks County Park Foundation, known today as Heritage Conservancy. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania Regional Plan Association Regional Plan Association, http://www.rpa.org/ Description: Regional Plan Association (RPA) is an independent, not-for-profit regional planning organization that improves the quality of life and the economic competitiveness of the 31-county New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region through research, planning, and advocacy. For more than 80 years, RPA has been shaping transportation systems, protecting open spaces, and promoting better community design for the region's continued growth. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York Return to top of page Rhode Island Aquidneck Island Land Trust Aquidneck Island Land Trust, http://www.ailt.org/ Description: The Aquidneck Island Land Trust preserves the Island's open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/agricult/index.htm Description: The responsibilities of the Division of Agriculture include a broad range of agriculture-related functions and others traditionally associated with agricultural agencies nationally, such as mosquito abatement. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Forest Environment Program, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/forest/index.htm Description: The Forest Environment Program manages 40,000 acres of state-owned rural forestland. It coordinates a statewide forest fire protection plan, provides forest fire protection on state lands, assists rural volunteer fire departments, and develops forest and wildlife management plans for private landowners who choose to manage their property in ways that will protect these resources on their land. The Program promotes public understanding of environmental conservation, enforces Department rules and regulations on DEM lands, and assists the federal government in providing landowner assistance programs. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities , Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Grow Smart Rhode Island Grow Smart Rhode Island, http://www.growsmartri.com/ Description: Grow Smart Rhode Island is a statewide 501 (c)(3) public interest group representing a broad coalition of partners fighting sprawl by promoting innovative policies and programs to revitalize city and town centers, preserve cultural and natural resources and expand economic opportunities throughout Rhode Island. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, http://www.preservation.ri.gov/ Description: The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, http://www.rihousing.com/ Description: As the state's principal housing agency, we help low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders find houses and apartments they can afford. Our mission is to assist Rhode Islanders who, by reason of income, special need or circumstance, are unable to fairly obtain and sustain a healthy, affordable home. More than just a physical structure, a home includes the people within and the community around. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Municipal Affairs Community Development, http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/cddefault.htm Description: The primary purpose of the Community Development page is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunity; principally for persons of low and moderate income. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State Rules and Regulations Searchable Interface, http://www.rules.state.ri.us/rules/searchme.php Description: Searchable database of filed state agency regulations. Additionally, users may provide their email addresses and receive updates via email when regulations matching their criteria (per agency or per keyword) are promulgated. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Preserve Rhode Island Preserve Rhode Island, http://www.preserveri.org/ Description: Preserve Rhode Island is protecting Rhode Island's historic structures and unique places for present and future generations. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Rhode Island Brownfields Rhode Island Brownfields, http://www.brownfields.state.ri.us/ Description: Brownfields are real property where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the actual or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Until they are cleaned up these sites burden local economies and present environmental and public health threats. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization, http://www.rifco.org/ Description: Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and wise use of Rhode Island's woodland resources. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Rhode Island Judiciary Published Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.ri.us/supreme/opinions.htm Description: A listing of published court opinions dating back to 1999. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Statewide Planning Program Economic Development Planning Section, http://www.planning.ri.gov/ed/default.htm Description: The mission of the Economic Development Planning Section of the Statewide Planning Program is to foster and maintain a vigorous economy able to provide an adequate number and variety of activities that generate wealth for the people of the state. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Growth Planning Council, http://www.planning.ri.gov/gpc/default.htm Description: The Council has been charged by the Governor to examine the economic, environmental, and social impacts of current development patterns in the state; inventory existing State programs, policies, and expenditures to evaluate their effect on sustainable development and the preservation and enhancement of environmental quality and resources; recommend ways of encouraging growth in economically and environmentally sound locations; serve in an advisory capacity to local communities in the development of their land use plans; and recommend any changes in State and federal law or regulations. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets Current Use Program, http://www.vermontagriculture.com/currentuse.htm Description: The Current Use Program offers landowners use value property taxation based on the productive value of land rather than based on the traditional "highest and best" use of the land. The Current Use Program includes a Land Use Change Tax as a disincentive to develop land. The tax is 20 percent of the fair market value of a property, or, in the case of the sale of part of a property, a pro rata share of the fair market value of the entire property. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs Division for Historic Preservation, http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/HistoricSites/index.htm Description: The Division for Historic Preservation is the public agency designated to be the advocate for historic and prehistoric properties in Vermont. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Vermont Department of Taxes Property Valuation and Review, http://www.state.vt.us/tax/pvr.htm Description: Property Valuation and Review deals with property tax assessment and administration. Most of its major functions are carried out through contact with Vermont municipalities rather than individual property owners. The division administers a Use Value Appraisal program for farm buildings, agricultural land and managed forest land. The division is also responsible for the assessment of railroads and freightline equipment companies. The division includes the Vermont Mapping Program, which provides orthophotographic base maps for property mapping and planning. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation Jurisdiction: Vermont Preservation Trust of Vermont Preservation Trust of Vermont, http://www.ptvermont.org/ Description: The Preservation Trust of Vermont is a charitable, nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to initiate, stimulate and assist local and statewide efforts to preserve and use Vermont's rich collection of historic, architectural cultural and community resources. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Vermont Return to top of page Secretary of State Municipal Information, http://www.sec.state.vt.us/municipal Description: This new Municipal Information web page is designed for local officials and members of the public who are looking for information about Vermont's municipal governments and the laws that apply to them. Our on-line Publications include handbooks on many topics including Vermont's open government laws, school district governance, property tax appeals and Vermont's local land use regulations. We provide contact information for Vermont's cities and towns, links to the Vermont laws and other organizations that serve Vermont's local governments. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Vermont University of Vermont Vermont Heritage Network, http://www.uvm.edu/~vhnet/home.html Description: The mission of the Vermont Heritage Network (VHN) is to stimulate awareness and appreciation of Vermont's cultural heritage and built environment. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation Jurisdiction: Vermont Vermont Department of Libraries Supreme Court Opinions, http://dol.state.vt.us/WWW_ROOT/000000/HTML/SUPCT.HTML Description: A searchable index of Vermont Supreme Court opinions. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Vermont Vermont Housing Finance Agency Vermont Housing Finance Agency, http://www.vhfa.org/ Description: Since 1974 Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has provided low cost homeownership financing to more than 24,000 Vermont families and financed the construction or rehabilitation of more than 6,700 affordable apartments. By issuing bonds and allocating housing tax credits, VHFA is able to assist low- and moderate-income Vermonters with the purchase and production of housing to meet their needs. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Housing Jurisdiction: Vermont Return to top of page Vermont Legislature Vermont Statutes Online, http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/statutes2.htm Description: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, provided as a convenience. It has NOT been edited for publication. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Vermont Vermont Use Value Appraisal Coalition Vermont Use Value Appraisal Coalition, http://www.gwriters.com/uvac/cutc.htm Description: Vermont's working landscape is our heritage and our future. And it could be lost forever. That's why the Vermont Use Value Appraisal Coalition advocates a long-term system of equitable taxation for agricultural and forest lands today. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Vermont Return to top of page West Virginia Beckley Main Street Beckley Main Street, http://www.beckleymainstreet.com/ Description: Established in 1990, Beckley Main Street has led in the revitalization of Uptown Beckley by following National Main Street Center's four-point approach. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Land Restoration, http://www.dep.state.wv.us/item.cfm?ssid=289 Description: Three offices now fall under the new Division of Land Restoration. The offices include abandoned mine lands and reclamation; environmental remediation and special reclamation. The OER administers multiple cleanup programs including brownfields, leaking underground storage tanks, hazardous waste, landfill closure and assistance, pollution prevention and open dump, and voluntary remediation. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: West Virginia Main Street Morgantown Main Street Morgantown, http://www.downtownmorgantown.com/ Description: Main Street Morgantown, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining our city s downtown as an attractive, clean, safe center of commerce, government and education. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: West Virginia West Virginia Development Office Community Development Division, http://www.wvdo.org/community/index.html Description: The Community Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office encourages strong civic engagement in the administration of programs designed to improve the quality of life in communities throughout West Virginia. State and federal funding sources and programs promote private-sector investment, revitalize commercial and residential areas, provide public services and facilities, and assist state and local governments in developing solutions within our communities. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: West Virginia Return to top of page West Virginia Secretary of State Code of State Rules, http://www.wvsos.com/csr/ Description: The CSR Online is created from the electronic copies of final rules filed by the various rule-making bodies which are formatted and checked by division staff and returned to the agency for proofing. However, these electronic rules should be viewed as unofficial. The official copy of a rule for legal purposes is the paper copy filed with and stamped by the Secretary of State and the Legislative Rule Making Review Committee (if applicable). Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: West Virginia West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Opinions of the Supreme Court of Appeals, http://www.state.wv.us/wvsca/opinions.htm Description: When the Court grants a petition for appeal, the case is set for briefing and oral argument, if necessary, and is then submitted to the Court for decision. When the Court decides the case, it issues a printed document called a slip opinion, which contains the decision of the Court, as well as information about the case, the authorship of the opinion, and the syllabus. The "slip opinions" appearing on this Web site are not the final, official opinions of the Court. Readers are therefore advised, that opinions of the Court remain subject to clerical correction until officially published in the bound volumes of the West Virginia Reports (West Publishing Co.). Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: West Virginia Return to top of page
NERCRD ©2004 The Toolbox is a joint effort of The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) and Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County. This page was last updated on July 13, 2005. For questions, suggestions or to report broken links, please contact NERCRD: nercrd@psu.edu.