Author: Christopher Wilcock - Local Assessment Bureau Chief
On behalf of the entire team at the Bureau of Local Assessment (BLA), I extend a sincere welcome to all of our new local assessment officials. As you step into your roles as valuation professionals in Massachusetts, you are undertaking a critical responsibility: the fair and equitable valuation of property, the single largest source of revenue for most of our communities.
BLA is the state-level agency charged with the regulation, oversight, training, and technical support for all cities and towns in the areas of real and personal property valuation and classification. We provide essential guidance on assessment practices, the methodologies for determining fair cash value for all types of property, and the proper classification of property for tax purposes. Our bureau also ensures the qualifications of assessing personnel and the adequacy of tax maps and records.
Your work is vital. Collectively, Massachusetts' local assessors are responsible for valuing about $2 trillion in property annually and maintaining detailed descriptions for more than 2.5 million parcels of real estate. BLA is your partner in this important endeavor, committed to helping you administer property assessments with fairness and equity by offering comprehensive guidance and educational resources.
Key Resources for a Successful Start
To support you in your new role, we have developed a collection of resources designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and ongoing training you need:
- Introduction to Assessment Administration (Course 101): This essential online course is structured into ten modules, beginning with an introduction and then delving into nine specific areas of assessment administration. To access this course, your DLS Gateway account must have the appropriate permissions. If you do not see "Course 101" under the Assessor Management section of your Gateway account, please contact your community's local account administrator or reach out to DLS Gateway Support at DLSGateway@dor.state.ma.us.
- Your Dedicated BLA Field Advisor: Every municipality is assigned a BLA Field Advisor who serves as a direct point of contact for valuable insights and information. If you are unsure who your assigned advisor is, please consult our comprehensive municipal assignments list.
- DLS YouTube Channel: We strongly encourage all new assessors to subscribe to our DLS YouTube Channel. This online platform is regularly updated with the latest training videos covering property valuation, municipal finance, and other relevant topics.
- Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center: Our extensive Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center is your one-stop shop for a wealth of information. We particularly recommend the following DLS webinars for new assessors:
We are confident that you will make a positive and lasting impact on the community you serve. The Bureau of Local Assessment is here to support you every step of the way. Welcome to the challenging and rewarding field of property assessment in Massachusetts.
Helpful Resources
City & Town is brought to you by:
Editor: Dan Bertrand
Editorial Board: Tracy Callahan, Sean Cronin, Janie Dretler, Jessica Ferry, Emily Izzo, Christopher Ketchen, Paula King, Jen McAllister and Tony Rassias
| Date published: | June 18, 2025 |
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