The primary goal of the Intergovernmental Policy and Planning Division (IGPP) is to formulate and implement state policy pertaining to the relationship between the State of Connecticut, regional councils of governments (COGs) and municipalities.  The Division functions as a conduit for intergovernmental communications by gathering and disseminating information concerning the needs of local governments and COGs, the programs of assistance available to them, and legislative activities affecting them.  Within this context, IGPP is also responsible for conservation and development policies for land and water resources.  The IGPP Division includes two units - the Office of Responsible Growth (ORG) and the Assessment, Data Collection and Grants Management Unit.

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), Governors Council on Climate Change (GC3) 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 Connecticut’s Regional Planning Organizations 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.