GIS/ValTech 2027

This session follows a real-world continuous improvement project completed at the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office through the discovery and solution development phases for future improvements to the annual process of summarizing and reporting total values for approximately 2,500 taxing districts.

Attendees will learn how a variety of continuous improvement tools and techniques were used to identify underlying issues, uncover root causes, generate potential solutions, and prioritize improvement opportunities. While every Assessor's Office faces unique challenges, the principles and techniques presented can be adapted to identify opportunities, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement in any environment.

Matt Stellino, BS, PMP, Senior Data Scientist, Maricopa County Assessor’s Office - AZ

Keywords: Process Improvement & Operations, Beginner

The best broad education in our field already exists. What is often missing is the hyper-local layer: your state's statutes, your CAMA system, your corner of the profession. In 2023, we set out to fill that local gap for our own community and built a peer-run conference from scratch.

This session tells the story of how a peer-run education conference grew from an idea between two people into a thriving annual event, and it hands you the practical blueprint to do the same. You will learn how to spot the gaps worth filling, recruit a founding team, choose a format and governance structure, fund the event without pricing anyone out, and draw both speakers and attendees from within your own community. Whether the need is software, appraisal, GIS, leadership, or something no one else is teaching, the grassroots model works.

Come and learn how to build affordable, peer-led education that your colleagues genuinely need, and that outlasts the people who start it.

Falon Hoven, Chief Deputy Assessor, Whatcom County - WA

Keywords: Workforce & Professional Development, Intermediate

Hard Conversations Happen! Are you prepared to navigate difficult situations gracefully and generate positive outcomes? From exchanging simple feedback to facilitating passionate debate, this session explores the profound impact we have on one another and how to cultivate a culture of clear, open, and professional communication. Learn to address challenging workplace topics head-on while navigating the personal realities that can impact productivity. Want to discover the core of what makes professional relationships thrive? Come see how culture and communication can overcome enormous obstacles, even elephants in the room!

Phillip Leveille, GIS Specialist Supervisor, Maricopa County Assessor’s Office - AZ

Keywords: Leadership & Communication, Beginner