National

Assessor Bob Overbeck was asked to speak at the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) conference each year. He addressed wildfire natural Disaster Planning & Response to Mobile GIS tools.

The IAAO is a professional organization with 8,500 members, a global leader, and a preeminent source of standards, professional development, and research in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy. Also, an international community of mass appraisal experts who promote excellence in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy through professional development, research, and standards.

Wildfire Natural Disaster Planning & Response: Larimer County’s 2020 Experience

Authors: Bob Overbeck, Lori Hodges, Congressman Joe Neguse
Publication: IAAO Annual Conference 2021

Mobile GIS! How To

Authors: Lori Krager, Kevin Knight, Bob Overbeck, John Clark
Publication: GIS Technology Conference 2022

Assessors must now manage and actively respond to emergency events caused by climate change when assessing property. Overbeck, Hodges, and Senator Joe Neguse presented the importance of good collaboration and strong federal and state support during and after a natural disaster following the Cameron Peak Fire. Bob and the Office of Emergency Management shared best practices developed during the Cameron Peak Fire on how to plan and train staff while staying current on damage assessment protocols and safety in the field while assessing properties after the fire.

“Many in the IAAO audience expressed appreciation for Larimer County sharing their experience to plan, prepare, and collaborate regionally during a natural disaster while keeping county employees and residents safe,” said Larimer County Assessor Bob Overbeck.

Other innovations shared included training damage assessment teams on recording all data digitally and using high-quality radio communication equipment in emergencies, enabling emergency personnel to stay on their jobs rather than being used as escorts for damage assessment teams.

The Assessor also illustrated a groundbreaking Intergovernmental agreement with Arapaho County partnering with the neighboring county assessor to share resources if additional assessment personnel are needed to perform property assessment fieldwork.

LOCAL NEWS

Larimer County releases damage assessment from Cameron Peak Fire; nearly $6.4 million worth of properties lost. The release from Overbeck’s office added that under House Bill 14-1001, a bill that establishes a state reimbursement plan, the state will begin the process of reimbursing taxes to affected Larimer County property owners based on the lowered property values. (https://www.reporterherald.com/2021/01/15/larimer-county-releases-damage-assessment-from-cameron-peak-fire-nearly-6-4-million-worth-of-properties-lost/)

While on City Council, Bob was a member of The National League of Cities. (NLC) This organization’s mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. Elected officials benefit from the NLC collaborative education developed by the National League of Cities that helps municipal leaders – both elected and appointed – build the skills they need to better govern, serve, and advocate for their communities. (https://www.nlc.org/program-initiative/nlc-university)

There he represented Fort Collins on the REAL Council. The REAL Council comprises leaders from policy advocacy groups and city leaders from across the nation, strengthening local elected officials’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial tensions and build more equitable communities. https://www.fcgov.com/news/?id=6999

Council for Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL)

National League of Cities

Bob has the background and experience to advocate for the people in a meaningful way.  He has and always will be a voice for the people- exactly who we need ensuring that the Assessors office maintains the core values of accuracy, transparency, and fairness.