The Upper Peninsula Assessors Association is committed to supporting assessors, board members, and local officials through high‑quality professional education. Our goal is to ensure every community in the Upper Peninsula is served by knowledgeable, well‑trained assessment professionals who stay current with Michigan property tax law, appraisal standards, and State Tax Commission (STC) requirements.

Annual Board of Review Training

Each year, UPAA hosts comprehensive Board of Review (BOR) training designed for both new and returning BOR members, assessors, and local government staff.
Our training sessions:

• Break down statutory responsibilities under Michigan’s General Property Tax Act

• Provide guidance on handling protests, exemptions, poverty appeals, and recordkeeping

• Offer real-world scenarios to build confidence and consistency

• Ensure compliance with State Tax Commission guidelines

This annual program helps equip Boards of Review with the knowledge they need for a fair, transparent, and accurate review process.

State Tax Commission Update Courses

UPAA provides annual STC update courses to help assessors stay informed on State Tax Commission bulletins, rule changes, and evolving best practices.
These sessions typically include:

• Recent legislative and administrative updates

• Clarifications on assessment administration standards

• Changes to Forms, Procedures, and STC-approved manuals

• Guidance on audit preparation, AMAR requirements, and equalization topics

By offering accessible, regional training opportunities, UPAA helps assessment professionals remain compliant and current in their daily work.

Fall School: Continuing Education Opportunities

Our Fall School is one of UPAA’s signature educational programs. Held annually in the Upper Peninsula, this event offers multiple courses, specialty workshops, and assessor continuing education hours that contribute toward Michigan assessor certification renewal.

Fall School highlights include:

• Specialized sessions on appraisal, land value studies, personal property, and appeals

• Guest speakers from the State Tax Commission, local government, and industry experts

• Networking with colleagues from across the region

• Practical tools and updated resources to support assessment administration

Whether you are working toward re-certification or seeking to deepen your expertise, Fall School provides hands-on, relevant training tailored to the needs of UP assessors.

Our Commitment to Professional Growth

UPAA’s educational programs are designed to strengthen assessment administration across the Upper Peninsula by providing accessible, high‑quality learning opportunities. We believe ongoing training builds stronger communities, more uniform assessments, and increased public confidence.