From The Appraisal Foundation’s (TAF) May newsletter, the State Harmonization Task Force project was announced, with TAF President Kelly Davids sharing more May highlights with appraisers.

“This new task force, established by the Board of Trustees (BOT), is focused on identifying and assisting states in removing unnecessary regulatory overlays that may be creating unintended barriers to entry into the profession,” Davids said.

Trustee Pete Fontana, who is leading this effort, sent a letter to all state regulators last month outlining the initiative in more detail. Here is an extended excerpt:

"This initiative is rooted in the Foundation’s strategic plan, which calls for building a strong new generation of appraisers to further public trust in the profession. By working together to streamline state-level requirements that exceed AQB criteria, the Task Force aims to:

• Expand access to licensure
• Increase the number of qualified appraisers
• Align with the evolving needs of the profession

"We know many states — both large and small — are already leading the way. We want to share their successes, provide resources and tools, and help more states modernize their approaches,” Fontana said. "While the State Harmonization Task Force will ultimately focus on all licensure requirements that exceed the criteria, we are beginning with ad valorem experience and mass appraisal pathways. These areas represent an existing pool of highly qualified applicants who are ready to join the profession — and we want to help states recognize and leverage this opportunity”

Fontana also expressed the notion that Mass appraisers bring skill sets that are well-aligned with the evolving demands of the profession — from the increased use of data and analytics to the technological fluency expected in modern valuation practice.

Additionally, the BOT went on to say, these competencies are especially relevant as the profession adapts to new methodologies and changing expectations.

“This Task Force isn’t just highlighting the issues — we’re developing solutions and practical steps to help states take action," Fontana concluded.

“This task force hit the ground running after this letter went out. They have already met with regulators in North Carolina and presented at AARO and have several more conversations scheduled in the coming weeks,” Davids said in the newsletter. “I look forward to sharing updates on their progress and seeing where this dedicated group of stakeholders takes this taskforce next.”