The Commonwealth owns more than half a million acres of land, including state parks and forests, wildlife management areas, beaches, and military training facilities. Because this property is exempt from local taxation, the State administers a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program that provides payments to municipalities hosting eligible state-owned land.

The Commission on PILOT for State-Owned Land (SOL), established by Governor Healey through Executive Order 645, is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state in July to solicit feedback on how the state compensates municipalities for state-owned land. The Commission is eager to hear directly from municipal leaders, residents, and other interested stakeholders, and findings from the listening sessions will inform the Commission’s recommendations.

See below for the session schedule for July so far (note: we will share an update on the Orange Town Hall session once confirmed). Additional sessions may be offered in the future depending on demand.

• Marion Music Hall: Tuesday, July 14, 10am-11:30am
• Franklin Regional Council of Governments: Thursday, July 16, 5:30pm-7pm
• Holyoke Community College: Monday, July 20, 10am-11:30am
• Berkshire Innovation Center: Friday, July 24, 10am-11:30am
• Orange Town Hall: TBD (tentatively week of July 20)

To register for a listening session, please fill out this form: Registration for PILOT Listening Sessions. Pre-registration is not required: walk-ins will also be welcome. In advance of each session, we will be sending materials that provide an overview of how the PILOT program works, with an opportunity to ask questions during the session.

You can also use this form if you are unable to attend a listening session but would still like to share your thoughts on the PILOT program with the Commission.