The Local Government Services Division consists of three units designed to help municipalities provide good local government: Municipal Services, Assessment Services and the Special Areas Board. This division provides support services and advice to municipalities to assist them in developing sustainable and effective local government for Albertans. Services focus on innovation and cooperation, municipal viability, and assessment and tax policy.

Municipal Services

This branch provides the policy, planning, analytical and legislative drafting support necessary to meet the department's responsibilities in the areas of municipal legislation, property taxation, land use planning, intermunicipal cooperation and municipal status changes.  The branch provides advisory and financial support to help municipalities operate efficiently. It works with a broad range of stakeholders, including municipalities and their associations, industry groups, and not-for-profit organizations.

Assessment Services

This branch oversees the policies and procedures for the assessment of property in Alberta, and reviews municipal assessments to determine that each municipality is assessing property according to provincial legislation. The branch reviews and updates assessment policies and procedures in consultation with representatives of local government, property owners and the assessment profession.  The branch oversees the annual process involved in determining each municipality’s share of the education property tax. It is also responsible for the assessment of linear property (such as petroleum wells, pipelines, electric power generation and telecommunication systems) for Alberta municipalities.

The Special Areas Board

The Special Areas Board provides municipal services and long-term land management for the three special areas located in southeast Alberta. The board is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.