Meet Your Township Assessor

Newly Elected Assessor - term beginning January 1st, 2026

Kristen Blaser, C.I.A.O.

Phone: (815) 478-5154

FAX: (815) 680-5595

First, I would like to recognize and acknowledge my predecessor for over 30 years of serving Manhattan Township.  The improvements and solutions that were established in that time period showed a desire for progress, a forward-thinking mindset, and created a solid foundation.  During this part of Manhattan Township history, the properties grew in size from 2,300  properties to over 5,600 properties.  A retirement is well-deserved.

As a lifelong Will County resident, I am deeply rooted in the area. My education began at Green Garden Elementary, next to Peotone Junior High, then to graduate from Providence Catholic High School.  I went on to study Architecture and Interior Design in college and earned my degree: a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. This is a background that has strengthened my attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and commitment to thoughtful, service-orientated work.

My husband and I are raising our two children in Manhattan, where they have been growing and learning in Manhattan School District 114 since 2017. We decided that Manhattan was the perfect central point to our childhood homes in Green Garden Township & Elwood. This community is home in every sense of the word, and it motivates me every day to serve with integrity, transparency, and care.

In 2024, I earned my Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) designation—an accomplishment I am incredibly proud of and one of the highlights of my professional journey. I am very thankful to my family, friends, and co-workers who have inspired the idea and supported me throughout. Receiving this certification reflects my resilience and desire to embrace learning & service.

As your newly elected Assessor, my goal is to continue learning and expanding my knowledge within the assessment industry. I am committed not only to staying current with best practices, but also to sharing that knowledge with our community—helping residents better understand the assessment process. I will dedicate my service in this role as Manhattan Township Assessor to be fair, accurate, responsible, and carry out the duties to the best of my ability.

I look forward to serving Will County with diligence, accessibility, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.