Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1163655
Instead of deploying appraisers into the fi eld, the Maricopa County Assessor's Offi ce decided to initiate desktop reviews of residential properties using Geographic-Assisted Mass Appraisal (GAMA) techniques. Assessment Analyst was selected as the GAMA system for the County's new Residential Desktop Recanvassing Program. With Assessment Analyst, the canvass team is able to review aerial and street-front photography of each property, verify its address, revise the building sketch to match observed improvements and update Computer- Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) information accordingly, all without leaving the offi ce. If the view of a property is obstructed in some way, the appraiser can fl ag it for an on-site visit. Using Assessment Analyst, the team has developed a formal process for canvassing properties that ensures a high standard of data quality. Since 2013, the canvass team has implemented the desktop review program in manageable stages, starting with areas that need the most attention. The Phase 1 pilot project, a review of 50,000 properties, was successfully completed in 2014, yielding taxable values for 2016 (with taxes payable in 2016). In Phase 2, the team processed nearly 50,000 properties. In Phase 3, they upped their annual workload to 100,000 properties, fi nishing them on schedule in 2016. With Phase 4 (another 100,000 properties) completed in September 2017, and Phase 5 set to kick off shortly, Maricopa County's desktop review capabilities are now well established. The Residential Desktop Recanvassing Program is signifi cantly improving the quality of property data in Maricopa County. As a result, taxable value is gradually becoming more refl ective of what residents actually own. During Phase 1, the canvass team added about $176 million in new taxable value, which translated into a $2.5 million annual revenue boost for the County. In each subsequent phase, another $400 million in new taxable value has been added, generating higher annual revenues that are greatly benefi ting school districts, fi re districts and municipalities. The Assessor's Offi ce has calculated a stellar return on investment (ROI) for the program so far, with ROI of 12:1 on Phase 1, 10:1 on Phase 2, 4:1 on Phase 3 and 10:1 on Phase 4. By shifting its focus from fi eld inspections to desktop review, the County has also achieved signifi cant savings on fuel, vehicle expenses and travel time to and from each residence. Using Assessment Analyst, the canvass team is able to consistently process about 100,000 properties per year, with less than 0.5% requiring an on-site visit. Since each property now goes through a formal canvassing process, the team can have greater confi dence in their data. In 2016, Maricopa County received the National Association of Counties' Achievement Award and the Arizona Association of Counties' Summit Award in recognition of the improved assessment workfl ows it has achieved with Assessment Analyst in the Residential Desktop Recanvassing Program. Maricopa County Generates a More Equitable Tax Roll with Assessment Analyst | Esri Canada 2 "We continue to recognize improved quality of property data used in the modeling process to determine appropriate FCV. Valuation models are consistently performing with reduced statistical errors and enhanced precision, providing exceptional indications of value for each essential feature of a residential property leading to increasingly equitable and fair valuations." Walter Tindal III Canvass Supervisor Maricopa County Assessor's Offi ce Solution Benefi ts Assessors can quickly review aerial imagery of a property and revise the building sketch to match observed improvements. Before $275,000 After $335,000