Assessing Info Jan 9 2020

U.S. government to restrict sale of AI for satellite image analysis >

The use of machine learning and AI to analyze satellite images could revolutionize the way governments, militaries, investors, and researchers track changes in the world around them. But if you’re a U.S. maker of such software, it’s about to become harder to export your products. The federal rule change, published Monday, affects software “‘specially designed’” to train deep learning neural networks “on the analysis of geospatial imagery.” The software would be classified as a dual-use technology and subject to many of the same restrictions for exporting weapons. Read more

New Orleans cyberattack shuts down online property tax payments >

The cyberattack that has crippled New Orleans government's computer network for more than two weeks might claim yet another casualty: Unless the systems are restored soon, property owners won't be able to pay their taxes online. Read more

Food security starts with affordable housing for farm workers >

Affordable housing challenges are not limited to urban centers or technology hubs. Smaller towns often struggle to house their workforces and — perhaps less noticeably, but no less acutely — so do agricultural operations. Agriculture employs 11 percent of the U.S. workforce, while also contributing to manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing. The sector is also suffering from a dire labor shortage that has the potential to disrupt the entire food chain. Read more

IAAO NEWS

+ Mass Appraisal Modeling and Spatial Analysis in R focus of January webinar >
This introductory webinar will demonstrate features of the free and open source software R. Set for noon Central, Wednesday, Jan. 29, it will cover accessing and downloading R; importing, cleaning, and mapping sales data sets; creating and interpreting basic multiple regression analysis (MRA) models; validating models on holdout sales data using simple ratio studies; plotting sales data and model performance on maps; Links to R reproducible R scripts and real assessment data will be provided to attendees for additional learning reinforcement opportunities. Read more

+ Submit your presentation ideas for the conference! >
Interested in presenting at the 2020 IAAO Annual Conference in Denver? The Call for Presentations is now open. The submission deadline is Jan. 31, but anyone interested is encouraged to submit presentation ideas as soon as possible. Registration discounts of up to $200 may be available to presenters. Read more

+ Verification and Adjustment of Sales Standard exposed for comments >

The IAAO Verification and Adjustment of Sales Task Force recently completed the revisions to the draft Standard on Verification and Adjustment of Sales and the IAAO Board of Directors approved its released for exposure. The IAAO Standard on Verification and Adjustment of Sales (the "Standard") key principles discussed would enable a jurisdiction to conduct proper verification and adjustment of sales. Comments are due by Jan. 28, 2020. Read more

+ Monday is early bird deadline for GIS Conference >
The early bird deadline is Jan. 13 for the 2020 GIS/Valuation Technologies Conference, March 23-26 in Louisville, Kentucky. Formerly known as GIS/CAMA, the event was re-branded to take into account the abundance of technologies that, when integrated with GIS, make valuation and assessment more accurate, efficient and applicable for jurisdictions of all sizes. #GIS/ValTech2020 will feature an exhibition, pre-conference workshops, keynote speakers, and a substantial educational program. Read more

+ Registration for International Research Symposium now open >
Registration is now open for the International Research Symposium, May 13-15, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the Copenhagen Marriott. The symposium will offer an exploration of the intersection of public policy and mass appraisal standards, guidance, and implementation challenges. The Symposium offers an exchange of knowledge and emerging technology trends for continuous improvement of land administration and property tax systems world-wide. Read more

IAAO Connect Corner

+ Hot Topic: Available Building Sketch Applications >

IAAO Connect members are currently discussing various programs available for building sketches. Read more

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

+ California man stakes claim to public road with a concrete-filled barrel, then sues >

A man who owns two parcels divided by a public road in Northern California has sued Marin County and the San Geronimo Valley Planning Group with the hope of gaining exclusive access. Bruce Wick does not contend that he owns the road but asks the county and the planning group, which has a legal interest in the road, to award him the title. In recent months, he took the matter into his own hands, blocking the road with a barrel and later filling it with concrete to prevent residents from moving it. Read more

+ Alaska's lack of property laws make Juneau's most valuable properties difficult to assess >

A transaction with an eyebrow-raising price tag typically would not have been seen by many eyes. When Norwegian Cruise Lines high bid on waterfront property was unsealed in September, the transaction’s $20 million price tag was notable since the bid was $7 million more than the next potential buyer — Royal Caribbean Cruises — and almost $16 million more than the City and Borough of Juneau’s bid. In Alaska, unlike in 39 other states, when property is sold between private parties, there is no law that stipulates either the buyer or seller publicly disclose the transaction price. That information also does not have to be shared with a government entity. Read more

+ New Iowa law aims to improve transparency in property taxes >

A new law going into effect with the new year is targeted to improve transparency of property taxation. The law requires a city or county to hold a public hearing if property taxes are increased by one-dollar. Also, any proposed property tax increase above 2 percent will now require a two-thirds approval of a city council or county board of supervisors. It further requires counties to publish any approved property tax hike on their website within 10 days. Read more

+ Texas tax exemptions benefit wealthy at education's expense, critics say >

For Texans, a collective concern about next year’s tax bill from local governments constantly percolates. But not for all. Those who know how to navigate around the annual county and city levies have found a way — for better or worse — to access a law that permits them to pay lesser taxes. It’s called the agricultural tax exemption. Under Texas law, land that is designated for agricultural use becomes eligible for reduced taxes or agricultural valuation. Read more