Assessment Matters by Valuebase.ai

28: Matt Woolford - Data Standardization and Assessment Practices in Michigan


Listen Later

In this episode, we're joined by Matt Woolford, Equalization Director at the Allegan County Government in Michigan. We talk about data standardization and assessment practices in Michigan, “Zillowification”, and new trends in the assessment field.

We cover:

  • Introduction to Assessment Matters podcast 00:00

  • Matt’s background and big ideas 00:23

    • Matt’s experience in government, equalization and assessment

    • Allegan County: a growing agricultural community

    • Proposition A (1995) in Michigan 2:53

    • Standardizing data in CAMA systems across Michigan county governments 5:15

      • “Zillow Talk” and Zestimates: how AI and other data-driven innovations are changing the industry

      • Ensuring methods of data collection and analysis are authoritative and credible

      • State has recommended standards — needs more adoption

      • Valuation methodology in Michigan 8:31

        • Establishing “true cash value”

        • Cost, income (best-use), and sales-comparison approaches all used

        • Cost approach challenges: lack of comprehensive data

        • Land valuation: vacant land sales vs abstraction methods

        • Michigan’s requirements and metrics for equalization assessment 12:41

          • COD and PRD, vertical and horizontal equity

          • State audit process once every 5 years

          • Equity becoming more important in the future with growing geospatial and statistical proficiency among assessors

          • Advice for newcomers 15:36

            • Understand the importance of good data

            • Be aware of emerging technologies

            • Better data, better models, better skills in the age of “Zillowification”

            • How to reach Matt 17:27

              • ...more
                View all episodesView all episodes
                Download on the App Store

                Assessment Matters by Valuebase.aiBy Will Jarvis

                • 5
                • 5
                • 5
                • 5
                • 5

                5

                3 ratings