This briefing sheds light on an often missed barrier to homeownership in the United States, particularly for Black Americans and where this had made it more difficult for local governments from a tax collection perspective. While rising costs and a lack of affordable housing are well-known challenges, a resulting racial bias in property valuations in the assessment methodology creates an unfair burden. Black-owned homes are often overvalued, leading to higher property taxes compared to similar white-owned homes. This systemic issue undermines homeownership aims and contributes to wealth inequality.
The briefing goes beyond identifying the problem and explores potential solutions. Learn about initiatives promoting frequent property reassessments, leveraging data science to eliminate bias, and fostering collaboration between assessors and local governments.