The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss the Urban3 presentation, which focused on property tax inequities and their implications for local neighborhoods. The meeting highlighted significant disparities in property assessments and the historical context behind these issues.

The presentation began with a discussion on the varying property values within the Montford neighborhood, where adjacent properties experienced drastically different increases in land value—one by 316% and another by only 102%. This discrepancy was attributed to outdated tax neighborhood codes that do not reflect the current socio-economic landscape. The speaker emphasized that these inequities stem from historical practices, including redlining, which have perpetuated systemic biases against communities of color.

Further analysis revealed that a substantial portion of properties in certain neighborhoods were losing value, resulting in a net loss of $40 million. The speaker proposed a renewal program aimed at addressing blight and supporting affected communities. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of property tax assessments, noting that lower-income neighborhoods often overpay while wealthier areas benefit from under-assessment.

The meeting underscored the need for a comprehensive review of the property tax system, with calls for transparency and accountability from assessors. The speaker referenced a recent New York State Supreme Court ruling that acknowledged the inequities in property taxation, urging local officials to reconsider their assessment practices.

Commission members expressed a desire for ongoing dialogue and collaboration across departments to ensure that data-driven decisions are made regularly. The importance of understanding the historical context of property assessments was emphasized, with a focus on creating a fairer system that does not disproportionately burden low-income residents.

In conclusion, the meeting served as a critical platform for addressing longstanding issues in property taxation and highlighted the need for systemic change to promote equity within Athens-Clarke County. The commission plans to continue these discussions and explore actionable steps to reform the property tax assessment process.