Assessor's Office Explains Low Income Housing Data Impact on Property Valuation

The City of Waukesha's Board of Review convened on July 11, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding property assessments, particularly related to low-income housing. A key discussion centered on the assessor's office's lack of prior knowledge about the presence of subsidized housing in a specific property, which impacted the assessment process.

During the meeting, the assessor explained that the absence of information about low-income housing led to a reliance on traditional sales approaches rather than an income-based assessment, which is typically mandated by state statute when such housing is involved. The assessor noted that had this information been available earlier, it would have influenced the assessment methodology, potentially leading to a different valuation based on income and expense ratios associated with low-income properties.

The board also discussed the implications of adjusting expense ratios and capitalization rates in light of the new information. The assessor indicated that while they would not accept excessively high expense ratios, they would consider adjustments to reflect the additional administrative work required for managing low-income housing.

A representative from the property in question raised concerns about the assessor's record-keeping practices, particularly regarding past discussions about property value during the open book period in 2024. The assessor clarified that their system does not retain specific data points about low-income housing, emphasizing that such information is typically provided by property owners annually.

This meeting highlighted the complexities involved in property assessments, especially when new information about housing status emerges. The board's discussions underscore the importance of accurate data in ensuring fair property valuations, particularly for properties that serve vulnerable populations. Moving forward, the city may need to consider improving communication and data-sharing practices to enhance the assessment process and better serve its community.