The Assessor annually notices and administers over 1.8 million real and personal property parcels/accounts with a full cash value of more than $717 billion in 2022
Arizona voters have approved Proposition 130, amending the state law on property tax exemptions. Our office is currently updating the related forms and processes before the next application period opens.
Among other changes, Proposition 130 has restored personal exemptions for veterans with disabilities regardless of when they became an Arizona resident or if the disability is connected to their military service. A similar change in residency requirements will also apply to qualifying widows and widowers. Please note an individual is only eligible for property valuation exemption under one category as a widow or widower, a person with a total and permanent disability, or a veteran with a disability; and income and property valuation limits still exist.
Proposition 130 also now allows the legislature to set valuation exemption amounts and qualifications for the eligible groups and for property used for trade, business, or agriculture.
It will go into effect once the General Election results are canvassed and certified. In the meantime, our team is reviewing and revising our current property tax exemption information and application to reflect these changes. The updated forms and information will become available by the time the application period for the 2023 tax season opens in January. Per Arizona law, residents have from the first Monday in January until March 1 each calendar year to submit a property tax exemption application. If you have any questions about property tax exemptions or would like to request a packet to be mailed or emailed to you when it becomes available, please contact our office at PE.SVP@maricopa.gov or by calling 602-506-3591. We appreciate your patience as we await the final certification of Proposition 130 into Arizona’s Constitution.
Our office has launched a new technology system to manage the 1.8 million real estate assessments processed by our team each year.
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Maricopa County Assessor’s Office Launches New Technology System
Our office has launched a new technology system to manage the 1.8 million real estate assessments processed by our team each year.
The new system is called AA-GAMA — Assessment Analyst-Geographic Assisted Mass Appraisal — and is a cloud-based system designed to be more efficient, faster, and easier to use. The AA-GAMA system has increased reporting capabilities, provides easier access to historical information, and is more secure than previous systems.
The new system is more customizable than the previous system and is scalable for future growth as Maricopa County continues to be an attractive destination for homeowners and investors. It is compatible with the office’s current Geographic Information System and makes it easier for both the Assessor’s Office employees and the general public to use.
The previous system was built in 1992 and was last upgraded in 2006. While it served its purpose, by modern standards it had become inefficient, lacked modern security measures, and was inflexible.
The platform switch is a groundbreaking move for the department — Maricopa County is the first county to launch a system with this size and scope and gives the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office an edge over other jurisdictions.
“We are pleased to introduce this important new system to improve service to Maricopa County residents and property owners,” said Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook. “Our focus at the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office is to operate one of the most efficient and effective offices in the country, and this is a key step forward in that direction.”
The move is part of a significant long-term strategic plan designed to make the organization as efficient and responsive as possible to county residents. Its strategic plan is centered on defining the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Assessor's Office with the goal of being a “Best in Class,” Digital First organization focused on Fairness and Equity, Innovation and Efficiency, and a One Team approach. The Maricopa County Assessor's Office strategic plan may be viewed here.
PHOENIX (May 13, 2022) - The Maricopa County Assessor’s Office has completed a significant long-term strategic plan designed to make the organization as efficient and responsive as possible to county residents.
Assessor's Office Rolls Out Long-term Strategic Plan
PHOENIX (May 13, 2022) - The Maricopa County Assessor’s Office has completed a significant long-term strategic plan designed to make the organization as efficient and responsive as possible to county residents.
The strategic plan centered on defining the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the Assessor's Office with the goal of being a “Best in Class” organization focused on Fairness and Equity, Innovation and Efficiency, and a One Team approach.
“The goal was to create a unified direction that will enhance our work, improve how we serve, and define how we perform as one team,” said Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook. “This plan is a roadmap to serve Maricopa County more efficiently and effectively to provide the best possible customer experience. The plan was the result of a collaborative effort of colleagues across various functions over the course of many months.”
The “Best in Class” model will be achieved through six Core Initiatives:
Customer Experience: The office will make every effort to ensure that the public has a positive experience with our organization and leave with a better understanding of the assessment and valuation process.
Digital First: The office introduced its Digital First initiative in 2020 with the goal of delivering an outstanding experience that is more efficient for its constituents and team members. This initiative focuses on providing a more effective, convenient way for the public to engage with the office’s services.
Process Development and Improvement: The office will continually work to innovate and simplify its processes, and will optimize this approach by implementing the elements of a process development framework. The goal is to reduce errors, costs, and the training time for new team members.
Proactive Workload Management: The office will implement benchmarks and refine processes and teams to ensure customer needs are met. This proactive approach to management will emphasize the use of technology and tools to predict potential issues before they arise and streamline workflow.
Culture Development: The plan includes efforts that will empower the office’s team and build upon their expertise to become one of Arizona’s best places to work.
Team Development and Collaboration: The office will work to build synergy among team members by encouraging cooperation and building trust and understanding through the intentional sharing of knowledge, as well as encouraging the promotion of team members from within.
We have an entire website dedicated to the Strategic Plan which can be viewed here.
The plan was unveiled in a series of meetings that took place over three days at the end of April and is the first strategic plan ever created by the office. The Maricopa County Assessor’s Office has right around 300 employees, about half of whom are appraisers working on land value.
“I would like to thank all of the team members that were involved in shaping this plan,” said Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook. “Our office is full of talented people who serve the public with exceptional skill every day, and this strategic plan will help enhance their work and provide even better service to Maricopa County residents.”
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Each year, the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office values over 1.8 million real and personal property parcels and accounts. The property values determined by the office serve as the foundation for fairly allocating more than $650 million in property tax revenue for Maricopa County and its cities, towns, and districts last year.
