Assessments GIS Information Integrator

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

The Assessments GIS Information Integrator has improved the quality and accuracy of property assessments by the King County Department of Assessments, increasing fairness and equity for all taxpayers in King County. The GIS-based program also has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department by providing an additional analytical tool for their appraisers. The Assessments GIS Information Integrator, which was developed in-house by the Department’s IT Division, achieves better integration and distribution of critical assessments information on many levels. Better integration of GIS map and search/spreadsheet analysis into the county's Real Property appraisal application has increased efficiency. This allows appraisal staff to more accurately identify and document property characteristics, and to better compare similar properties across the county to ensure that they are equitably valued. Better information sharing among staff members, especially among appraisers where their varied assignments meet has created reliable output. This allows appraisers to better coordinate valuation calculations of similar properties. The program has allowed cross-referencing between real property and personal property appraisal assignments and databases for more effective personal property discovery and auditing. Finally, better information sharing with the 39 cities in the County, and with other county and state agencies has increased governmental accountability and transparency, fostering a better relationship with the community.