07.15.25 County launches new podcast to demystify property assessments
July 15, 2025
Jackson County launches new podcast to demystify property assessments
“Market Value Matters” cuts through myths and empowers homeowners and businesses with facts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In an effort to address widespread misinformation and concern about property assessments, Jackson County has launched Market Value Matters: The Assessment Podcast, a new video series featuring subject matter experts, designed to help residents and businesses better understand the process, and separate fact from fiction.
The first three episodes are now available on the Jackson County YouTube Channel (@JacksonCountyMOUS):
- Myths and Facts for 2025 State Tax Commission Order
- Understanding Mass Appraisal
- Commercial Properties: What You Need to Know
“Property assessments impact every homeowner and business owner in our community, but too often, the facts get buried under misinformation,” said Jackson County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty. “Our responsibility is to ensure assessments are fair and equitable for everyone. This isn’t about raising taxes; it’s about getting values right, so everyone is treated the same under the law.”
In the first episode, County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty addresses persistent myths about the State Tax Commission’s (STC) 2025 order, explaining that Jackson County was legally required to re-inspect and reassess certain properties to meet state standards. She reassures residents that the County is committed to following the law and ensuring accuracy across the board. She also addresses common misconceptions, including the idea that the County is inflating values to increase revenue, which it cannot do because of the Hancock Amendment.
The second episode breaks down the mass appraisal method, explaining how it ensures consistency and fairness for more than 300,000 parcels in Jackson County. McCann Beatty emphasizes that while mass appraisal treats similar properties the same, the appeals process exists to make sure unique circumstances are not overlooked.
“Mass appraisal makes sure we treat similar properties the same way,” said McCann Beatty. “But if we miss something unique about your home or business, that’s why the appeals process exists, and we encourage people to use it.”
In the third episode, the podcast clarifies how commercial properties are assessed differently, using factors like income and expenses to calculate fair market value, helping ensure businesses pay their fair share, too.
Each episode is short, conversational, and packed with clear explanations to help property owners feel informed and empowered. Residents and business owners who believed their assessment was inaccurate were strongly encouraged to file an appeal with the Board of Equalization (BOE) by yesterday’s deadline.
“Transparency is the only way to build trust, especially with something as complex as property assessments,” said McCann Beatty. “This podcast helps us explain the facts clearly, so everyone feels informed and confident.”
More episodes of Market Value Matters will be released in the coming weeks, covering additional topics that matter most to taxpayers. Episodes will also be posted on Jackson County’s social media channels and added to the Assessment and Communications pages on the County website.
Watch now: Jackson County YouTube Channel