The California State Board of Equalization convened its annual meeting with county assessors on Oct. 22, 2025, in Sacramento to discuss post–Prop 19 challenges, a joint technology initiative and proposals to streamline appeals. Chair Gaines opened the session and welcomed what he called a strong turnout, saying, "I think I've counted 25 assessors, participating."

County assessors and board members focused on three persistent issues: correcting or mitigating the intergenerational-transfer effects of Proposition 19, modernizing assessment technology through a joint powers authority, and shortening delays in assessment appeals. Jeff Prang, president of the California Assessors Association, credited the board’s earlier guidance on Prop 19 implementation and noted the association’s work on electronic signatures and disaster-related exemptions.

Speakers described Prop 19’s intergenerational-transfer provision as the most politically fraught item. Several assessors said altering that part of the 2020 measure would require either a new ballot initiative or legislative action tied to funding trade-offs. Joaquin Torres, San Francisco assessor, said local officials are still seeing "angst and confusion" around base‑year transfers and intergenerational rules.

Technology modernization and data sharing were presented as practical tools to ease several problems. Don Gackel, chair of the California County Assessors Information Technology Authority, said the assessors’ JPA has grown to 33 member counties and has used three state installments of $10 million (2022–24) to fund a proof of concept and an RFP for a production portal for Prop 19 exemptions. Gackel told the board that the JPA has recommended several vendors move to contract discussions so counties can choose implementation levels that fit their needs.

On appeals, Santa Clara County Assessor Greg Monteverde summarized an AAB workgroup proposal to reduce resolution times by improving coordination between clerks of the board and assessor offices, tightening continuance rules (requiring written declarations), expanding e‑signatures and clarifying scheduling procedures. Monteverde said those changes aim to reduce postponements, which he identified as a major source of delay.

Newer assessors also asked the board for targeted help. Josie Gonzalez, San Bernardino County assessor and 10 months into office, asked for guidance on valuing evolving property types—warehouse-to-retail conversions, high‑density housing without parking and incoming data centers—and raised concerns about unfunded legislative mandates.

Board members said the topics would continue into 2026. Chair Gaines announced the next board meeting for Nov. 19, 2025, and adjourned the session for lunch.