City real-estate valuation staff told the Roanoke City Council on Jan. 5 that a general reassessment for fiscal 2026–27 projects a 6.55% overall increase across a $15,200,000,000 city portfolio.

Presenter Mister Bratton (real estate valuation) said residential values were projected to rise about 6.83%, multifamily about 8.97% and commercial about 3.98%. He noted last years residential increase and cautioned that some figures depend on permit timing and market transitions. "If anybody is upset or wants to appeal their assessment, we offer this option... they need to have an appeal in our office on or before February 4," Bratton said.

The office described methodology distinctions between "valid sales" (arms-length transactions vetted for the analysis) and total sales and said the city mailed notices to property owners. Last year the valuation office recorded 381 informal appeals and 74 formal appeals; staff said mailed notices this year numbered 35,179 (the transcript contains inconsistent numeric presentation; staff offered the mailed-notice total during the briefing).

Staff reviewed sector-level trends and flagged specific local projects and sites expected to influence assessments, including activity at Valley View Mall, Orange Avenue projects and the Wilton subdivision. They advised citizens that if they remain unhappy after an informal appeal they may pursue a formal appeal to the board of equalization and circuit court.

The city emphasized that reassessment changes do not automatically change the tax rate and encouraged property owners to review their mailed notices and file appeals before Feb. 4 if needed.