LA County Assessor Jeff Prang reveals how his team rebuilt an outdated system, deployed AI tools, and delivered rapid wildfire tax relief to victims while saving 45K+ personnel hours.

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Zach Cilman, welcomes Jeff Prang who discusses  his extensive background in public service, detailing his journey from Michigan to his pivotal role in California.  He provides insights into the complexities of property assessment, the unique responsibilities of the Assessor’s office, and the innovative $120 million modernization project undertaken by his office. 

Jeff highlights how new technology, including AI, has revolutionized the efficiency and accuracy of property assessments, particularly during crisis events like wildfires. He also touches upon leadership, transparency, and the ongoing efforts to build public trust in government operations. The episode concludes with Jeff's vision for the future and his legacy in public service.

• Meet Jeff Prang: LA County Assessor
• Jeff's Journey from Michigan to California
• Entering Public Service
• Challenges and Achievements in Public Office
• The Role and Importance of the Assessor's Office
• Understanding California's Property Tax System
• Modernizing the Assessor's Office
• Government Contracting Challenges
• Adopting Agile Development in Public Processes
• User-Centric Design
• Successful System Implementation
• Impact on Taxpayers
• Leveraging AI for Efficiency
• The Homeowner Alert System
• Leadership and Legacy
• Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Watch “Jeff Prang & Using Proptech to Modernize the Assessor’s Role” on YouTube

Jeff Prang is a nationally recognized leader in property assessment and public administration, serving as the Los Angeles County Assessor since 2014. Now in his third term, he oversees the largest local property assessment agency in the United States, managing valuations of more than $2 trillion in real estate that generates over $20 billion in annual funding for critical public services like schools, hospitals, and emergency response. 

A dedicated public servant with nearly three decades of experience, Jeff began his career in the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office as a Special Assistant to then-Assessor Kenneth P. Hahn. He went on to serve 18 years on the West Hollywood City Council, including four terms as Mayor, where he championed housing policy, economic development, and LGBTQ+ rights. 

Under Jeff's leadership, the Assessor's Office launched a $120 million modernization initiative, replacing a 40-year-old legacy system with a state-of-the-art digital platform, one of the most significant technological transformations in the agency's history. His commitment to excellence has earned the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration (CEM) twice from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IMO), making Los Angeles County the only jurisdiction in California and one of just 58 nationwide to achieve this distinction.

In recognition of his expertise, Jeff was elected President of the California Assessors' Association ( CM) for 2025, where he will lead efforts to uphold fairness and uniformity in property assessments statewide. 

Jeff holds a degree from Michigan State University's James Madison College and a certificate from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. A history enthusiast, he enjoys genealogy and resides in Baldwin Hills with his husband, Ray Vizcarra, an award-winning music director at Warren High School in Downey.

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