General Information Archives - Page 3 of 14

A Fond Farewell and an Exciting Welcome!

February 9, 2026/in General Information/by Deb Bartnett

From Deb:

It’s a bittersweet moment as I say goodbye to Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) after nearly seven years. During my time here, I gained a depth of property tax knowledge I never knew I needed (lol!) but I’m grateful to the experts at SAI who taught and mentored me along the way. This team is not only incredibly skilled across so many areas but also made up of genuinely great people with diverse personalities and interests that I’ve truly enjoyed.

I’m stepping away for a very special reason: my new role as Grandma. I’m overjoyed to spend a couple of days each week caring for my grandson, Benson, while his parents are at work. Four months in, I can confirm that grandparenting is every bit as wonderful as everyone promised. I’ll stay in touch with my SAI friends, but I’ll be trading research and deadlines for baby cuddles, tummy time, and nursery rhymes!

The best part is that SAI is in great hands. A new Client Research Specialist has joined the team, ensuring a smooth transition. Welcome Pacey Salzman to the company — her knowledge, education, and fun personality will be a fantastic fit for SAI.

From Pacey:

Hello! My name is Pacey, and I am excited to be joining Swartz + Associates as a Client Research Specialist. I am currently pursuing my accounting degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and will graduate in Spring 2026. Through my studies, I have developed a strong interest in analytical work and enjoy diving into details to help solve complex problems.

Outside of work and school, I recently adopted a dog, who has quickly become a big part of my life. In my free time I enjoy knitting, needlepoint, and sewing as creative ways that help me unwind and appreciate the value of patience and precision. Whether it is going on walks or spending time at home, I enjoy staying active and finding a balance outside of the office. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow with the team at Swartz + Associates and look forward to learning more about the property tax industry.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

Property Tax Clarity in Jackson County

February 2, 2026/in General Information/by Don Swartz

By Donald Swartz, President

2025 was quite the year for owners of commercial and industrial real estate in Jackson County. Missouri reassesses real estate for property tax purposes every odd year. The county implemented significant increases in commercial value for the 2025, ranging from 15% to 800%+.

How can this be? Missouri law mandates properties be valued at their “fair market value”. For years, Jackson County has been assessing commercial property well below its true value and in 2025, the assessor’s office issued valuation notices with increases to reflect the current market values for commercial properties. (This follows their efforts to increase residential property values in 2023.)

However, in order to review tens of thousands of commercial properties, arbitrarily increasing all values by a set percentage fails to recognize issues with a particular property. Property tax owners are afforded the opportunity to contest/appeal the valuation notice and meet with the assessor’s office and/or have a hearing before the Jackson County Board of Equalization.

The increases in value generated by the assessor’s office set off disgruntled taxpayers and a wave of protests and claims of illegally valuing property occurred. This is just one of the reasons the County Executive was recalled in a fall special election.

The Interim County Executive immediately issued a statement to rollback all commercial values that had increased more than 15%, with the following exceptions:

Properties valued over Five Million Dollars
Properties that had already filed appeals and settled on new valuations based upon meetings with the assessor’s office or results from the Jackson County Board of Equalization

However, this was not deemed fair and equitable and the Interim County Executive amended the statement to rollback values to 15% above the previous year’s value, even if they had received a successful reduction where the value concluded was greater than 15% increase over the previous year’s value.

Additionally, the Interim County Executive fired the Jackson County Assessor and has hinted the position of the assessor should be an elected position rather than an appointed position. This begs the question, “How can an assessor in Missouri achieve fair market value on properties according to Missouri statute, if taxpayers have the right to vote the individual out of office if they do not like an increase they receive on the property taxes?”

Finally, property taxes in Missouri are due annually on December 31^st. With all the changes and confusion with the updating of values, the Interim County Executive has extended the deadline to pay property taxes until January 31^st without penalty. The county has indicated they will have values updated in the database (and presumably on their website) by February 1^st. This appears to be inconsistent with the deadline of January 31st to have the taxes timely paid.

Clarity?

What if you pay the higher tax amount than is owed?
When will refunds be issued to the taxpayer?
Will refunds be issued to the taxpayer, or will they receive credits to the 2026 taxes, allowing Jackson County to hold excess funds for throughout the calendar year?
Will the county find a new assessor?
Will this become an elected position? If so, what will the election cycle look like?
What about properties valued over Five Million Dollars? Are they being treated fairly and/or equitably?

I believe Jackson County has a long way to go when it comes to clarity.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

I Could Use Your Help – Seriously

January 26, 2026/in General Information/by David Swartz

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

I would appreciate your feedback on conferences or meetings related to commercial property and commercial property-adjacent industries you think are worth attending.

Over the last three years, I have attended industry sector events important in my role of developing new business for Swartz+Associates. I have truly enjoyed the Iowa Association of Business and Industry annual conference, the Iowa Commercial Real Estate annual meeting and monthly meetings, and the Theater Owners Association meetings. These organizations cover topics new to me in a specific niche, offer provocative speakers and the attendees are open to sharing information amongst each other.

What are some of your favorite local, regional or national events or meetings you recommend that I should consider attending as I plan out the next eighteen months? Please share your response publicly or private message me.

Happy new year and I hope to see you in person soon!

Transactions vs. Relationships: Why the Long Game Matters

January 19, 2026/in General Information/by Keith Sherman

By Keith Sherman, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

In business circles today, the conversation around transactions verses relationship building is louder than ever. The two are not mutually exclusive, but they certainly are not equal. I spent my entire life as someone who has “never met a stranger,” which is really just a polite way of saying I’m comfortable talking to anyone. I see the good in people. I see potential friends, future collaborators, and meaningful connections everywhere I go.

Over the years, people have introduced me as someone who “knows everyone.” That’s not quite true. I have met a lot of people – coast to coast, in countless industries and communities – but meeting someone and knowing someone are two very different things. A real relationship is not built from a quick hello at a networking event or a 30‑second elevator ride that ends in a LinkedIn request. It’s built over time, with intention.

A New Chapter—and a New Pace

Two years ago, after nearly four decades in marketing and advertising, I joined Swartz + Associates as a Business Development Executive. When I sat down with Don Swartz to talk about the opportunity, he said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Keith, I want you to say goodbye to your sense of urgency. Our business takes time. Be patient signing new clients. There’s no quota. No timeline. Just go out there and be yourself.”

Wait, go out there and be myself? That I can do. In fact, I can do it better than ever.

Because at this stage in my life, I am intentional about nurturing my past, present, and future connections. I have lived and traveled all over the country, and those experiences have taught me how differently people behave depending on where they’re from—and how similar we all are at our core. One universal truth: trust rarely happens quickly. It takes time. So do genuine relationships.

You can’t rush your way into someone’s inner circle. You can’t expect access to their network before you’ve earned their confidence. You have to show up with the goal of getting to know them, not closing a deal.

A Real Example of the Long Game

This past spring, I was invited to a networking event by someone I worked with back in the late 1990s. That’s a relationship nearly 25 years in the making. At the event, I hugged someone I hadn’t seen in ages, and I also met a person who Swartz + Associates completed a successful project with recently.

That moment did not happen because of a transaction. It happened because of a relationship that had been built, maintained, and respected over decades.

The True Return on Investment

I have been part of countless business transactions throughout my career. But the real effort—the real reward—comes from building relationships that last. Transactions may pay the bills, but relationships build a life. They shape your reputation, your opportunities, and your personal growth.

Don’s advice was spot-on. These past two years have been both fun and successful, and the best part is that it feels like I’m just getting started.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

The New Kansas City Chiefs Stadium and STAR Bonds

January 12, 2026/in General Information/by Eric Owens

By Eric Owens, Director at Swartz and Associates

Kansas’ decision to help finance the newly announced $3–3.3 billion Kansas City Chiefs stadium has put a powerful but often misunderstood tool in the spotlight: STAR bonds. Whether you’re a fan, a business owner, or simply someone who cares about how major projects get funded, understanding STAR bonds helps make sense of why Kansas is making such a bold investment.

What Are STAR Bonds?

Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a Kansas financing tool that lets the state pay for major tourism and entertainment projects using future sales tax revenue generated inside a special district.

In simple terms:

Kansas creates a district around a big project
Sales taxes from spending inside that district are used to repay the bonds
No new taxes are created
The project must attract visitors and spending that wouldn’t otherwise occur

For the Chiefs stadium, Kansas approved STAR bonds to cover up to 70% of the project cost, or roughly $2.4 billion.

Why Kansas Is Using STAR Bonds for the Chiefs

Kansas leaders believe the new stadium — along with its surrounding entertainment district and new team headquarters — will:

Attract millions of visitors
Generate significant new sales tax revenue
Create long‑term economic activity
Position Kansas to host major events like the Super Bowl or Final Four

STAR bonds are designed specifically for projects that bring in regional and national tourism, not just local shoppers.

Other Kansas Projects That Have Used STAR Bonds

Kansas has used STAR bonds for more than 20 years, including several high‑profile developments:

1) Village West / Kansas Speedway (Wyandotte County)

One of the most successful STAR bond districts in the state. It includes:

Kansas Speedway
Legends Outlets
Sporting KC’s stadium

This area is often cited as the model for how STAR bonds can work well.

2) Mattel Adventure Park (Bonner Springs)

A new $540 million theme park featuring Barbie and Hot Wheels attractions.

More than $200 million in incentives — including STAR bonds — were approved to support it.

3) Other Tourism & Entertainment Projects

Since the program began in 1999, Kansas has used STAR bonds for:

Museums
Sports complexes
Entertainment districts
Large‑scale retail and tourism attractions

The goal is always the same: bring in visitors and generate new spending.

What This Means for the Kansas City Region

The Chiefs stadium will likely become the largest STAR bond project in Kansas history, and its impact will extend far beyond football.

Potential regional effects:

New jobs and construction activity
Growth in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment
Increased national visibility for the KC metro
A new economic anchor in Wyandotte County

Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or a fan, this project represents a major shift in where and how the region grows.

Final Takeaway

STAR bonds are a unique Kansas tool designed to fund big, tourism‑driven projects without raising taxes. The new Chiefs stadium is the most ambitious use of this tool yet — and it will shape the region’s economy, development patterns, and identity for decades.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

The Swartz Report: 2025 Year in Review

January 5, 2026/in General Information/by Don Swartz

By Donald Swartz, President

As 2025 comes to an end and we set our sights on 2026, I want to express my appreciation to all the employees that make Swartz & Associates, Inc. (SAI) and Indurante & Associates, Inc. (Indurante) be the companies they are. 2025 was a very challenging year in many respects. Our teams are keeping things in order and ensuring we’re taking care of our clients in the world of property taxes.

Finishing my 39^th year of property review and analysis, I’m not quite sure I’ve experienced a year quite like this.

Kansas City

The reassessment in MO, particularly Jackson County (Kansas City), kept us on our toes and the interim Jackson County Executive ordering a roll back on all commercial properties with valuations less than $5,000,000 only added to taxpayers’ confusion.

Iowa

We continue to find the court systems backlogged from shutdowns related to the Covid years. Several Iowa appeals from the 2023 tax year are finally being scheduled for hearing and our 2025 cases which have been appealed to District Court are not being set for hearings until 2027 and early 2028.

Nebraska

The Nebraska Tax Equalization Review Commission (TERC) continues to be delayed in issuing decisions. We presented a case before TERC in the fall of 2023 and we have yet to receive a decision notice…

Indurante

Earlier this summer we were notified one of our large Indurante clients was set be acquired at the beginning of 2026 and another large client declared bankruptcy.

Should I do my best ostrich imitation and stick my head in the sand?

This does not really fit my personality or my approach to handling challenging situations 😊 And here’s why:

We continue to work in our client’s best interests; we know what we are supposed to be doing and I believe we do our work very well.
We have strong and long-lasting relationships with our client base. This is invaluable in a service industry business. We are so grateful and appreciative of our clients.
Our pipeline of cases under appeal is significant, and when the opportunity to hear/try our cases take place – we will be ready!
Our work environment remains positive; looking forward to what’s ahead as opposed to dwelling on what has transpired in the past.

Looking forward to 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the power of networking and meaningful touches with clients, friends and prospects is extremely impactful and I cannot stress this enough to my employees. It’s easy to hide behind an email and it takes effort to go above and beyond. I want us to continue to meet, have lunch or coffee, Teams/Zoom, conference calls, whatever is necessary to keep our clients abreast of situations relating to their properties and their businesses.

I look forward to building new relationships; strengthening current ones and reconnecting with prior touches. If we continue to do things the right way, I am optimistic that 2026 will be an exciting and fulfilling year!

Happy New Year to everyone and please let me know how we can assist you. As always, please reach me at or . Or, as I mentioned above, you can call me – (913) 766-8761.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

Big Box Retailer in Iowa benefits from SAI Review of Property Tax Assessments

December 15, 2025/in General Information/by Charles Young

By Charles Young, Manager at Swartz and Associates

Property taxes are typically the largest operating expense item for owners of commercial real estate. Prudent owners constantly are looking for ways to minimize operating expenses and engaging Swartz & Associates, Inc. (SAI) is an effective way to review this significant annual expense. At SAI, we specialize in uncovering those dollars—through our valuation analysis, strategic appeals, and an understanding of local tax jurisdictions.

Class A Big Box Retail Store – Coralville, IA: Secured a $1.2M value reduction, resulting in $43K in real estate tax savings.
Class B Big Box Retail Store – Dubuque, IA: Achieved a $656K value reduction, saving our client $18K in taxes.
Class A Big Box Retail Store – Dyersville, IA: Delivered a $368K reduction, generating $9.5K in savings.

In all, SAI reviewed and successfully appealed 9 properties for our client throughout Iowa. In total, we were able to successfully generate almost $4 million dollars in market value reductions this past year.

We achieved this by implementing the concepts listed below:

Strategy: Using market fee simple income models that reflect real-world income, expense, and capitalization rates.
Early communication with taxing authorities: A consistent effort to reach out to the respective local County Assessor to discuss differences in opinion of value.
Provide expert testimony to the Boards of Review: In the event we were unable to work out a valuation at the informal level, our past experience before the local Board of Review provided the necessary means to effectively present our cases.
Client Collaboration: We worked closely with owner and the on-site managers to ensure every angle is covered.

Whether you own a single asset or manage a multi-state portfolio, property taxes are too important to ignore. If you haven’t reviewed your assessments recently, now is always the right time!

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

The Enduring Power of Great Teams

December 8, 2025/in General Information/by David Swartz

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

I’ve written about joining Swartz+Associates, my brother’s firm, in 2023 after spending 35 years in the financial services industry. The legacy financial firm, which once employed over 1,000 people in Des Moines in 1998 experienced many changes over the years and now employs only a small number of people locally. Most of my past co-workers remain in the industry through outside company acquisition or by joining or forming firms specializing in financial planning matters.

Members from this original firm recently held our fourth anniversary reunion to celebrate our joint efforts and teamwork. I proudly shared my original security badge picture preserving the notion that I still represent that younger version of myself. We mostly caught up on family stories and explained current professional roles, but it is remarkable that our collective expertise reflected so many different roles such as sales, operations, and legal/compliance.

Whether you work for a small firm like ours, or a multinational firm where I once worked, success in meeting hard goals and achievements are made easier when a great team is involved. These achievements are often hard to recognize or appreciate in the moment, but become better-celebrated over time when members are able to reflect on their involvement and contributions.

I am thankful for all the mentors and influential teammates with whom I have worked and am glad to add my three years of new property tax experience to Swartz+Associates’ 125 years plus of combined expertise!

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!

Boutique Bliss: An Annual Holiday Tradition

December 1, 2025/in General Information/by Katy True

By Katy True, Operations Manager at Swartz and Associates

Once again, the Overland Park Convention Center transformed into a winter wonderland for the Kansas City Holiday Boutique last week. For me and my friends, this event has become more than just shopping, it’s a tradition we look forward to every year.

We kick things off with lunch at a local spot (because let’s be honest, no one wants to shop while hangry). With full bellies and plenty of energy, we spread out the map like seasoned strategists, plotting our path through the maze of more than 320 vendors. Trust me, without a plan, it’s easy to get swept away in the sparkle and lose track of time.

320+ Vendors and 40,000 Shoppers!

And we weren’t alone. During the five-day event, more than 40,000 shoppers poured in to browse, buy, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Of course, no large event is complete without the dilemma of parking. With thousands of people attending, parking spaces can be scarce. Luckily, my friends and I have a secret weapon – the Swartz & Associates office sits just half a block away from the convention center. Thanks to local business parking passes, we can snag a spot without worry. On this day, I happily trade my office chair for shopping bags, using my parking pass to enjoy the boutique stress-free.

This year brought something extra special: the next generation of shoppers joined us. A few of my friends’ daughters tagged along, adding fresh excitement to our tradition. Watching them discover the joy of the boutique reminds us why we keep coming back – it’s not just about the shopping, it’s about the memories we make together.

So here’s to another year of holiday sparkle, laughter, and perfectly planned shopping routes. The Kansas City Holiday Boutique never disappoints, and I can’t wait to see what treasures and traditions next year brings.

Reflections on the 2025 ASA International Conference (ASAIC25) in San Juan, Puerto Rico

November 17, 2025/in General Information/by Gary Stone

By Gary A. Stone, ASA, Manager at Swartz and Associates

¡WEPA!

¡WEPA! was the greeting we received from the emcee at the beginning of the 2025 ASA International Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, ¡WEPA! is a slang expression used to convey excitement, jubilation, or celebration. The emcee, a native of Puerto Rico, was using this exclamation to convey an excitement to the attendees that Puerto Rico was excited about having us visiting their community. But it was also exciting for many to reconnect with friends from other parts of the world as well as meet new ones.

ASAIC25 – Highlighting the ASA’s Strengths

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) International Conference, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event brought together professionals from across the world, with attendees traveling from as far as India, Australia, Europe, and Israel. Having that kind of global turnout really showed how strong ASA’s network is and how important our work is across the world.

One of the strengths of the American Society of Appraisers is its multidisciplinary focus. The program offers the opportunity to engage with experts across a range of specialties, including business valuation, real estate valuation, personal property appraisal (fine art, jewelry, gems, collectibles, and stained glass), and machinery and technical specialties. The exchange of ideas among disciplines fosters collaboration and a broader appreciation for how each specialty contributes to the overall professionalism and credibility of the valuation community.

You only live Juan-ce!

I saw this pun and could not resist including it-it just feeds my sense of humor. The outstanding educational sessions and networking opportunities would have been enough for a memorable event. However, the setting made it even better. The people of San Juan were warm and welcoming and provided us a wonderful time. My wife, Melissa, and I had an opportunity before the conference to explore Old San Juan. The colorful architecture and rich history were amazing!

The ASA International Conference was an outstanding experience, both professionally and personally. The sessions were informative, but what truly made it special were the people. I left the conference better educated, with new friendships and richer for experiencing the culture of Puerto Rico!

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!