Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres Announces 2023 Family Wealth Forum

For Immediate Release
Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
Contact: Abigail Fay, abigail.fay@sfgov.org

***Public Service Announcement***

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres Announces 2023 Family Wealth Forum

Assessor-Recorder's Office to host a free in-person Family Wealth Forum with presentations and resources centered on financial literacy, building generational wealth and strengthening homeownership. The Family Wealth Forum is also an opportunity for residents to connect directly with City Departments and ask questions around property assessment and taxes, new construction and accessory dwelling units, permitting and more.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres announced that the 2023 Family Wealth Forum will take place on Saturday, August 12 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the City College Multi-Use Building on 55 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, 94112.

“One of my key priorities as Assessor-Recorder is helping diverse families in San Francisco achieve financial security through homeownership and asset protection. Through this year’s Family Wealth Forum, we’re bringing together industry experts as well as local and state government agencies in an accessible manner so that all San Franciscans, regardless of their income level, can access tools for wealth growth and preservation,” said Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres.

The 2023 Family Wealth Forum will include a resource fair and educational presentations. Additionally, Assessor-Recorder staff will be available onsite for one-on-one consultations to address questions on property taxes, notices of assessed value, Proposition 19, transfers, homeowner’s exemption, and business personal property.

The presentations will focus on the following topics:

• Bias in Private Appraisals: Discrimination in the private appraisal of home values undermines the purchasing power of families of color. Assessor Torres will discuss private appraisal biases, work being done in this field, and what to watch out for.
• Home Improvements and ADU Considerations: The San Francisco Planning Department and the Department of Building Inspection will speak about the steps homeowners need to take when considering home improvements or building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Assessor-Recorder staff will also share what to expect in terms of your assessed property value and other costs if you build an ADU.
• Investing Basics: Investment Management and Financial Services firm BlackRock will share tips on how to build your wealth and set up your loved ones and community for financial stability.
• Financial Scam Prevention: Nonprofit organization Legal Assistance to the Elderly will present on financial scams to watch out for, including predatory debt relief and foreclosure prevention scams. They will also share resources for victims of financial crimes.

The resource fair will feature the following organizations:

• San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
• San Francisco District Attorney’s Office
• San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment
• San Francisco Planning Department
• San Francisco Police Department Financial Crimes Unit
• California State Department of Financial Protections and Innovation
• Contractors State License Board
• BlackRock
• Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
• Legal Assistance to the Elderly
• Mission Asset Fund
• Northeast Community Federal Credit Union
• Rebuilding Together SF
• San Francisco LGBT Center
• Self Help for the Elderly
• Tax Aid SF

Interpretation services are available with advanced notice. To sign up for the Family Wealth Forum please visit: Family Wealth Forum | CCSF Office of Assessor-Recorder.

About our Office The Office of the Assessor-Recorder's mission is to fairly and accurately identify and assess all taxable property in San Francisco, and record, secure, and provide access to property, marriage and other records.

Additionally, our office seeks to advance the principles of antiracism, equity, integrity, and excellence in service to our diverse constituents and communities. The annual Family Wealth programming series is part of a broader ecosystem of work spearheaded by Assessor-Recorder Torres to promote financial literacy and opportunity among San Franciscans through the Estate Planning Program, Assessor in the Neighborhood Series, and presentations to community members regarding the basics of property assessment, taxes, and exemptions.