Housing in jeopardy? Valuation dispute could imperil thousands of affordable housing units in Nebraska
“The case in question has morphed in the past year from a narrow disagreement about how to value 21 Lincoln-area properties into a referendum on a state law meant to support development of affordable, or low-income, housing. The case, currently before the Nebraska Court of Appeals, may ultimately end up before the Nebraska Supreme Court. State lawmakers may also tangle with the issue when the Legislature reconvenes in January. If Lancaster County successfully argues the law is unconstitutional, it would lead to higher valuations – more than 300% higher in some cases. The resulting larger property tax bills could jeopardize many affordable housing projects at a time when the state faces a widening housing shortage.”