A few weeks ago, I returned from an 11‑day trip to France. For many people that may sound ordinary, but for us it was our first international trip in nearly seven years. Most of our travel has stayed within the U.S. simply because it feels easier. This time, the change of scenery, the food, and the art museums were exactly what we needed.
As soon as we arrived in Paris, I found myself comparing it to the other great world city I know well—New York—and to my current home in Charlotte. I’m always curious about how major cities evolve, what they prioritize, and what those choices say about quality of life. Paris surprised me more than I expected. Like any major city, it has its challenges, including homelessness and high costs. But it also offered a sense of renewal and intentionality that stood out.
We stayed near Notre Dame Cathedral, spent time on Lake Annecy, and explored Le Marais. Our VRBOs made us feel like locals returning to our “flat” each evening. We visited the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Rodin Museum, and of course Notre Dame. The restoration of the cathedral was remarkable—inside, the stained glass and soaring arches looked almost new.
As memorable as the museums were, the highlight was traveling along the Seine by water taxi. The pace, the views, and the energy along the riverbanks were inspiring. I had read about the cleanup efforts ahead of the Olympics, but seeing the river alive—with people walking, biking, and gathering along its edges—was transformative.
What struck me most was how far ahead Paris and France seem in their commitment to environmental stewardship:
- Electrified taxi fleets
- Minimal plastic use in take‑away food (wood-based alternatives instead of oil-based plastics)
- Fully electric water taxis
- Extensive bike paths used daily for commuting to school and work
Experiences like this remind me why travel matters—not just personally, but professionally. In our work advising clients, we’re constantly learning. Cities reveal what cultures value, how they care for their resources, and how they plan for the future. Asset management, at its core, has always been about stewardship: treating others the way we would want to be treated, whether through sophisticated tools or simple principles like “do no harm.”
My takeaway from this trip is that while history and heritage define a place, the choices a community makes about its resources define its future. Well‑kept gardens, vibrant public spaces, and thoughtful environmental policies don’t happen by accident. They reflect a long‑term mindset—one that considers not just today, but the generations who will follow.
In the same way, our process for managing assets continues to evolve as we navigate a complex and changing world. Our goal is always to look ahead—to the next year, the next decade, and the next generation—while helping you enjoy the places you live in and the future you’re building.
~ Steve Davenport, CFA