The Past Informs our Future

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

We recently traveled to Rome and Greece, where the examination of antiquities over 3,000 years old was incredible, awe inspiring, and informative.

Pompeii was especially striking as a once vibrant city buried under 50 or more feet of volcanic ash in 79 CE, only to be rediscovered by a farmer digging for wells in the mid-1800s. Scenes of everyday life and commerce were well preserved for us to contemplate today and consider how similar this society’s use of space and community remain very familiar –including a “beware of dog” mosaic outside a home.

What will the legacy of our society look like 2,000 years into the future?

In the future, will technology redefine our workspaces and shopping experience? Will communities still gather in public spaces to share news of the day; will entertainment be tailored and enjoyed individually; or will arenas and theaters still be important destinations to jointly share entertainment experiences?

While near term growth may appear stagnant, we can look at history and be guided by a principle that reimagining how buildings can be used and working together to solve challenges creates opportunities for advancement.

Ad Valorem

Interestingly, the Latin phrase Ad Valorem still is used today to arrive at assessed tax valuations. The Romans created a property tax system based on wealth in land, livestock and other assets. You can be sure we will stay on top of current industry trends and celebrate the creative thinkers who challenge us to explore what is next and defend the proper value of those assets.

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!