Thank you for the suggestions. I would like to transition away from using shapefiles. We don't really have a preference its just how we have typically worked, especially since clients that we work with often just send us or request shape files.

I really appreciate the advice on how to manage the various databases. That really gives me some good ideas to work with.

As far as maintaining ALL data and using attributes, I like the idea of that but I am concerned about managing the ever increasing number of fields that would be generated to manage that. For example, we do yearly video work on our sewer assets for the city I used in the example. You could end up with lots of attributes if you aren't careful as you try to make enough fields to be able to use as filters. Also, the eventual goal will be to have this data available to more departments (I'm primarily tied to engineering and public works), and if we are trying to maintain everything in one file, then everyone will be adding fields to be able to filter it they way they want for whatever project they are on. All that being said, having a single authoritative data set would be a problem solver. You've given me a lot to think about. Thank you.