Preservation Action, Legislative Update
Volume 21, Number 03, February 02, 2018 →
Nominations are Being Accepted for ACHP/HUD ‘s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation(ACHP) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) are currently accepting nominations for the 2018 Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The joint award between ACHP and HUD was first announced last year to honor historic preservation efforts with affordable housing and community revitalization successes. The award recognizes developers, organizations, and agencies for their success in advancing the goals of historic preservation while providing affordable housing and/or expanded economic opportunities for low and moderate-income families and individuals.
In 2017, the award recognized the efforts of the Oliver neighborhood in Baltimore, MD, where more than 320 homes have been renovated or rebuilt, transforming the neighborhood. HUD Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson , said of the neighborhood,
“This is a great example of the power that comes from a public-private collaboration, not just to rehab a few homes, but an entire neighborhood.”
Nominations for the 2018 cycle are bring accepted through March 1, 2018. For more information on nomination requirements and how to apply, check out the link below.
ACHP/HUD Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
Preservationists Gather in Buffalo to Urge Lawmakers to Strengthen New York’s State Historic Tax Credit Program
This week, preservationists, developers, and politicians all gatheredin Buffalo, NY to urge state lawmakers to strengthen New York’s historic tax credit program. The state’s historic tax credit faces several challenges which could severely threaten the program. A recent budget proposal from Gov. Andrew Cuomo would delay payment of historic tax credits until 2021. State Sen. Chris Jacobs joined preservationists to urge Gov. Cuomo to reconsider, saying New York’s historic tax credit has spurred nearly $1 billion in private investment over the last decade. Supporters also called for a five year extension of the program, which would help with investor confidence in the tax credit.
The gathered group of preservationists also urged lawmakers to take action to separate the state historic tax credit program from the federal program. The new tax bill signed into law at the end of the year, while maintaining the 20% historic tax credit, called for the program to be phased in over 5 years. In New York and many other states, the state historic tax credit is coupled with the federal program, meaning the state credit would also be phased in over 5 years, which weakens the overall effectiveness of the program. Many of the changes being called for by supporters of New York’s program are intended to compensate for the changes to the federal historic tax credit.Learn more
Legislation That Would Dramatically Reduce Missouri’s Historic Tax Credit Advances in State Senate
The Missouri state Senate advanced SB590, which would dramatically reduce the state’s Historic Tax Credit. Missouri’s historic tax credit program provides a 25% tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses with a fiscal year cap of $140 million. The proposed legislation, introduced by Sen. Dan Hegeman, would lower the annual cap to $70 million. Historic Revitalization for Missouri estimates this would result in $300 to $400 million in project cuts. Slashing Missouri’s historic tax credit program was attempted in previous years, but supporters of the program successfully fought back those efforts.
Supporters from across the state are once again resisting the efforts to reduce the historic tax credit program. This week, the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservationled a lobby day at the state Capitol to take their message directly to lawmakers. Supporters met with lawmakers and distributed packets highlighting historic tax credit projects in their district. They also highlighted a recent study that showed a dramatic increase in property values for properties that received state historic tax credits, which leads to increased tax revenue for the state.
If you live in Missouri, reach out to your state Senator and voice your opposition to SB590!
Registration Now Open for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week
Registration is now open for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week 2018. Register by Friday February 12thto lock in the best rates!
Preservation Action along with the National Conference of Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) is excited to host the 2018 National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week from March 12th-14th at the historic Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC.
Advocacy Week registration includes in-depth training, policy briefings, meetings with elected officials and white papers from an array of preservation and policy professionals. Ticketed events offer additional meetings with elected officials, their staff, and a national network of preservation advocates.
We Need Your Voice
Advocacy Week is our annual opportunity to have a mass impact on opinion leaders and policy makers. Together with a cohesive message in support of preservation-positive legislation we can ensure a strong future for the federal historic preservation program.
Make Your Hotel Reservations Today
Take advantage of a special $279/night rate. To make your reservations call 1-877-424-2449 and use event code “NCS”. Special room rate expires Feb. 16th 2018.
Check out our Advocacy Week page for more information!
Stories From Around the States
Maryland: “Senator Cardin Hosts Preservation Round Table Discussion in Annapolis”
District of Columbia: “Past is Present: D.C. Must Guard its Own Historic Sites Against Neglect”
Florida: “‘Soul Of The City,’ 96-Year-Old Former School Gets New Life As Cultural Center In Fort Lauderdale“