Category: Legislative Update

Preservation Action, Legislative Update
Volume 21, Number 07, March 23, 2018 →

FY18 Omnibus Spending Bill Passes With Important Increases for Historic Preservation

The FY18 Omnibus Spending Bill, which funds the government through September, was released this week and includes $96.91 million for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), a $16 million increase over FY17 levels. This is great news for the preservation community, especially after the Administration’s request called for substantial cuts to the HPF. The increased funding levels included in the bill will have a substantial impact on preservation efforts across the country. The funding includes an $8 million increase for the Save America’s Treasures program, $1 million increase each for SHPOs and THPOs, and $5 million for a new competitive grant program to revitalize historic properties of national, state, and local significance. A total breakdown of the HPF is below.

$48.925 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, $1m increase
$11.485 million for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, $1m increase
$13 million for Civil Rights grants, equal to FY17
$13 million for Save America’s Treasures grants, $8m increase
$5 million for HBCU preservation, $1m increase
$500,000 for underserved communities grants, equal to FY17
$5 million in competitive grants to revitalize historic properties of national, state and local significance, not included in FY17

The Omnibus spending bill also includes $20.32 million, a $500,000 increase, for the Heritage Partnership Program which supports National Heritage Areas and $10 million for the American Battlefield Protection Program, a $1.519 million increase over FY17 levels.

The House and Senate passed the Omnibus spending bill with broad bipartisan support, however many conservatives have expressed concern about the increase in spending. Despite expressing unease with the bill and process, President Trump signed the $1.3 trillion spending bill into law, averting a potential government shutdown. Prior to the spending bill, the federal government was operating under it’s 5th Continuing Resolution (CR) since September.

Historic Preservation Fund House Dear Colleague Letter Receives 117 Bipartisan Cosponsors, Surpassing Last Year’s Total

A bipartisan group of 117 members of Congress signed on to the FY19 Historic Preservation Fund Request Dear Colleague Letter. The letter received 20 more signatures than the FY18 dear colleague letter and is the most members of we’ve had sign the letter in several years. The letter was submitted to the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee chairman, Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Ranking Member, Betty McCollum (D-MN).

The HPF Dear Colleague letter calls for increased funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and continued support for competitive grant programs like the Civil Rights grant program and Save America’s Treasures.

Thank you to everyone that reached out to their members of Congress, urging them to sign-on to this important letter. We’d especially also like to thank the Historic Preservation Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and their offices for their leadership on this letter.

Below are the representatives that signed-on to the HPF Dear Colleague letter. Did your member sign-on? Be sure to thank them for their critical support.

FY18 HPF Dear Colleague Letter Signers →

New York Assembly and Senate Budget Include Recommended Changes to State’s Historic Tax Credit Program

Good news in New York. The one House budget bill from the New York Assembly and Senate include the recommended changes to the state’s historic tax credit program advocated by preservation and business leaders in New York. The Assembly and Senate budget would decouple the state’s historic tax credit program from the federal program and extend the program through 2024. Now a final budget will be negotiated by the Governor, the Assembly and the state Senate and is due by April 1st.

Currently New York’s state historic tax credit is coupled with the federal Historic Tax Credit, which will be phased in over 5 years after recent changes made during tax reform deliberations. The program is also due to sunset at the end of 2019. Supporters argue that not making these changes threatens the future of New York’s historic tax credit. Adding that the uncertainty of the program is already impacting projects in the pipeline.

Check out the Preservation League of New York State for more updates.

Thank You for a Great National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week!

We just concluded a great National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week in Washington, DC last week. Thanks to all of your efforts we conducted nearly 200 meetings, representing 40 states. Thank you to everyone that helped make Advocacy Week 2018 a huge success.

We will have a full recap on Advocacy Week 2018 shortly, but in the meantime, if you completed meetings, please submit your Advocacy Week Hill Report Forms. Knowing how your meetings went is critical for our continued advocacy. You can complete your report form online or return completed forms to mail@preservationaction.org.

Complete Your 2018 Hill Report Forms Today →

National News

National Park Service: “National Park Week: Three Bookmark-Worthy Resources to Help You Plan”

National Trust Community Investment Corporation: “A Memorable March: NTCIC Advocates for Continued HTC Support”

Stories From Around the States

Rhode Island: “Report: Historic Preservation Generates $1.4 Billion For RI Economy”

Maryland: “Recap: Federal Preservation Advocacy Week in Washington, DC”

New York: “Editorial: Keep the State Historic Tax Credit”

Vermont: “33 Preservation Grants Awarded for Buildings, Barns”

Preservation Action, Legislative Update
Volume 21, Number 05, February 16, 2018 →

President Trump’s Budget Request Calls for Substantial Cuts to the Historic Preservation Fund and Other Preservation Programs

The Trump Administration released their FY19 budget request this week. The request calls for substantial cuts to programs important to preservation, including a more than 50% cut the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The request eliminates funding for HPF grant programs like the Civil Rights Grants, HBCU preservation program, and Save America’s Treasures. The request also dramatically reduces funding State and Tribal Historic Preservation Programs.

President Trump’s FY18 HPF Budget Request
SHPOs: $26.9 million ($20.6 million below FY17 levels)
THPOs: $5.7 million ($4.6 million below FY17 levels)
Civil Rights Grants: funding not requested ($13 million below FY17 levels)
HBCU Preservation Program: funding not requested ($4 million below FY17 levels)
Save America’s Treasures: funding not requested ($5 million below FY17 levels)
Underrepresented Community Grants: funding not requested ($500,000 below FY17 levels)
The massive cuts to the HPF would be devastating for historic preservation across the country and greatly undermine the ability of SHPOs and THPOs to carry out their requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act.

The FY19 budget request also proposes the elimination of the Heritage Partnership Program, which funds National Heritage Areas (NHA). The program is currently funded at $19.8 million. The budget also eliminates the National Endowment or the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The massive cuts to the HPF, and the elimination of funding for NHAs, NEA, and NEH are very troubling, but Congress still controls the purse strings. Currently the HPF is funded under a CR running until March 23rd and preservation advocates have some reason to be optimistic. Last year’s FY18 Appropriations bills continued funding levels for the HPF and the recent budget deal included increases to top line budget numbers for non-defense programs.

Join us in Washington, DC! Preservation Action along with advocates from across the country will present our funding requests for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to Congress during National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, March 12-14. We need your voice, Register Today!

Senators Cassidy, Schatz and Reed Introduce Legislation to Promote Cultural Tourism

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) recently introduced the Explore America Act (S. 2395). This bill would support expanded cultural heritage opportunities by strengthening the Preserve America Grant Program. The legislation would make changes to the Preserve America program which supporters say will help to attract more visitors to cultural heritage sites and provide increased collaboration between local communities and the federal government.

“Cultural heritage tourism provides an authentic view into our nation’s past and allows the public to learn about and enjoy the various cultural histories of gateway communities across our nation,” said Senator Reed. “This effort will also stimulate local economies and create jobs in the tourism industry.”.

The Explore America Act would amend the Preserve America Grant Program to provide technical assistance in lieu of monetary funds, focus on economic growth, increase accountability, and prioritize community coordination.

There are more than 900 Preserve America communities across the country and while the program is authorized, it is not currently receiving funding. Learn more about this legislation.

Preservationists Must Act Now to Secure Big Benefits for Historic Neighborhoods

A little-noticed provision tucked into the monumental tax reform act that Congress passed at the end of 2017 has the potential to deliver big benefits for historic preservation-but only if advocates act fast. The new law creates so-called Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs), which offer significant tax breaks to investors seeking to defer or abate their capital gains taxes on projects like investing in historic buildings. But the clock is ticking on a March 21 deadline for Governors to nominate neighborhoods in their states or territories for QOZ status.

Read more in this blog post by Preservation Action Board member, Andrew Potts about how the program works and how preservationists can advocate for historic areas in this new process.

Register Today for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week!

Registration is now open for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week 2018. Online registration ends March 9th!

Register now!

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 866-407-1764 and use event code “NCSHPO Advocacy”. Special room rate expires Feb. 16th 2018.

Check out our Advocacy Week page for more information!

National News

ACHP: “ACHP Announces Report to the President on Federal Historic Property Stewardship”

Stories From Around the States

Virginia: “Report: Historic Building Revitalization Generates Billions in Economic Return”

New York: “Federal Historic Tax Credits Survive Reform; New York’s Program in Limbo”

Oregon: “Portland Historic Preservation Rules Get a Revamp”

Louisiana: “A Look at a Tax Credit that Saves Historic Buildings and Revitalizes Them”

Wisconsin: “Madison Preservationists Worried Bill Would Hurt Madison’s Historic Landmark Designation Power”

Preservation Action, Legislative Update
Volume 21, Number 04, February 09, 2018 →

Lawmakers Pass Short Term CR and Budget Agreement After Brief Shutdown

Lawmakers passed a short term spending deal early Friday morning after a brief government shutdown, funding the government through March 23rd. As part of an agreement between Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans, the short term spending deal also includes defense and non-defense budget increases for FY18 and FY19. The agreement passed by Congress includes an additional $300 billion over the next two years for both defense and non-defense programs. The first increase since the Budget Control Act of 2011. Lawmakers also agreed to suspend the debt ceiling for 1 year. Having top line budget numbers, opens the door for the possibility of Congress passing an FY18 Omnibus spending bill before the March 23rd deadline.

The budget agreement also includes an additional $90 billion for disaster relief, which includes critical funds for historic resources damaged by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The bill provides $50 million in emergency funding for the Historic Preservation Fund through September of 2019. The additional disaster relief funding is great news for the states and territories working to restore vital historic resources damaged by last year’s storms .

For the fifth time since September, the short term spending bill signed into law today continues FY17 enacted levels, which funds the Historic Preservation Fund at $80.91 million.

Preservation Action along with advocates from across the country will present our funding requests for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to Congress during National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, March 12-14. We need your voice, Register Today!

Congressional Briefing Held on Protecting Latino American Cultural and Historic Places

This week, Preservation Action attended a congressional briefing hosted by the Hispanic Access Foundation and Historic Preservation Caucus on protecting Latino American cultural and historic places. The briefing highlighted the Hispanic Access Foundation’s report entitled “Place, Story & Culture: A Top 10 List of Sites Important to Latinos in Need of Protection” and the existing tools in place to preserve cultural and historic sites.

During the briefing 10 cultural and historically significant sites associated with Latino heritage that are worthy of protection were presented. The program’s speakers also identified the types of protections that could be available to these sites including, National Parks, Heritage Areas,and Monuments, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmarks and Traditional Cultural Properties.

Sites associated with the Latino community are significantly underrepresented in the federal preservation program. Thank you to the Hispanic Access Foundation and Historic Preservation Caucus for your work in putting together this important and informative event.

Register Today for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week! Early Bird Rates Expire Monday

Registration is now open for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week 2018. Register by Friday February 12thto lock in the best rates!

Register now!

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 866-407-1764 and use event code “NCSHPO Advocacy”. Special room rate expires Feb. 16th 2018.

Check out our Advocacy Week page for more information!

Submit Ideas for the 2018 Past Forward Conference

Submit your ideas for the 2018 Past Forward Conference in San Francisco, Nov. 13-16. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently looking for ideas to help shape the conference, including topics to cover, educational programming, speakers, and exhibitors to feature in the Preservation Studio.

All suggestions will be considered, but they are particularly interested in programming related to themes of the 2018 conference:

Climate change
Intangible heritage
Cultural landscapes and culture-nature connections

Programming for the 2018 conference will also focus on issues that are significant to the host city, San Francisco. Submissions are due by Monday, February 12th. Check out the link below to submit your ideas and learn more about Past Forward 2018!

Past Forward 2018: Call for Ideas

National News

ACHP: “The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s first 50 Years: Shaping National Preservation Policy”

Stories From Around the States

Michigan: “Why Save Michigan’s Historic Buildings? A Rhetorical Question”

New York: “Editorial: Renew the State Historic Tax Credit”

Missouri: “Proposal to Cut Historic Tax Credits Moves Forward in Missouri Senate“

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!

Register now!

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“

Preservation Action, Legislative Update
Volume 21, Number 02, January 19, 2018 →

Congress Must Reach Spending Deal by Midnight to Avert Government Shutdown

Lawmakers must reach a deal on a short-term spending bill by midnight tonight to avert a government shutdown. The House passeda continuing resolution (CR) late Thursday, which would continue current funding levels through February 16th. Most democrats opposed the bill primarily because it did not address the issue of young immigrants known as “Dreamers” who face deportation without action. The spending bill faces a difficult road in the Senate where it will need several votes from democrats to pass.

The government has been operating under a series of continuing resolutions since the end of the fiscal year in September. Several contentious issues still need to be resolved before passing a longer term omnibus spending bill, including deciding top-line budget numbers. The CR being considered would once again continue FY17 enacted levels, which funded the Historic Preservation Fund at $80.91 million.

If the government shuts down around 850,000 government employees would be furloughed across all departments and agencies. National Parks and historic sites across the country would likely close, including the National Mall in Washington, DC. However, as reported in the Washington Post, the Trump Administration is considering keeping National Parks open during a potential government shutdown but without staff. During the last shutdown in 2013, the closing of National Parks sparked significant public outcry.

Majority of National Park Service Advisory Board Resigns Amid Differences with Administration

Nine members of the 12 person National Park Service Advisory Boardresigned this week, citing frustration with the Administration’s unwillingness to meet with the advisory board. The board has been an institution since 1935 and describes itself as “citizen advisers chartered by Congress to help the National Park Service.” The Advisory Board advises the administration on issues related to the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act and the designation of national historic and natural landmarks. The resignations leaves the federal government without a functioning body to designate new national historic or natural landmarks.

According to the resignation the Board said it worked closely with National Park Service employees and the Interior Department throughout 2016, but has since been unable to engage with the Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, saying he has been unwilling to meet with them. A spokesperson for the Department of Interior refuted these claims and said she welcomes their resignations and vowed to “fast-track filling these new vacancies with people who are actually dedicated to working with the Department to better our national parks.”

The Trump Administration has yet to nominate a director for the National Park Service. Currently the Deputy Director of Operations, Michael T. Reneyolds is serving as interim-director.

Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Reinstate Michigan’s Historic Tax Credit Program. Moves to House

Advocates in Michigan are one step closer to re-instating the state’s Historic Tax Credit program. The Michigan Senate passed SB 469, which would establish a 25% state historic tax credit, by a vote of 32-2. Companion legislation, HB 5178 is currently pending in the Michigan House and has been assigned to the Tax Policy Committee. Michigan has been without a state historic tax credit program since 2011 and is currently one of 15 states with no state historic tax credit program.

The bills call for a 25% tax credit toward qualified rehabilitation expenses for contributing commercial and residential properties located within a local historic district. It also offers a supplemental five percent credit to the 20 percent federal historic preservation credit for income producing properties, and is the only credit available for owner-occupied historic homes. Preservationists also argue that establishing a state program is critical considering the recent changes to the federal historic tax credit

The previous iteration of this program was in place from 1999 to 2011 and over that time leveraged $71 million in credits to generate more than $1.46 billion in investment in Michigan rehabilitation projects.

Our partners at Michigan Historic Preservation Network and Preservation Detroit are leading the effort to revive Michigan’s historic tax credit. MHPN will be hosting their annual Advocacy Day on Feb. 21st at the state capitol to advocate for re-instating Michigan’s historic tax credit among other issues. Check out the Advocacy Alert page from MHPN to learn more their efforts and find out how you can help! You can also make your voice heard in person by joining MHPN’s Advocacy Day! The deadline to register is Jan. 26th.

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!

Register now!

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. 9th 2018.

Check out our Advocacy Week page for more information!

National News

Wall Street Journal: “Tax Law Erodes Historic Building Credit, Threatening Some Projects”

Preservation Leadership Form: “Building the Young Preservationist Movement”

Stories From Around the States

Maryland: “Join Maryland History Advocacy Day: Feb. 1st in Annapolis”

Missouri: “Action Needed: Hearing Scheduled Tuesday for Bill that Threatens Missouri’s Historic Tax Credit“