Urgent: Take Action to Support Historic Preservation Funding

[Planning Department]

Please read the below from the NAPC. They have provided us with training for HARBs and Historical Commissions and advocate for all historical organizations. 

If your funding (for anything) has been cut/paused/cancelled/etc, please let me know.

Kate

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.   Dear NAPC Community, Last week, the administration released its proposed budget plan for FY2026, and it includes sweeping cuts that would devastate historic preservation efforts nationwide. The plan proposes a $197 million cut to the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)—essentially eliminating it—and a $1 billion cut to the National Park Service, the federal agency that administers the HPF and other preservation programs. These cuts would have immediate and lasting consequences at the state and local levels. The HPF provides critical support to: State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), which oversee federal programs like the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, the National Register of Historic Places, and Section 106 reviews Local preservation projects such as historic resource surveys, National Register nominations, preservation plans, rehabilitation efforts, and training programs (like NAPC’s Commission Assistance & Mentoring Program (CAMP)) through CLG subgrants This work creates jobs, drives tourism, spurs investment, and strengthens communities by preserving the places that tell America’s story. In addition to the funding cuts for FY2026, HPF funds for FY2025 still haven’t been released, despite being appropriated by Congress in March 2025, putting state and local efforts even further behind. At NAPC, we believe strongly in the preservation partnership model established by the National Historic Preservation Act—federal, state, and local governments working together to protect our shared heritage. Without federal support, this system breaks down, and local communities are left without vital resources. There’s still time to make a difference. Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support full funding for the Historic Preservation Fund in the FY2026 budget and to make the FY2025 funds already appropriated by Congress available to SHPOs, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs), & competitive grant programs. Share how SHPO guidance or CLG grants have impacted your community directly.  Highlight the impact locally by telling your representatives how Historic Preservation Fund grants have supported your local surveys, rehabilitation work, and efforts to protect historic places. Share how SHPO guidance or CLG grants have impacted your community directly. Personal stories make a difference. Share this message with your networks, councils, and communities. Make it clear that these cuts would devastate local historic preservation efforts across the country. NAPC is here to support your advocacy. Below are tools to help you reach out and speak up. If there’s something else you need, just let us know—we’re in this together. Thank you for standing with us and with preservation. National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC)   Resources:  Historic Preservation Under Threat (The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)) Find Your Representative The Historic Preservation Fund & Local Commissions The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) & Local Commissions Communicating with Elected Officials How Recent Federal Actions Impact Local Preservation Programs Preservation at Every Level (Understanding how local preservation programs fit into the broader network.)  P.O. Box 1011 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | (757) 802-4141 dire...@napcommissions.org | www.napcommissions.org This email was sent to Clif...@co.delaware.pa.us. Click here to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast, a leader in email security and cyber resilience. Mimecast integrates email defenses with brand protection, security awareness training, web security, compliance and other essential capabilities. Mimecast helps protect large and small organizations from malicious activity, human error and technology failure; and to lead the movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website.