National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

This recent Preservaton Leadership Forum webinar briefed attendees on the federal legislative priorities shaping historic preservation in 2026. The webinar outlined the core policy and funding issues that will define the preservation agenda in Washington and set the direction for advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond.

Led by the National Trust’s Government Relations Team, along with members from across the preservation community, this webinar will examine how we can:

• Support the Historic Preservation Fund
• Defend the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 process
• Strengthen the Historic Tax Credit
• Protect historic places and cultural landscapes

Gain insights into congressional dynamics, emerging policy challenges, and how our unified preservation approach can advance meaningful legislative outcomes in the year ahead. Speakers also highlighted key preservation advocacy opportunities throughout the year, along with how to stay involved and effective as priorities advance.

Resources

• Federal Preservation Priorites for 2026 (Slides)
• Advocacy Week 2026
• Webinar Recording: Defending the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106
• Preserve Route 66
• Visit the Naional Trust Action Center for actions on American the Beautiful, HTC-Go, and Route 66
• Information on Making a Public Comment and Recording of "Crucial Insights and Viable Alternatives for a More Sensitive White House Ballroom"
• Program Comment for Army Warfighting Readiness and Associated Infrastructure
• Grassroots Advocacy Resources (including a toolkit on site visits from elected officials)

On February 12, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) convened its first business meeting of 2026 and of the current Administration—an especially consequential gathering for the future of the National Historic Preservation Program. Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, represented the National Trust in its statutorily designated role as a Council member.

The Council addressed several pivotal agenda items, including its forthcoming examination of the National Historic Preservation Act’s Section 106 consultation process and review of an Army Program Comment. Recognizing the significance of these actions for preservation practice nationwide, the National Trust joined partners and fellow Council members in supporting a successful motion to extend the Army Program Comment review period by 45 days—ensuring adequate time to assess proposed revisions, carefully review language, and submit substantive comments.

As the ACHP undertakes its review of the Section 106 process in the weeks and months ahead, the National Trust will remain deeply engaged, providing leadership, resources, and timely updates to the preservation community. We encourage you to join us for a webinar on February 25 exploring these developments and other critical preservation priorities.

This Thursday, January 22, two events will occur in connection with the proposed White House ballroom construction project.

At 9:00 AM ET, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts will hold a public meeting that includes an informational presentation on the White House ballroom project. This meeting represents an important step in the federal planning and review process for new construction at the White House, including future opportunities for public input as the project advances.

Members of the public may observe the meeting via livestream. Advance registration is required: https://www.cfa.gov/node/41973

Later that day, at 3:30 PM ET, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will convene a hearing on the National Trust’s request for a preliminary injunction that would halt construction until all legally required review processes have been completed. This hearing is open to the public to attend in person (Courtroom 18) but will not be livestreamed.

• See more resources related to the White House Construction Project

On December 11, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on multiple bills, including H.R. 5095, the Housing Our Military Effectively for Readiness, Operations, and Neutralization of Threats Act of 2025 (HOMEFRONT Act of 2025) introduced by Representative Patronis.

The National Trust submitted comments in advance of the hearing opposing provisions in the bill that would exempt certain military housing from the core protections provided to our nation’s historic resources by the NHPA and Section 106 process.

The National Trust appreciates the pressing need to address substandard housing for military service-members, and we look forward to working with Congress to uphold foundational preservation policies while ensuring safe and adequate housing for our military.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has placed the “East Wing Modernization Project” (which we understand includes the White House ballroom project) on the tentative agenda for an information presentation at its January 8, 2026, public meeting.

This will be an informational briefing only; no Commission action is requested or will be taken on the project at this time.

NCPC review is an important step in the federal planning process for new construction at the White House, including future opportunities for public input as the project advances.

Learn more about the NCPC January 8, 2026, meeting here: https://www.ncpc.gov/review/meeting/. If you cannot attend in person, a livestream will be available starting at 1pm ET on the NCPC website: https://www.ncpc.gov/live/.

• See more resources related to the White House Construction Project