National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

Released at the beginning of May, the fiscal year (FY) 2026 President’s budget proposes unprecedented cuts to historic preservation funding that, if adopted by Congress, would undermine preservation and community building efforts throughout the United States. Advocates are needed to reach out to their Congressional delegations and explain the positive impact historic preservation investments have in helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

Adding to this challenge is the fact that FY2025 historic preservation funding, which was approved by Congress earlier this year, has not been released to State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, or for already-awarded competitive grant programs under the Historic Preservation Fund.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation shares the concerns of the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) about the impact delayed federal funding will have in administering national preservation programs at the state level. Most states now face imminent reductions in staff if current year funding is not released. Join the growing coalition of support for historic preservation funding and learn more on the NCSHPO website.

For perspectives and information at the local level, the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) has also released material to help advocates support the Historic Preservation Fund.

Please also visit the National Trust's page on the Historic Preservation Fund for our fact sheet and take action to protect the Historic Preservation Fund.

Looking for specific examples to share as part of your advocacy? Check out this collection of projects, one for each state and Washington, D.C.

NCSHPO:

“There is concern over the future of the HPF, inclusive of the ability of SHPO offices to continue their work benefitting communities across the country. We cannot let that happen – and with the help of Congress, we can ensure that our national historic preservation program continues to be a partnership – fulfilling the commitment made to our historic places. Severing that bond, particularly in the face of our 250th Anniversary in 2026, sends the message that our history, our communities, and what fundamentally tells our American story doesn’t matter.” - Erik Hein, executive director NCSHPO.

• Historic Preservation Under Threat
• SHPOs | Historic Preservation Under Threat

NAPC:

“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.” - NAPC

• The Historic Preservation Fund and Local Commissions
• The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) & Local Commissions
• How Recent Federal Actions Impact Local Preservation Programs

The National Park Service (NPS) serves a vital role in safeguarding the historic places that shape our national identity. From administering federal preservation grants and approving historic tax credit projects to stewarding nationally significant sites, the NPS helps ensure that our shared heritage remains visible, accessible, and protected for future generations.

Recent federal workforce changes have raised concerns about the capacity of NPS to continue this essential work. Preserving historic places requires specialized knowledge and sustained attention. Without sufficient staff, preservation projects may be delayed, grant distribution slowed, and expert guidance lost. Programs funded through the Historic Preservation Fund depend on the partnership and oversight of experienced professionals within NPS. The strength of this workforce is critical to ensuring that preservation efforts move forward efficiently.

NPS does more than protect natural landscapes. It is a cornerstone of the national preservation infrastructure and a vital resource to communities working to save the places that matter to them. We will continue to advocate for the resources and capacity the agency needs to fulfill its mission and support preservation across the country.

To help us with this ongoing work, we need examples of how these recent actions affect people and communities. Please share your stories with us. The more specific the examples, the better we can advocate for preservation.

These stories are essential as we work together to protect the places that define our past and shape our future.

Today, Main Street America’s Government Relations team released the organization's first-ever Policy Agenda, a landmark document outlining policy issues and recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels that impact Main Street communities. This agenda is the result of extensive engagement with hundreds of Main Street leaders, including local Main Street Programs, Coordinating Programs, and key stakeholders nationwide.

Main Street America has a strategic vision to be a leading voice in place-based economic development and community preservation. The Policy Agenda ensures that advocacy efforts across the network reflect the priorities of the Main Street movement. The agenda can be used by local Main Street Programs and Coordinating Programs as well as local, state, and federal government leaders to support the needs of Main Street communities. Main Street America will use this agenda to guide our work advocating for Main Street.

The Policy Agenda consists of introductory content, including the background, basics, and history of how Main Streets have long been drivers of economic and community vitality with the support of government partners. The main text of the document presents six key issue areas followed by policy recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels.

The six key issues are:

• Main Street Programs are Public-Private Partners
• Main Streets are Key to Sustainable Community Growth
• Main Streets are Mixed-use Spaces Ripe for Preservation, Rehabilitation, and Reuse
• Main Streets Are the Backbone of the Small Business Economy
• Main Streets are People-Centered Gathering Spaces and Thoroughfares
• Main Streets are Communities of the Future

Main Street America is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In February 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Government Relations department hosted a Preservation Forum webinar titled “Navigating Congress and the Administration in 2025 and Beyond.” The webinar generated significant interest from the preservation community and offered participants key insights about advocating for our policy priorities in the current political environment. The audience was encouraged to submit questions and panelists were able to address some, but not all of the questions received. The following information responds to questions the panel received but did not have time to address.

We need your help to tell lawmakers and decision makers that our nation’s heritage matters. Visit the Action Center for the latest from the National Trust.

Question: How does the historic preservation component survive under the current administration? What steps can National Trust members take to support your efforts with Congress and the Administration?

Answer: The nation’s historic preservation program will survive the current political environment as it has in the past, through the hard work, persistence, and dedication of advocates like you. The National Trust is working closely with preservation champions on both sides of the aisle, as historic preservation has broad bipartisan support in the federal government.

Support these efforts by joining us in our advocacy for positive preservation outcomes. We are actively advocating for increased funding for the Historic Preservation Fund, as well as its reauthorization, and we are making the case to Congress not only to maintain, but also to improve the federal historic tax credit—both are essential tools for preserving our nation’s historic places. Read more about the National Trust’s funding priorities for FY 2026 in our annual appropriations report, which can be found here:The Preservation Budget: Select Preservation Priorities for FY 2026 Appropriations

Now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant and take action to protect places that matter. Engage with your representatives and share your preservation experiences—how are recent policy changes affecting your community, your ability to do your job, and your capacity to achieve historic preservation outcomes? Your voice plays a crucial role in ensuring that preservation remains a priority in federal decision-making. Share your story.

Question: Have your expectations and strategies changed since viewing the new administration in action?

Answer: Our commitment to advocacy remains as strong as ever, and we continue to believe in the power of informed, consistent engagement. That is why we are working with allies on both sides of the aisle in Congress to protect and advance historic preservation policies. While legislative advocacy is a critical part of our strategy, we also recognize that this work extends beyond Congress.

To achieve our policy goals, historic preservation advocates must also engage with local officials, federal agencies, and aligned organizations to ensure that preservation remains a priority at every level of government. By building coalitions and strengthening relationships across the public and private sectors, preservation advocates will be best positioned to protect our nation’s historic and cultural resources, even in a dramatically changing political environment.

Question: How is the current administration expected to affect Section 106?

Answer: The National Trust remains committed to supporting the National Historic Preservation Act, including Section 106 and the critical role consultation plays in protecting historic and cultural sites. Recent executive actions, however, including the Executive Order declaring a National Energy Emergency, may allow certain federal projects to significantly curtail Section 106 review. The National Energy Emergency Executive Order, grants federal agencies broad authority to expedite permitting for specific energy and infrastructure projects, potentially limiting opportunities for public engagement and consultation with tribal nations and preservation stakeholders. Please share your story about how recent executive actions are impacting historic preservation efforts in your community.

While Section 106 remains a fundamental safeguard for the preservation of historic and cultural resources, the National Trust is closely monitoring these developments and working with partners to ensure that historic preservation considerations remain a priority in federal decision-making. Additionally, the reduction in staff across federal agencies is expected to further impact the Section 106 review process, potentially hindering the ability of federal agencies to assess and mitigate potential harm to historic properties. These challenges highlight the importance of staying vigilant in advocating for the preservation of Section 106 and the broader protections it ensures for our nation's heritage.

Question: What is an example of an unauthorized program?

Answer: While it is not altogether uncommon for federal program authorizations to lapse, a central example of an unauthorized program is the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which is a vital source of funding for the nation’s historic preservation programs. Authorization for the HPF expired at the end of September 2024.

Since it was established in 1977, the HPF has been authorized to receive $150 million annually, not from taxpayer dollars, but from offshore oil and gas lease payments to the federal government. Until recently, Congress appropriated far less than the amount deposited into the HPF account, creating a balance of authorized but not yet appropriated funds. Congress, in recognition of the growing need for HPF funding, has appropriated more than the authorized deposit for the fourth year in a row. As a result, the National Trust is working to increase the amount of funding that is authorized to be deposited into the HPF account each year. The longer the HPF remains unauthorized, the greater the uncertainty for states and Tribes that rely on this funding.

Specifically, the HPF supports key programs such as State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs and THPOs), who administer federal historic preservation programs at the state and local level, and the Save America’s Treasures program, which preserves nationally significant historic and cultural resources. The HPF also funds competitive grant programs like the African American Civil Rights Grant Program and the Underrepresented Community Grant Program, which allows communities to preserve a more complete history of our country.

Your voice is critical in urging Congress to reauthorize the HPF and support the preservation movement. Without a current authorization, programs that protect our nation’s history and cultural resources are put at risk. Click here to take action and tell your representatives to reauthorize the HPF!

Question: Which people in Congress would be the most open to preservation projects?

Answer: We believe most members of Congress appreciate the economic and social value historic preservation delivers to communities throughout the country. It is worth noting, that in the House of Representatives, Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) co-lead the Historic Preservation Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators who appreciate how historic preservation helps activate dormant spaces and supports community revitalization. We would encourage you to reach out to your House delegation and urge them to join the Historic Preservation Caucus. In moments of political change, it is crucial for preservation advocates to educate elected officials about the ways historic preservation creates jobs, vibrant downtowns, and economic opportunity. To help you get started, you can read our top 10 tips for effective advocacy here.

Question: How much money does the National Trust receive from the Federal government?

Answer: The National Trust does not receive any money from the federal government for our operating budget. The National Trust, from time to time, does apply for and receive grant funding for project specific work and preservation activities at our historic sites. We work to ensure our allies in the preservation field receive necessary funding through the Historic Preservation Fund and other programs, but our operating budget does not rely on funding from the federal government.

Question: Will the National Trust be working on any advocacy at federal or state level related to insurance policies for historic properties?

Answer: Property insurance is a significant national issue that presents a unique set of challenges for historic structures. The National Trust hosted a webinar in 2024 to hear from several experts, including colleagues from the National Trust Insurance Services, to speak about this issue. While there is currently not a political consensus about to best address skyrocketing insurance rates, the National Trust will continue to monitor federal efforts to address broader insurance-related issues and will advocate for historic preservation solutions that could be included in any moving legislation.

Preservation Advocacy Week, hosted by the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) and Preservation Action (PA), brought hundreds of advocates to Washington, DC, last week.

With over 200 meetings with congressional offices, participants emphasized federal legislative priorities for the preservation movement, including funding for the Historic Preservation Fund and support for the Historic Tax Credit.

The week featured advocacy trainings and panel discussions, including National Trust Government Relations team members Lauren Cohen and Shaw Sprague outlining successful advocacy tips and current preservation policy goals. National Trust President and CEO Carol Quillen and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) each spoke about the value of preservation to communities across the country.

The week concluded with a wonderful reception on Capitol Hill to celebrate the meaningful relationships that were built through this advocacy effort.