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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

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is responsible for approving new construction in the Washington, D.C. metro region. While the NCPC does not oversee demolition within the District, the commission is expected to review plans for new construction at the White House. After shuttering for more than a month as a result of the government shutdown, the next public meeting of the NCPC is scheduled to occur on December 4. The commission typically meets on the first Thursday of the month, and construction of a ballroom at the White House does not appear on next month’s tentative agenda.

Commission meetings may be observed either online or in person without registration. Anyone wishing to provide oral testimony must register in advance, and all written comments, oral statements, and any supporting materials become part of the public record. Meetings are livestreamed, recorded, and transcribed, with all materials made available online.

The National Trust will monitor NCPC’s meeting schedule and provide updates to ensure the preservation community has access to information and opportunities to follow federal planning decisions that may affect historic resources. With ongoing interest in the White House East Wing and ballroom construction projects, a future meeting of the NCPC offers an important opportunity for those interested to participate in the public process.

More information about the NCPC can be found here. You can also review our FAQ about the construction of the White House ballroom.