Join us for opening remarks from leaders at the National Trust for Historic Preservation as they set the stage for the day’s program. This introduction frames the critical issues facing the preservation community in today’s shifting legal and policy environment.

This timely and informative session provides an overview of preservation law in action in Washington, D.C. Attorneys Greg Craig and Tad Heuer analyze the litigation surrounding the White House East Wing demolition and ballroom construction, as well as the proposed renovations at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, equipping you with insights to anticipate future challenges and opportunities following these precedent-setting cases.

Join our esteemed panel as it examines the latest litigation actions impacting preservation. Topics will range from the White House Ballroom and the Kennedy Center for the Arts to the Philadelphia President’s House and National Park Service interpretation directives. In this hour, we explore the implications of the lawsuits for administrative authority and preservation advocacy.

With regulatory reform pressures and NEPA changes at the center of ongoing legal and political battles, this session explores the impacts of recent proposals and federal actions, including the enforcement of Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.

Preservation practice is increasingly shaped by local and state laws. This expert panel examines new and emerging issues, including the rise of preemption statutes, evolving housing issues, and new data center concerns. You will learn how to anticipate and adapt to these changes to effectively represent clients and communities.

This informative update examines the latest developments in conservation easement litigation, with a focus on easements protecting historic resources. Additional topics will include a brief overview of the final regulations for syndicated easement transactions, including disclosure requirements for preservation easement donations and material advisor disclosure rules for easement holding entities.

The program concludes with reflections on the critical role of preservation lawyers in safeguarding historic places and the growing importance of the National Preservation Lawyers Network as a platform for advocacy and collaboration.

The National Preservation Lawyers Network is pleased to host all in-person conference attendees for an opportunity to network with colleagues and continue the conversation in an informal setting.