“State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) are in a state of crisis. Congressionally appropriated FY 2025 funding through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), necessary to fulfill SHPOs federally delegated responsibilities, has not been released – as a result, offices are preparing to lay off staff.
What does this mean? This means National Register nominations, Determinations of Eligibility, Federal Agency consultation, Section 106 review, and Tax Credit projects are all at risk of slowing down or ending entirely.
Coupled with the President’s proposed budget for FY 2026 calling for an elimination of HPF funding – 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, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)
SHARE THESE ONE PAGERS WITH YOUR CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS TODAY!
It’s especially important you share with your members on the Senate Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees – BUT ALSO ALL CONGRESSMEMBERS!
URGENT MESSAGE FOR CONGRESS TO…
1. Uphold the authority of the legislative branch to appropriate funds by facilitating the immediate approval of the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) & subsequent swift review & approval of applications to ensure the work of SHPOs & THPOs continues to aid in the preservation of our nation’s heritage.
2. Demonstrate continued, bipartisan commitment to our nation’s history, ahead of the 2026 Semiquincentennial – by proposing FY26 appropriations necessary for SHPOs & THPOs to carry out the requirements of the NHPA, emphasizing their role as stewards of our nation’s history; and by investing in preservation projects that recognize the past, with an eye toward the future.
RESOURCES
- Background Information
- Dear Colleague letter
- FY26 House Request Letter
- FY26 Senate Request Letter coming soon!
- Find grant projects in your state:
- Find federal HTC projects in your state
- More Preservation Resources
IMMEDIATE THREAT
FY 2025 funds have not been made available to SHPOs, THPOs, & competitive grant programs under the HPF, despite being appropriated by Congress in March 2025.
WITHOUT PROMPT FUNDING…
- States and tribes will be forced to eliminate the federally required staff who review federal projects, identify and protect historic properties, and provide support to communities – jeopardizing billions in investment
- Federal projects are more likely to have negative, irreversible impacts on historic landmarks and cultural & archeological sites
- Preservation projects will halt and properties will be lost
FY 2026 THREAT
The President’s proposed FY26 budget seeks to eliminate the HPF almost in its entirety.
THIS PROPOSAL…
- Will decimate the statutory work of states, tribes, and other stakeholders & take away input into federal decision-making
- Would slow down or halt infrastructure and historic tax credit rehabilitation projects – discouraging private investment & hampering economic growth
- Puts our nation’s historic properties at risk
THANK YOU to the Endorsing Organizations of the ‘Historic Preservation Under Threat’ One Pager:
