Federal historic preservation programs are in crisis. Historic preservation continues to face substantial challenges from funding delays, cuts, staff reductions at the National Park Service, and more. Now, the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which is the cornerstone to carrying out the federal historic preservation program is under direct threat. 

Immediate Threat

Fiscal Year 2025 funds for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (S/THPOs), and competitive grant programs from the HPF have not been released, despite being appropriated by Congress in March. These funds are necessary for SHPOs and THPOs to carry out their federally mandated duties. As a result of the delay, SHPOs and THPOs are beginning to be forced to lay off staff. This means National Register nominations, Determinations of Eligibility, Federal Agency consultation, Section 106 review, and Historic Tax Credit projects are all at risk of slowing down or ending entirely.

FY 2026 Threat

Further compounding the immediate threat, President Trump's proposed FY26 skinny budget nearly eliminates the HPF entirely. Additionally, the request inaccurately claims HPF funding is 'duplicative' and that funded projects ‘are often of local, rather than of national significance’. In reality federal funding makes up the majority of funding for SHPOs and THPOs and funding helps preserve and protect numerous projects of national, state, and local significance. This proposal would decimate the statutory work of states, Tribes, and other stakeholders and slow down or halt infrastructure and historic tax credit rehabilitation projects - discouraging private investment & hampering economic growth. As we prepare to recognize the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026, we should be recommitting to preserving the places that tell America's story- this proposal does the opposite.

Take Action

Reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to help facilitate the immediate approval of the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Historic Preservation Fund and subsequent review and approval of applications. We also encourage you to urge your member of Congress to support necessary funding for the Historic Preservation Fund.

Reach out to your members of Congress and share the new Historic Preservation Under Threat one-pager with offices. If you have a personal contact in your Representative or Senator's office, reach out to them directly. If you need any help finding staff contacts, reach out to Rob Naylor at Preservation Action (rnaylor@preservationaction.org).