Contributed by: Preservation Action
Organization: Preservation Action
Dated Posted: April 21, 2026
Website: Visit External Site

Last week the Trump Administration released their FY27 Budget Request. Similar to last year's request, the budget calls for dramatic cuts to domestic discretionary spending across the board, including to historic preservation priorities. The budget would nearly eliminate funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). It zeros out funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and only includes $11 million in funding for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) preservation grant program, a nearly 95% or $170 million cut. Interestingly, the proposal includes a one year authorization of HPF deposits.

In the FY27 Interior Budget Brief, the administration justifies the cuts by suggesting the HPF "supports non-Federal responsibilities" and they want to focus funding on primary Federal responsibilities. The HPF is foundational to historic preservation efforts across the country. If enacted, 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 celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence and the 50th anniversary of the HPF this year, we should instead be investing in programs that help preserve the places that tell America's story.

The budget request also calls for dramatic cuts to other priorities. The budget would cut the National Park Service park operations budget by $736 million (over 25%), likely leading to thousands of layoffs. The proposal completely eliminates funding for the Heritage Partnership Program, which supports National Heritage Areas, and slashes Cultural Programs by over $34 million, a more than 86% cut. The budget request only includes $5.151 million for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), $3.434 million below current enacted levels or a nearly 39% cut.

Take Action!

This marks the second consecutive year that President's request has proposed nearly eliminating the HPF. Luckily, in FY 2026, Congress soundly rejected these extreme cuts and actually approved an increase in funding, demonstrating the strong bipartisan support for the HPF. We are again urging Congress to reject these cuts and instead support a historic $250 million in HPF funding as we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary. You can join us!

Reach out to your members of Congress today and urge them to reject these harmful cuts and support robust funding for the HPF!

Take Action: https://preservationaction.org/urge-congress-to-stand-up-for-hpf/