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PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
VOLUME 23, NUMBER 04
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Preservation Action Responds to Request For Information From HUD on Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing
Preservation Action submitted a comment letter today responding to the request for information issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The request sought information on Federal, State, local, and Tribal laws, regulations, land use requirements, and administrative practices that artificially raise the costs of affordable housing. The request was consistent with President Trump's Executive Order establishing the White House Council on Eliminating Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. Among the "regulatory barriers" cited by the executive order were historic preservation requirements.
Preservation Action shares the concern expressed by the executive order regarding the lack of affordable housing, but we strongly disagree with the premise that historic preservation is part of the problem, but instead see it as part of the solution. Historic buildings should be considered a primary source for affordable housing.
Through programs like the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC), historic preservation has been used as a tool for communities to stabilize neighborhoods and spur economic development and community benefits. The HTC is often used in combination with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). In fact, according to the National Park Service's 2018 Historic Tax Credit Annual Report, the HTC has produced over 166,000 Low- and Moderate-income affordable housing units. Additionally, thirty- seven states have HTC programs at the state level, several of which offer additional incentives for projects that include an affordable housing component.
As we continue to push back against the false narrative that historic preservation is somehow a barrier to affordable housing, Preservation Action will continue to gather information from our members and partners and bring you additional materials to aid your advocacy efforts. Stay tuned for more. Comments to HUD are due by 11:59pm tonight, submit your own comments!
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President Signs Emancipation National Historic Trail Study Act Into Law
This week, President Trump signed the Emancipation National Historic Trail Study Act into law. The bill passed the House in August and cleared the Senate last month by unanimous consent. This bill marks an important step in establishing the 51 mile migration route between Galveston and Houston TX as a National Historic Trail. Approximately 250,000 newly freed slaves migrated along this route in 1865, nearly two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The trail would run from the Osterman Building and Reedy Chapel in Galveston along Texas Highway 3 and Interstate 45 to Freedmen's Town in Houston.
Preservation Action appreciates the work of Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in championing this important legislation.
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Preservation Action Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Advocacy Scholars Program
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Preservation Action Foundation's 2019 Advocacy Scholars with PAF Board Chair, Lauren McHale
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The Preservation Action Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2020 Advocacy Scholars Program. This program recognizes the importance of training the next generation of preservation advocates, by inviting selected scholars to participate in National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week. Since 2014, the Advocacy Scholars program has provided dozens of students and recent graduates the opportunity to participate directly in historic preservation advocacy.
Do you know a student or recent graduate interested in federal preservation policy and advocacy? Encourage them to apply to be a 2020 Advocacy Scholar! Selected scholars will join over 200 professionals at National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, March 10-12, 2020, in Washington, D.C. to participate in policy briefings, join state delegations on Capitol Hill visits with elected officials, and attend key networking events. The scholarship includes complimentary Advocacy Week registration and a travel stipend. Applications are due February 5, 2020.
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Registration Now Open for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week!
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| Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) speaking at Advocacy Week 2019 |
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Registration for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week is now open! Join 250 fellow preservationists, March 10th - 12th in Washington, DC, as we storm the Hill! One of the most effective ways of sharing information with Congress is through direct meetings, and Advocacy Week is our annual opportunity to have a mass impact on opinion leaders and policy makers. Together with a cohesive message in support of preservation-positive legislation we can ensure a strong future for the federal historic preservation program.
Register before February 14th to lock in the best rates.
Advocacy Week
registration
includes in-depth training, policy briefings, meetings with elected officials and white papers from an array of preservation and policy professionals. Ticketed events offer additional meetings with elected officials, their staff, and a national network of preservation advocates.
Special Room Rate Ends Next Week
Special Kimpton Hotel Palomar $274 room rate expires on February 8th. Book
online or call
1-877-866-3070 with room block code "NCSHPO March 2020" to make reservations. After Feb. 8th room rates jump to nearly $400 per night.
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National News
Stories From the States
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