It’s spring in Washington, and the Government Relations team is excited to share several updates from the nation’s capital.

Big picture – no sooner was fiscal year (FY) 2024 funding approved after a six-month delay, than preparations for the National Trust to testify in support of FY2025 funding had begun.

A divided Congress has resulted in budget compromises and, unfortunately, less funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF).

Despite the growing need for investment to protect our historic and cultural resources, funding for the HPF was reduced from $204.515 million to $188.666 million. Early March also saw the President’s FY2025 budget release, which recommends further cuts to the HPF.

As historic preservation champions on Capitol Hill advocate for increased funding for State Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and competitive grant programs administered by the National Park Service, take a moment in April to contact your Congressional delegation to convey your support for strong funding for the HPF in FY2025.

In support of the National Trust’s request for greater investment for the preservation of our historic and cultural resources, we are pleased to offer our sixth annual appropriations report, “The Preservation Budget: Select Preservation Priorities for FY 2025 Appropriations”.

This report is designed to serve as a resource for Congressional offices and preservation advocates, offering insights and helpful examples about the critical nature of federal programs that safeguard our nation’s broad historic legacy for the benefit of all Americans.

The National Trust’s annual report was released in time for advocates to share it on the Hill during the annual Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, held in Washington, D.C., from March 4-6, 2024.

The National Trust joined Preservation Advocacy Week hosts, Preservation Action and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, for legislative and advocacy briefings ahead of a full day of Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill.

A notable highlight of Preservation Advocacy Week was the Congressional Reception, where attendees had the opportunity to hear insights from Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Mike Turner (R-OH), co-chairs of the Historic Preservation Caucus, as well as Representatives Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and Mike Carey (R-OH).

The Government Relations team was pleased to be joined by Carol Quillen, our new President and CEO, at the reception where she had an opportunity to interact with members and speak with attendees about her commitment to the preservation movement and the importance of federal historic preservation advocacy.

Congratulations to the preservation community for a successful week in Washington and thank you for making the trip to Capitol Hill and having your voices heard!

Shaw Sprague
Vice President for Government Relations at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, policy@savingplaces.org