ADVOCACY ALERT: The Historic Preservation Fund is Under Threat

The federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), a critical source of funding for preservation efforts across the country, is at risk.

Although Congress appropriated funding for the HPF for FY25, those funds have not yet been released to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). Even more concerning, the proposed FY26 federal budget eliminates HPF funding entirely.

These developments are deeply troubling. The HPF supports essential preservation work nationwide, including:

• Staffing and operations at SHPOs and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs)
• National Register nominations
• Historic Tax Credits
• Section 106 compliance
• Competitive grant programs

Delays and cuts to this funding will have immediate and severe impacts. Some SHPOs have already begun laying off staff. Important preservation projects are being stalled or abandoned. Without HPF support, our nation’s historic places – and the stories they tell – are at risk.

What You Can Do: Take Action Today!

Your voice matters! We need our elected officials to understand that this is not just about money – it’s about protecting places that define our communities and our country.

Call or email your members of Congress and urge them to:

1. Help facilitate the release of already-approved FY2025 HPF funds.
2. Restore robust HPF funding in the FY2026 federal budget.

Not sure who your representatives are? Use these tools to find out:

• https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
• https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

5 Castle Park, Rochester, NY 14620
PHONE: (585) 546-7029 x10 · FAX: (585) 546-4788