Update on the Historic Preservation Fund

The Federal Office of Management and Budget has finally opened the gates on the Historic Preservation Funds that had been withheld, despite being appropriated by Congress many months ago. This is good news, made possible by the many individuals and organizations who advocated for this critical funding that covers most of the expenses for the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) and revitalization grants. We at Rethos are relieved that our MN SHPO staff will not face immediate layoffs, and that we can proceed without interruption in administering the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Fund grant that is helping build vibrant places in rural communities across Minnesota.  

The future of the Historic Preservation Fund is far from certain, however. President Trump’s proposed budget would whittle the Fund down to practically nothing, causing major disruptions in everything from National Register nominations and Historic Tax Credit applications to review of Federal projects such as road construction, broadband expansion, and power infrastructure. The next Federal fiscal year starts October 1. Please don’t delay in contacting your members of Congress to advocate for a robust appropriation for the Historic Preservation Fund in FY2026. 

For more information, please refer to our advocacy partners, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Action.