City of Houston joins federal program to promote historic preservation

The City of Houston Planning and Development Department is excited to announce its inclusion in the federal Certified Local Government (CLG) program. The CLG program is an effort to create partnerships with the federal Department of the Interior, state agencies, and local governments to promote historic preservation. The Planning and Development Department will now have greater access to federal funding and technical assistance to further preservation efforts within the city.

“We are very excited about this designation,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This brings to Houston a wealth of opportunity to support our important historical and cultural assets, so that future generations may enjoy them.”

In order to be included in the program, the city must:

• Enforce appropriate state or local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties.
• Establish an adequate and qualified historic preservation review commission under state or local legislation.
• Provide adequate public participation in the local historic preservation program.
• Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of local historic properties.

By meeting these requirements, the City of Houston will now have access to a broader range of federal and state grants. These grants may include funding for surveys, rehabilitation work, design guidelines, structural assessments, or a number of other preservation related activities.

“This certification recognizes the priority that our Mayor and City Council places on our historical districts and landmarks,” said Planning and Development Director Patrick Walsh. “We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with both the state and federal agencies to preserve Houston’s history.”

Houston joins almost 2,000 other cities and counties in joining the program. The CLG program is administered through National Parks Service and the Texas Historical Commission is the state partner. It was established by the National Historical Preservation Act in 1966 and Texas began their program in 1986.

For more information contact the Planning and Development Department at 832-393-6600.