Preservation Buffalo Niagara has joined forces with over two dozen preservation organizations across the state to call on our Congressional delegation to act—before irreversible damage is done to the programs that protect our shared history.
At the heart of this urgent call is the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), a federal lifeline that supports historic preservation efforts nationwide. The President’s proposed FY 2026 budget slashes HPF funding by a staggering $197 million—a cut that would effectively dismantle the fund and devastate preservation work throughout New York.
The HPF provides critical support to the New York State Historic Preservation Office (NY SHPO), enabling the agency to carry out responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. These include reviewing and supporting historic tax credit projects, listing properties on the National Register of Historic Places, conducting preservation reviews for federal undertakings, and issuing grants to local municipalities. Without adequate funding, the capacity to support economic development, affordable housing, and heritage tourism — especially in historically underrepresented communities— will collapse.
Already, the situation is precarious. Although Congress appropriated FY 2025 HPF funds in March, those funds have yet to be released. For New York, this delay threatens one of the most productive preservation programs in the country: NY SHPO handles over 11,000 federal consultation reviews annually, has supported more than $7 billion in rehabilitation investment through the Historic Tax Credit program since 2018, and maintains nearly 130,000 National Register listings. Without immediate federal action, these achievements—and future progress—are at risk.
Compounding the threat are staffing cuts and layoffs at the National Park Service, further slowing down project reviews and jeopardizing private investment and local revitalization efforts. If not reversed, these bottlenecks will be felt from the largest urban centers to the most rural towns across New York.
As we approach America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we must reaffirm our commitment to honoring and preserving the full breadth of our national story. We urge Congress to:
- Restore full funding to the Historic Preservation Fund in the FY 2026 budget
- Immediately release appropriated FY 2025 HPF funds
- Reinstate vital National Park Service staff to support preservation programs.
Preservation is not just about the past—it’s about the future we build together. These historic buildings, districts, and landscapes are not simply relics; they are foundations for community, equity, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
We ask you to stand with us. Raise your voice, contact your representatives, and help us ensure that New York’s legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
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To read the full sign-on letter and learn more about this advocacy effort, visit preservenys.org.