National Alliance of Preservation Commissions

Thank you, Melissa Wyllie, CNP for moderating such an informative webinar. We loved learning about threats to historic cemeteries, laws designed to protect these resources, and creative ways preservationists can protect them from our experienced presenters, Emma Dietrich and Emily Jane Murray. Plus, the information attendees contributed to the chat was so helpful--thank you all! Interested in this webinar and others? Join NAPC today for $35/year! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gKg4dbC7

We are grateful for the opportunity to respond to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's proposed Program Comment on Accessible, Climate-Resilient, Connected Communities. NAPC appreciates the initiative that ACHP has taken to evaluate policies and practices in the areas of housing, clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly transportation. These conversations are critical to ensuring that the Section 106 process results in timely and predictable outcomes. However, we are concerned that the Program Comment, in its draft form, is far-reaching and will exempt an unknown volume of undertakings from the Section 106 process altogether. Please read NAPC's formal response to ACHP's draft Program Comment here: https://lnkd.in/ezqYS-7t

Just wrapped up this year’s CLG statewide CAMP Training in beautiful Hot Springs. Thanks to National Alliance of Preservation Commissions and our trainers for a great group of topics. And thanks to Richard Stauder and Lauren Adkins, C.P.M. for being wonderful hosts.

Thank you for contributing to this issue of The Alliance Review Erin. The work that you and others are doing in Minneapolis is such a great example of phasing grant funded projects in a way that is impactful and flexible in meeting the ever-changing needs of a city. We are looking forward to learning more on the ground at FORUM 2026!

Happening today as part of the FORUM Virtual Component! Design Review Roundtable: Infill Design TODAY at 3pm EST. This session is one you won’t want to miss! We’ll be diving into how preservation commissions across the country are tackling the challenge of regulating new construction within historic districts. Striking the perfect balance between creating new designs that stand out yet blend seamlessly with historic surroundings is no small feat—and this a great opportunity to expand your knowledge on the topic. What makes this webinar extra special? You’ll have the opportunity to engage with other participants and presenters in real-time using interactive preservation software to evaluate design compatibility. Of all the sessions in the FORUM Virtual Component, this one is meant to be experienced LIVE. There is still time to sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eNk-jF4x If you attended FORUM in-person or have already registered for the FORUM Virtual Component, check your email for your personalized link to join the webinar. See you at 3pm!

The live webinars of the FORUM Virtual Component kick off tomorrow with "The Life Cycle and Care of Traditional Materials" session at 2pm EST. There is still time to register! Visit: https://lnkd.in/ev4SjjjD All three live webinars, plus the three pre-recorded sessions will be available to watch on demand until November 30, 2024. These sessions were given the best reviews by in-person FORUM attendees, so you don't want to miss out!

Being a NAPC Member has great perks like FREE webinars throughout the year, access to The Alliance Review, NAPC’s quarterly publication, and discounts to FORUM (and the FORUM Virtual Component!). But, how do you know which membership level is right for you or your organization? We break down the options below. 👥👥 Organization- This option is very popular for local commissions. Select your organization's size (based on your locale's population) to cover all historic preservation and planning department staff, as well as volunteer preservation commission members. A great value! Nonprofits, state and federal agencies also fall under this classification of membership. 👤 Individual- A great level for preservation professionals, volunteers who have termed out of serving on a preservation commission, recently retired preservationists, or anyone wanting to join the NAPC network. This membership is only $35/year or $20/year for current students. 📇 Professional Network- Gift the office a NAPC membership! This option is great for consultants, design firms, and lawyers specializing in preservation issues. Membership covers all staff who work for the company, and comes with the benefit of being listed on NAPC's Professional Network Directory (https://lnkd.in/eY9zTmm2) 🛣 Statewide Memberships- NAPC also partners with State Historic Preservation Offices around the country to bring the benefits of NAPC membership to local communities. If you are interested in learning more about this type of membership, please contact us at director@napcommissions.org. Become a member today by visiting https://lnkd.in/gKg4dbC7 📸: FORUM 2024 Preservation Under the Palms

The LIVE webinars of the FORUM Virtual Component are happening next week (September 25th & 26th). These sessions received some of the highest praise by in-person FORUM attendees, and NAPC is thrilled to bring this content to those who were unable to join us in West Palm Beach. ✏ Sign Up Here: https://lnkd.in/eNk-jF4x 📋 Continuing Education Credits: 9 AIA | 9 HSW | 9 AICP | 9 Eq | 3 SR 🙌 All FORUM attendees are welcome to join as well. As a reminder, if you attended FORUM in-person, you have been automatically registered for the Virtual Component. 💻 Don't forget about the THREE pre-recorded sessions that are also available as part of the Virtual Component. These webinars are available immediately after registering and include the following: ☑ FORUM 2024 Equity Primer ☑ Adaptation Strategies for All ☑ Leveraging the Voice of the Community Through Preservation

Please join us this Thursday for a special webinar with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chair Sara Bronin who will present information on the proposed Program Comment on Accessible, Climate-Resilient, Connected Communities. Program Comments are intended to provide an alternative process to standard Section 106 review and have the potential to affect local preservation commissions. ➡ Learn more about the proposed Program Comment on ACHP's website here: https://lnkd.in/e2WEjfzN ➡ How does this impact local preservation commission? Check out NAPC's webinar handout here: https://lnkd.in/eUK9HgeR ➡ This webinar is FREE, but don't forget to register here: https://lnkd.in/enjjJdbh

NAPC has been monitoring potential changes to the federal review process, specifically focusing on policy components that might impact outcomes at the local level. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has proposed an agency-wide Program Comment on Accessible, Climate-Resilient, Connected Communities. Program Comments are intended to provide an alternative process to standard Section 106 review. ACHP Chair Sara Bronin has offered to give a virtual presentation for NAPC members on Thursday, September 19, from 2 pm - 3 pm EST to learn more about the Program Comments and ask questions. Registration is available here: https://lnkd.in/enjjJdbh NAPC appreciates the initiative that ACHP has taken to evaluate policies and practices in the areas of housing, clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly transportation. While the effort to streamline certain aspects of reviews is valuable, NAPC is concerned that the broad scope of the proposed changes has the potential to limit the ability of local communities to participate in the Section 106 process. Local governments use the consultation process to provide information related to historic resources, balance undertaking needs with local preservation priorities, and ensure that the impacted public has a voice in our government. For some communities, the Section 106 process is their only opportunity to participate in projects that impact local resources. Local consultation has traditionally helped identify eligible cultural resources that might otherwise be overlooked. NAPC is also concerned that this Program Comment could create confusion between federal and local level reviews. Under the proposed Program Comment, some reviews would be limited to the building façade and the replacement of windows and doors would be exempt. However, most local commissions with design review have purview over any proposed changes to a building’s exterior, including door and window replacements. Alternately, commissions in rural areas may be less focused on design review, while placing great emphasis on protecting archaeological resources, linear resources (for instance national historic trails), and cultural/working landscapes. Given the potential far-reaching impacts of the proposed changes, NAPC believes it is important that communities have an opportunity to inform the draft. ⭐ We want to hear from you! NAPC invites you to participate in the public comment period and discuss how this Program Comment will impact preservation at the local level. The public comment period is open until October 9th and additional information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e98_f6MU The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is an independent federal agency comprised of 24 statutorily designated members from federal agencies, preservation organizations, Indian tribes, and expert private citizens. NAPC serves as an appointed Observer on the ACHP.