2016 Big-Picture Review• Re-authorization & improvement of

state rehab tax credit program. 5 year authorization.

2016 Big-Picture Review• Hogan Administration budgets $0 for

preservation grants.

2016 Big-Picture Review• Joint Chairmen’s Report on

preservation grant funding. Suggests alternatives.

2017 Preservation Legislative Priorities

1. Restore preservation grant funding (capital, survey/research, museums).

2. Increased funding for state tax credit.

3. Local review of dispersed energy projects.

4. Increase funding for state heritage areas.

5. Maintain funding for Main Street, DHCD programs.

1. Restoring Grant Programs• Action(s) depend on

Gov. budget levels.

• PM will work with legislature & administration to increase funding & support.

• Request: $1.5M

2. Increased Funding for State Tax Credit

• Funding for competitive commercial program just $9M annually.

• Virginia invests $100M in comparison.

• Request: $30M

3. Local authority over siting of dispersed energy projects

• Challenge of balancing renewable energy with landscape preservation

• We prefer local land-use to prevail, not Public Service Comm.

• Everyone should play by same zoning rules.

4. Lift Heritage Area Funding Cap

• Last increase 2005

• Would increase cap to $6 million. (appx. 6% of Program Open Space)

• Currently only ‘preservation’ funding available, although solely focused on heritage tourism resources.

5. Maintain Funding for Main Street, DHCD programs

• Main Street Maryland, Community Legacy, Neighborhood Businessworks, Non-Profit Assistance Fund.

• All are integral to redevelopment of historic communities across state.

Additionally, we must guard against damaging policy initiatives

• Alterations to state rehab tax credit program.

• Misguided or otherwise negative policy proposals.

• Damaging cuts or raiding.

Federal Legislative Updates & Priorities

• Comprehensive Tax Reform now likely– Could have major

negative impact on federal rehabilitation tax credit program.

• Concerns over potential Sec. 106 weakening

• Concern over repeal of Antiquities Act

Comprehensive Tax Reform• Since 2001, in Maryland alone, the

federal rehab tax credit has made possible over $1.8 billion in rehabilitation projects.

Comprehensive Tax Reform• Without the federal tax credit, many

if not most large-scale rehab projects would not move forward.

Antiquities Act: Endangered Species?

Antiquities Act Accomplishments in Maryland

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal(1961, Eisenhower)

Harriet Tubman NHP(2013, Obama)

Get Involved!• Contact legislators (Call, Email,

Write, Meet)• Attend History Advocacy Day in

Annapolis (Feb. 7th)• Commit to sharing information with

friends. • Make a contribution to Preservation

Maryland’s advocacy fund to support efforts.