Seen nomination details for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2026 ACHP/HUD Secretary’s Award for Historic Preservation. This joint award recognizes eligible applicants for their success in advancing the goals of historic preservation while providing affordable housing and/or expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Nomination details can be viewed at HUD’s award website.
Addressed to the Council Members of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation:
The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for our state’s historic places, registers its objection to the proposed revisions to the Section 106 regulations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Since the enactment of NHPA 60 years ago, Section 106 has addressed the federal government’s responsibility to gather input from those outside of federal agencies to help ensure the preservation of our nation’s history. We concur with the National Trust’s opinion that if the revisions are implemented, they would dramatically diminish the effectiveness of the NHPA and the current legal protections for historic and cultural places.
Under the current regulations, the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), our state’s Tribes and Tribal preservation offices, our local preservation groups and historic preservation commissions, our local units of government, as well as the citizens of Wisconsin, play a vital role in helping federal agencies identify places important to the history of our State from the beginning of human habitation.
Furthermore, our SHPO and other preservation groups have a record of collaboration with federal agencies to achieve successful outcomes to projects currently subject to Section 106 consultation. Minimizing or eliminating the roles of these agencies and private individuals in the consultation process may lead to the irreplaceable loss of our cumulative history. '
As stated in the National Historic Preservation Act: “The preservation of this irreplaceable heritage is in the public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and energy benefits will be maintained and enriched for future generations of Americans.”
The Wisconsin Trust urges Advisory Council members to vote no to the proposed revisions and to continue working with preservation partners from across the country on seeking improvements to Section 106 regulations.
Nomination details can be viewed at HUD’s award website.