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Jointly administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), each local community works through a certification process to become recognized as a Certified Local Government, or CLG. Once certified, CLGs become an active partner in the Federal Historic Preservation Program. Each community gains access to benefits of the program and agrees to follow required Federal and State requirements.
Learn more about the CLG program through a general brochure (visual/audio description) that describes program benefits, opportunities, and a brief history.
How to Become a Certified Local Government
Is your community ready to enhance their commitment to historic preservation? Then now is the time to become a CLG and an active partner in the Federal Preservation Program. A Certified Local Government must meet the following minimum goals:
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Establish a qualified historic preservation commission.
- Enforce appropriate State or local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties. In most cases this is done in the form of a local ordinance.
- Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources.
- Facilitate public participation in the local preservation, including participation in the National Register listing process.
- Follow additional requirements outlined in the State's CLG Procedures. Each state has Procedures for Certification that may establish additional requirements for becoming a CLG in that State.
Steps to Become Certified
Certification happens jointly through steps by local, State, and Federal Governments:
- Contact your SHPO and ask for the CLG Coordinator. They will assist your community in understanding the requirements and application process.
- Submit completed application to the SHPO, who will approve and forward to the NPS.
- Certification occurs with NPS approval and written notification to the State and the Local Government.
Last updated: September 20, 2024