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In September of 2023, the Historic Tax Credit Coalition (HTCC) issued a report called Historic Preservation and the Federal Historic Tax Credit—Addressing Challenges of the 21st Century.

The report looks back at the 40-year history of the federal historic credit (HTC) and makes recommendations to modernize the incentive.

It offers an important review of the HTC program from users of the credit as well as suggests ways to improve the administration of the program, which is proving especially necessary as the market for commercial rehabilitation projects becomes more complex and challenging.

The report calls for greater flexibility in the interpretation of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and the need for more regulatory guidance.

For its part, the National Park Service recently held a widely-attended HTC training in Washington on September 26th and this month has issued new guidance on the use of substitute materials for historic rehabilitation projects.

Support for the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (S.639 / H.R. 1785) (HTC-GO) continues to grow as members of Congress are hearing from constituents and advocates in Washington.

New co-sponsors in the House and Senate include Sens. Robert Casey (D-PA) and Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Troy Carter (D-LA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), Garret Graves (R-LA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), and Betty McCollum (D-MN).

Take the opportunity to thank these members for their support, and encourage others in your Congressional delegation who have not yet cosponsored HTC-GO to do so!

Growing the number of cosponsors of the legislation will show that strengthening the historic tax credit incentive is supported across the political spectrum and would be a well-supported addition to any legislation moving through Congress.

The world of redevelopment and state historic tax credits is changing to help address two of our country’s most pressing challenges—creating more affordable housing and lowering carbon emissions. Access the recent report, State Historic Tax Credits: Opportunities for Affordable Housing and Sustainability, from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for innovative ways state historic tax credits are not only rehabilitating important historic buildings, but also offering solutions to the affordable housing crises and a way forward in reaching our climate change and sustainability objectives. Lakisha Ann Woods, EVP/CEO of the American Institute of Architects and Peter H. Bell, CEO of the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association share why their organizations support this type of preservation incentive.

For more than 30 years, the National Trust has supported the enactment of 37 state historic tax credits, and today, the organization continues to work with partners to increase this number. These incentives at the state level build on the successful federal program which is managed by the National Park Service and state historic preservation offices, and they attract private investment to reuse historic properties, many of which would otherwise likely be demolished.

With more than 70 percent of states adopting some form of historic tax credit incentive to support building reuse, the utility and success of this preservation policy is clear. As states look to strengthen and tailor these incentives, this report and the State Historic Tax Credit Resource Guide from the National Trust offers an overview of the tangible benefits of historic tax credit programs, the elements of top-performing credits, and a state-by-state comparative analysis of key features.

They are intended to serve historic preservation policy makers, advocates, and practitioners alike as they determine the optimal incentive for their state. Learn more on our State Historic Tax Credits page.

You can also watch a recording of the webinar last month announcing the report (below and on YouTube).

The National Trust for Historic Preservation gratefully acknowledges the generous support of David and Julia Uihlein who made the development of this report and online resources possible.

Nixon Peabody’s Institute of Professional and Executive Development (IPED) held its annual historic tax credit symposium and fly-in on June 14-16 in Washington, DC.

Leading up to the conference, participants had the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives in over 80 individual meetings to convey support for the Historic Tax Credit and Growth Opportunity Act (HTC-GO).

The National Trust and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) prepared advocacy materials and provided organizational support for meetings, including meetings with key members of Congress that serve on the House and Senate tax-writing committees.

If you have not already done so, please encourage your Congressional delegation to support the HTC-GO bills currently pending in the House and Senate.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the House and Senate that would make long-overdue changes to the country's Historic Tax Credit (HTC).

As you know, historic tax credits have successfully converted yesterday’s schools, factories, warehouses, hotels, and so many other distinctive places into modern hubs that fuel local economies, create jobs, and preserve our heritage. We now have a chance to make this program even more effective.

Members of Congress have just introduced legislation that will enhance the value of the federal HTC. Both Senate and House bills include provisions to improve access to the credit and increase investment in smaller rehabilitation projects.

Last Congress, HTC-GO attracted a record-setting 104 cosponsors in the House and 15 members in the Senate. The significant base of support that was established in the 117th Congress puts HTC advocacy in a strong position in this Congress.

Public advocacy by supporters like you can make a difference. With sustained advocacy, the preservation community will be well-positioned to take advantage of a very rare opportunity to substantially improve and modernize the federal historic tax credit.

Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Improvements to the Historic Tax Credit!