Advocacy

Government policies and decisions have a major impact on Virginia’s historic places. Preservation Virginia works with its partners and network of preservationists to build public support for identifying priority preservation issues and developing action strategies to ensure that Virginia’s historic places remain strong and economically sustainable for present and future generations.

At the Virginia General Assembly

The 2020 General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, January 8, and is scheduled to run for 60 days through March 7. We are reviewing bills as they are published and have identified those listed below as relevant to the interests of the preservation community.

During the session, we monitor budget items and discussions. Among other things, we will be tracking legislator-sponsored budget amendments as they are released.

Of high priority this year, we are supporting legislation that will require the State Corporation Commission, prior to approving the construction of electrical transmission lines to determine that the corridor or route chosen for the line will avoid any adverse impact on the scenic assets, historic resources, and environment of the area concerned.  HB665 is a direct outgrowth of our advocacy on the James River and an attempt to avoid harm to historic resources in the future.  We are tracking bills that will add African-American cemeteries to the list of sites eligible to receive state funding, bills on giving localities authority for determinations related to monuments, establishment of a fund for African American cemeteries, requiring professional standards for archaeological research on state-owned lands, funding underwater archaeology and supporting the funding of DHR’s budget. Read more about the bills we are tracking here:

Here’s a list of all bills and budget items being tracked by Preservation Virginia.

In Congress

Our colleagues at the National Trust for Historic Preservation have put together some helpful analysis about the impact of the 2018 mid-term elections and how you can support the “Historic Tax Credit Enhancement Act.”

Thanks to all who have reached out to Delegates and Senators. You can still contact your legislators. Call and make an appointment to:

• Share information about a recent or upcoming HRTC project in their district and the analysis of impacts from the findings of the Baker Tilly and VCU CURA studies.
• Invite your Senator and Delegate to tour an HRTC project or a ribbon cutting— emphasize the number of jobs generated by the project, revitalization of the area, and number of occupants of the completed building.
• Email any feedback to Preservation Virginia CEO Elizabeth Kostelny.